HISB94H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 20: Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor, Nicotine Gum, Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Document Summary
Nicotine is a stimulant and potent parasympathomimetic alkaloid that is naturally produced in the nightshade family of plants. It is used for the treatment of tobacco use disorders as a smoking cessation aid and nicotine dependence for the relief of withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine acts as a receptor agonist at most nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, except at two nicotinic receptor subunits where it acts as a receptor antagonist. Usually consistent concentrations of nicotine varying from 2 7 g/kg are found in the edible family solanaceae, such as potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplant. and neonicotinoids, such as imidacloprid, are widely used. An average cigarette yields about 2 mg of absorbed nicotine; high amounts can be more harmful. Nicotine dependence involves tolerance, sensitization, physical dependence, and psychological dependence. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms include depressed mood, stress, anxiety, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances. Youth are especially sensitive to the effects of nicotine. The surgeon general of the united states indicates that nicotine does not cause cancer.
