Posted by Larry Hoover on May 22, 2003, at 16:24:41
In reply to Re: Quick question about niacin and niacinamide » Larry Hoover, posted by Ron Hill on May 22, 2003, at 15:15:56
> Larry,
>
> Quick question. I'm hoping you might know the answer off the top of your fact filled head.What makes you think that I have a fact filled head? <spock eyebrow>
> If not, no need to spend a bunch of your time trying to track down an answer.
I told you, I love questions.
> I'm intrigued by the alternate names for niacin (i.e.; nicotinic acid) and niacinamide (i.e.; nicotinamide). Are these substances related to nicotine and/or do they interact with nicotine receptors in some fashion?
>
> Thanks much!
>
> -- RonYes, they are structurally related. All are based on pyridine rings, which is like a benzene ring, but with one nitrogen atom.
In the meta position from that nitrogen, a carboxylic acid group makes it nicotinic acid. The amide of ammonia with the nicotinic acid is called nicotinamide. Substituting a pyrrhole ring (five carbon, with a nitrogen) for the carboxylic acid group, and adding a methyl group to the pyrrholic nitrogen, gives you nicotine. Nicotine can be oxidized to nicotinic acid, but I have no idea of the extent of that conversion in vivo.
The so-called nicotinic receptor is sensitive to exogenous (from outside) substances, including nicotine. It's rather intellectually arrogant to call it a nicotinic receptor, just as it's arrogant to think of a benzodiazepine receptor. Anyway, the receptor is actually one for acetylcholine, generally an excitatory class, but there are inhibitory versions, too. It's simple to say that the nicotinic receptor is cholinergic.
It is my understanding that niacinamide has some affinity for the nicotinic receptor. You may recall that I suggested, in my response to John, that there are both sedative and excitatory effects from using niacinamide. In most people, the sedative effect is dominant. Individual brains may vary.
Yer welcome.
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:223158
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030520/msgs/228390.html