Posted by Larry Hoover on June 9, 2003, at 22:41:45
In reply to Re: Nicotine and brain chemicals--HELP, posted by tina on June 9, 2003, at 22:20:44
> I'm so stupid and thick when it comes to this kind of scientific language guys. Could you explain this stuff in laymans terms for me?
> It's all greek right now......
>
> I'm not being funny, I'm really serious about not understanding the studies that you posted.
>
> thanks for the help
> tinaThe abstract I posted provides evidence that nicotine enhances the release of a variety of neurotransmitters, some with exciting and some with calming effects. Most people experience just that sort of blend, sharper cognition, but a bit calmer or more mellow at the same time.
Nicotine also blocks the breakdown of some neurotransmitters by inhibiting the enzyme monoamine oxidase, the same thing that MAOI drugs like Parnate and Nardil do (though nicotine is much less able to do this the latter two drugs).
One theory about why nicotine causes addiction is that your brain becomes accustomed to the effects of nicotine, and adjusts the release of neurotransmitters downwards, to compensate for the stimulation from the nicotine. So, you smoke to feel normal, because without nicotine, you feel worse. Others argue that nicotine is addictive because it directly stimulates the "reward pathway", a dopamine-based group of linked neurons that give you a pleasurable sensation when they become activated. I think it's a little of both.
I hope this helps. If not, let me know.
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:232715
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030609/msgs/232791.html