Posted by chemist on May 2, 2004, at 14:35:27
In reply to Re: using nicorette gum for weight loss? » Jaynee, posted by Sad Panda on May 2, 2004, at 13:32:15
> > I don't smoke, but I have bought some nicotine gum. I thought I would try it and see if I lose weight. Anyone else try this?
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> >
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> Hi Jaynee,
>
> Is it really worth clogging up your arteries so you can lose weight? The only good thing I have ever read about nicotine is that it improved memory a little. Everything else I have ever seen says it's just really bad news. I'm pretty sure I spiraled into depression after giving up smoking, because quitting ciggies was like loosing a best friend, but even if I knew that ingesting nicotine would cure my depression I still wouldn't do it. It's just an evil nasty drug.
>
> Cheers,
> Panda.
>
>
>
hi all, chemist here....turns out i work extensively with nicotine, please allow me to share some stuff.....first of all, the human neuronal nicotine receptor is structurally homologous to GABA_{A}, GABA_{C}, glutamate and glycine receptors, and the 5-HT_{3} (serotonin) receptor. there was an earlier post in which it was stated that nicotine possesses GABAnergic activity (likening it to ativan): this is incorrect, as the beta4 subunit of the human neuronal nicotine receptor has the highest sequence identity with the alpha1 subunit of GABA_{A,C}, yet the 2 arrangements of subunits in the human neuronal nicotine receptors to which nicotine binds most tightly are (alpha7)_{5} and (alpha4)_{2}(beta2)_{3}. so, no-go on anxiolytic properties of nicotine via a mechanism like that of the benzodiazepenes. there is evidence that the second form (containing beta2) is implicated in dopamine regulation: this was correctly stated. as for memory enhancement: also correct, and it is worth noting that nootropics target the neuronal nicotine receptors (alzheimer's and parkinson's being wrthy of mention). nicotine is also a proven remedy for alleviating symptoms of schizophrenia. this is why many schizophrenics smoke: they are self-medicating. in the end: there are very little if not any data that would support anxiolytic effects of nicotine *in the neurological* sense (i leave this open noting that nicotine is a brochodilator and, upon inhaling/ingestion, perfusion of oxygen into blood occurs). and yes, smoking is a bad idea, but i will not pass judgement on that one, we all have our crosses to bear....all the best, chemist
poster:chemist
thread:342351
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040429/msgs/342503.html