Posted by seldomseen on January 19, 2009, at 10:20:27
In reply to Re: Nicotine increases GAD67 levels in schizophrenia, posted by SLS on January 19, 2009, at 8:19:53
What amazes me about nicotine is that it is anxiolytic and promotes alertness and cognitive ability.
I think when one consider nicotine however, one shouldn't ignore it's primary target - the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Acetylcholine is, in my opinion, such an underappreciated neurotransmitter.
Nicotine has also been studied pretty extensively in Alzheimer's patients and seems to provide both neuroprotective effects as well as increases in cognitive function.
Now, having said that, I will also say (perhaps it goes without saying) that the methods we have to deliver nicotine need some serious improvement. It's effects on the cardiovascular system are profound and induce significant morbidity. Of course, there is the threat of cancer that looms large among tobacco users. If only we had a form of nicotine that targeted the brain only....
Okay, now I'm only dreaming.
Seldom.
poster:seldomseen
thread:874824
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090104/msgs/874919.html