Nicotine Health effects of tobacco

nicotine molecule

nicotine, contained in cigarettes , other smoked tobacco products, stimulant , 1 of main factors leading continued tobacco smoking. nicotine highly addictive psychoactive chemical. when tobacco smoked, of nicotine pyrolyzed; dose sufficient cause mild somatic dependency , mild strong psychological dependency remains. amount of nicotine absorbed body smoking depends on many factors, including type of tobacco, whether smoke inhaled, , whether filter used. there formation of harmane (a mao inhibitor) acetaldehyde in cigarette smoke, seems play important role in nicotine addiction facilitating dopamine release in nucleus accumbens in response nicotine stimuli. according studies henningfield , benowitz, nicotine more addictive cannabis, caffeine, ethanol, cocaine, , heroin when considering both somatic , psychological dependence. however, due stronger withdrawal effects of ethanol, cocaine , heroin, nicotine may have lower potential somatic dependence these substances. half of canadians smoke have tried quit. mcgill university health professor jennifer o loughlin stated nicotine addiction can occur 5 months after start of smoking.

ingesting compound smoking 1 of rapid , efficient methods of introducing bloodstream, second injection, allows rapid feedback supports smokers ability titrate dosage. on average takes ten seconds substance reach brain. result of efficiency of delivery system, many smokers feel though unable cease. of attempt cessation , last 3 months without succumbing nicotine, able remain smoke-free rest of lives. there exists possibility of depression in attempt cessation, other psychoactive substances. depression common in teenage smokers; teens smoke 4 times develop depressive symptoms nonsmoking peers.

although nicotine play role in acute episodes of diseases (including stroke, impotence, , heart disease) stimulation of adrenaline release, raises blood pressure, heart , respiration rate, , free fatty acids, serious longer term effects more result of products of smouldering combustion process. has led development of various nicotine delivery systems, such nicotine patch or nicotine gum, can satisfy addictive craving delivering nicotine without harmful combustion by-products. can heavily dependent smoker quit gradually, while discontinuing further damage health.

recent evidence has shown smoking tobacco increases release of dopamine in brain, in mesolimbic pathway, same neuro-reward circuit activated drugs of abuse such heroin , cocaine. suggests nicotine use has pleasurable effect triggers positive reinforcement. 1 study found smokers exhibit better reaction-time , memory performance compared non-smokers, consistent increased activation of dopamine receptors. neurologically, rodent studies have found nicotine self-administration causes lowering of reward thresholds—a finding opposite of other drugs of abuse (e.g. cocaine , heroin). increase in reward circuit sensitivity persisted months after self-administration ended, suggesting nicotine s alteration of brain reward function either long lasting or permanent. furthermore, has been found nicotine can activate long-term potentiation in vivo , in vitro. these studies suggest nicotine’s trace memory may contribute difficulties in nicotine abstinence.

the carcinogenity of tobacco smoke not explained nicotine per se, not carcinogenic or mutagenic, although metabolic precursor several compounds are. in addition, inhibits apoptosis, therefore accelerating existing cancers. also, nnk, nicotine derivative converted nicotine, can carcinogenic.

it worth noting nicotine, although implicated in producing tobacco addiction, not addictive when administered alone. addictive potential manifests after co-administration of maoi, causes sensitization of locomotor response in rats, measure of addictive potential.