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Related Concept Videos

Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants01:23

Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants


Ganglionic stimulants activate NM nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia, falling into two categories: nicotine mimetics [e.g., lobeline, dimethylpiperazine, tetramethylammonium] and muscarinic receptor agonists [e.g., muscarine, methacholine]. The first category's action is rapid and blocked by nicotinic receptor antagonists, while the second category's action is delayed and blocked by atropine-like agents. Nicotine, an alkaloid, affects the heart rate by stimulating sympathetic or...
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CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine

Ethanol, a clear colorless alcohol, has been consumed by humans for millennia, but its effects on the body are far from benign. At lower doses, it induces decreased inhibitions and loquaciousness, leading to its social appeal. However, it can cause severe consequences at higher doses, such as coma and respiratory depression, due to its zero-order elimination kinetics. Chronic ethanol abuse wreaks havoc on multiple organ systems, particularly the CNS and the liver. Abrupt cessation of ethanol...
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Disorders of the Nervous Tissue

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Cholinergic Receptors: Nicotinic01:15

Cholinergic Receptors: Nicotinic

Nicotinic receptors are ligand-gated ion channels that are activated by acetylcholine and nicotine. Upon activation, they cause a rapid increase in the permeability of cells to K+, Na+, and Ca2+, followed by depolarization and excitation. They are in the autonomic ganglia, skeletal neuromuscular junction, CNS, and adrenal medulla.
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Stimulants01:29

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Spectral Confocal Imaging of Fluorescently tagged Nicotinic Receptors in Knock-in Mice with Chronic Nicotine Administration
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Spectral Confocal Imaging of Fluorescently tagged Nicotinic Receptors in Knock-in Mice with Chronic Nicotine Administration

Published on: February 10, 2012

Nicotine and inflammatory neurological disorders.

Wen-Hua Piao1, Denise Campagnolo, Carlos Dayao

  • 1Barrow Neurological Institute, St Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA. wenhuapiao@hotmail.com

Acta Pharmacologica Sinica
|May 19, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Nicotine, a component of cigarette smoke, suppresses the immune system but may offer neuroprotection. This review explores nicotine's impact on immune responses and neurological diseases.

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Local Application of Drugs to Study Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Function in Mouse Brain Slices
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Last Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Spectral Confocal Imaging of Fluorescently tagged Nicotinic Receptors in Knock-in Mice with Chronic Nicotine Administration
08:47

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Probing Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Function in Mouse Brain Slices via Laser Flash Photolysis of Photoactivatable Nicotine
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Probing Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Function in Mouse Brain Slices via Laser Flash Photolysis of Photoactivatable Nicotine

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Local Application of Drugs to Study Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Function in Mouse Brain Slices
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Local Application of Drugs to Study Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Function in Mouse Brain Slices

Published on: October 29, 2012

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Neuroscience
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Cigarette smoke is a significant health risk, increasing lung cancer and respiratory infection rates.
  • Smokers paradoxically show lower incidence of some inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Nicotine is the primary immunosuppressive agent in cigarette smoke, affecting innate and adaptive immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the effects of nicotine on the immune system.
  • To summarize nicotine's influence on neurological diseases.
  • To evaluate nicotine's potential therapeutic role.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on nicotine's immunomodulatory effects.
  • Analysis of research on nicotine's impact on neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.
  • Synthesis of evidence regarding nicotine's therapeutic potential.

Main Results:

  • Nicotine demonstrates immunosuppressive properties, inhibiting immune cell functions.
  • Evidence suggests nicotine may possess neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects.
  • Unlike whole cigarette smoke, nicotine is not classified as a carcinogen.

Conclusions:

  • Nicotine has a dual role: immunosuppression and potential neuroprotection.
  • Further research is warranted to explore nicotine's therapeutic applications in neurological disorders.
  • Distinguishing the effects of nicotine from other cigarette smoke components is crucial.