Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants

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...

Adrenergic Agonists: Indirect-Acting Agents

Adrenergic Agonists: Indirect-Acting Agents

Indirect-acting adrenergic agonists potentiate the effects of endogenous catecholamines through different mechanisms without directly binding to adrenoceptors.
One mechanism involves depleting stored catecholamines by displacing them from synaptic vesicles. These agents, known as "displacers," are transported into vesicles at the expense of noradrenaline. Examples include amphetamine and tyramine, which lack a catechol moiety, resulting in prolonged action, improved oral bioavailability, and...

Adrenergic Agonists: Mixed-Action Agents

Adrenergic Agonists: Mixed-Action Agents

Mixed-action adrenergic agonists, like ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, directly and indirectly affect adrenergic receptors. These agents stimulate adrenoceptors and indirectly release stored neurotransmitters, amplifying the adrenergic response.
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine lack a catecholamine group, making them less susceptible to degradation by metabolic enzymes. They have increased oral bioavailability and lipophilicity, resulting in a longer duration of action. Their response is reduced by...

CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids

CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids

CNS stimulants, such as cocaine, amphetamines, and cannabinoids, have varying structures and mechanisms of action that lead to different therapeutic effects and side effects. Cocaine, with its molecular formula C17H21NO4, is a tropane alkaloid and a tertiary amino compound. It has two chemical forms: the hydrochloride salt and the "freebase." The former is in powder form, while the latter involves removing the hydrochloride salt to create a form that can be smoked. Cocaine exerts its effects by...

Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists

Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists

Cognitive enhancers, also known as "smart drugs," are substances used to enhance memory, mental alertness, and concentration. These can be natural or synthetic and improve cognition in conditions like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Some common examples include caffeine, amphetamines, methylphenidate, modafinil, arecoline, donepezil, vortioxetine, and piracetam. These enhancers work on the principle of synaptic plasticity and altered circuit function. They...

Stimulants

Stimulants

Stimulants are substances that enhance neural activity and elevate dopamine levels in the brain, leading to their highly addictive nature. These drugs include cocaine, amphetamines, MDMA, caffeine, and nicotine, each with distinct mechanisms of action and varied health implications.
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Temperature affects phenological synchrony in a tree-killing bark beetle.

Oecologia·2018

Same author

Stimulants and Athletic Performance (Part 1 of 2): Amphetamines and Caffeine.

The Physician and sportsmedicine·2016

Same author

Acute Posttraumatic Pubic Symphysis Instability in an Athlete.

The Physician and sportsmedicine·2016

Same author

Preparticipation Screening of College Athletes: Value of the Complete Blood Cell Count.

The Physician and sportsmedicine·2016

Same author

Sports Medicine: A Team Effort.

The Physician and sportsmedicine·2016

Same author

Cross-Country Runner With Pain in the Dorsum of the Foot.

The Physician and sportsmedicine·2016

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Novel Apparatus and Method for Drug Reinforcement

Novel Apparatus and Method for Drug Reinforcement

Published on: August 20, 2010

Stimulants and Athletic Performance (Part 2): Cocaine and Nicotine.

The Physician and Sportsmedicine

|July 27, 2016

Summary

Athletes may use cocaine and nicotine for performance enhancement, but these stimulants pose significant health risks. Cocaine overdose can be fatal, while nicotine, especially through smoking, generally impairs athletic performance.

Area of Science:

Sports Medicine
Pharmacology
Toxicology

Background:

Athletes sometimes use stimulants like cocaine and nicotine for performance enhancement or recreational purposes.
Previous discussions in this series covered amphetamines and caffeine.
Understanding the effects of various substances on athletic performance and health is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the potential performance-enhancing effects and associated health risks of cocaine and nicotine use in athletes.
To highlight the dangers of stimulant abuse in sports.

Main Methods:

Literature review and synthesis of existing research on cocaine and nicotine.
Analysis of physiological and psychological effects relevant to athletic performance.
Examination of documented adverse events and overdose consequences.

More Related Videos

Assessment of Cocaine-induced Behavioral Sensitization and Conditioned Place Preference in Mice

Assessment of Cocaine-induced Behavioral Sensitization and Conditioned Place Preference in Mice

Published on: February 18, 2016

A Protocol for Measuring Cue Reactivity in a Rat Model of Cocaine Use Disorder

A Protocol for Measuring Cue Reactivity in a Rat Model of Cocaine Use Disorder

Published on: June 18, 2018

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Novel Apparatus and Method for Drug Reinforcement

Novel Apparatus and Method for Drug Reinforcement

Published on: August 20, 2010

Assessment of Cocaine-induced Behavioral Sensitization and Conditioned Place Preference in Mice

Assessment of Cocaine-induced Behavioral Sensitization and Conditioned Place Preference in Mice

Published on: February 18, 2016

A Protocol for Measuring Cue Reactivity in a Rat Model of Cocaine Use Disorder

A Protocol for Measuring Cue Reactivity in a Rat Model of Cocaine Use Disorder

Published on: June 18, 2018

Main Results:

Cocaine use can lead to severe adverse effects including paranoia, insomnia, seizures, hyperthermia, and potentially death.
Nicotine, particularly through smoking, generally has a negative impact on athletic performance due to its effects on various body systems.
The influence of chewing tobacco on athletic performance remains largely unexamined.

Conclusions:

The use of cocaine and nicotine by athletes carries substantial health risks that outweigh any perceived performance benefits.
Smoking negatively impacts athletic capabilities, and further research is needed on other forms of nicotine and tobacco consumption.