Encyclopedia of Psychopharmacology

Living Edition
| Editors: Ian P. Stolerman, Lawrence H. Price

Nicotine

Living reference work entry

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27772-6_303-2
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Synonyms

(−)-1-Methyl-2-(3-pyridyl)pyrrolidine

Definition

Nicotine is by far the most extensively studied chemical in tobacco smoke. This chapter summarizes its pharmacokinetics, mechanisms of action, and behavioral effects in humans and animals. The contributions of nicotine to tobacco addiction are highlighted, as currently understood from the perspective of animal and human studies. One such contribution may reflect nicotine’s ability to enhance the impact of other (sensory or chemical) reinforcers that are associated with tobacco smoke.

Pharmacological Properties

Pharmacokinetics

Nicotine is a tertiary amine and weak base, such that it is more than 50 % ionized at physiological pH. In its nonionized form, nicotine tends to pass rapidly through membranes. For example, when nicotine reaches the brain via the carotid arteries, it is swiftly taken up and then released slowly back into the bloodstream. Animal studies have shown that the brain can maintain a threefold higher nicotine...

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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2014

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Department of Pharmacology and TherapeuticsMcGill UniversityMontrealCanada