Nicotine MoA - bio explanation

• What is the mnemonic for nicotine MoA?

  SAD-MO
• What does the 'S' stand for?

  Sympathetic Nervous System is activated (produces adrenaline)

  ↓

  Prepares body for stress and action

  ↓

  Increased glucose raises blood sugar levels
• What does the 'A' stand for?

  Acetylcholine receptors bind to nicotine

  ↓

  Creates feelings of alertness
• What does the 'D' stand for?

  Increased dopamine in rewards pathways

  ↓

  Causes pleasurable feelings
• What does the 'MO' stand for?

  Nicotine inhibits monoamine oxidose (breaks down dopamine)

  ↓

  More dopamine remains in rewards pathways for longer
• What is down-regulation?

  > result of prolonged use

  > brains number of dopamine receptors decrease to compensate for the increase in dopamine - leads to tolerance

  > person smokes more to get the same result which leads to a physical dependency