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Sunday, January 18, 2009

NICOTINE: Role in Altering Mood


A molecular mechanism in the brain that explains how nicotine alters moods and heightens alertness has been found. Neurobiologist said this mechanism is triggered by nicotine in levels normally found in smokers. Nicotine causes the brain's nerve cells to send out a larger-than-normal amount of a substance called glutamate. Glutamate is the key central nervous system excitory transmitter which means it excites the cells.

Be aware, large amount of glutamate explains why nicotine can heighten alertness and improve short term memory.

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