Posted by samplemethod on June 10, 2003, at 6:30:52
In reply to Re: Nicotine and brain chemicals, posted by Paulie on June 9, 2003, at 18:50:12
I would be interested in finding scientific evidence that nicotine is a MAO-B inhibitor. My impression was the cigarettes, or more correctly something within the cigarettes when smoked, actually affects MAO-B. It may well be nicotine, but I havent seen any proof of that yet.
Cheers> Nicotine appears to be an MAO-B inhibitor increasing DPA. This is the reasoning why Zyban,which blocks the re-uptake of DPA, can reduce the craving for nicotine.
>
> From http://biopsychiatry.com
>
> SELEGILINE (l-deprenyl)
> A recent New York study showed that smokers had on average 40% less of the enzyme, monoamine oxidase type-B, in their brains than non-smokers. Levels returned to normal on their giving up smoking. Not merely is the extra dopamine in the synapses rewarding. The level of MAO-b inhibition smokers enjoy apparently contributes to their reduced incidence of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.
>
> It is much better though to take a DPA agonist than to smoke.
>
> Paul
poster:samplemethod
thread:232715
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030609/msgs/232836.html