Posted on 02/21/2007 1:53:15 PM PST by Moonman62
WASHINGTON, DC February 16, 2007 -- New research shows for the first time that smoking produces long-lasting biochemical changes in the human brain similar to those changes previously seen in the brains of animals that used cocaine, heroin, and other illicit drugs.
This new research supports the idea that long-term smoking alters the brain in ways that contribute to addiction, and provides insight into how addiction works, says lead author Bruce Hope, PhD, of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). The study, supported by NIDA, is published in the February 21 issue of The Journal of Neuroscience.
"The data show that there are long lasting chemical changes in the brains of humans," says Michael Kuhar, PhD, of Emory University. "The chemical changes alone suggest a physiological basis for nicotine addiction." Kuhar was not involved in this study.
Hope and his colleagues studied samples of human brain tissue from the nucleus accumbens and the ventral midbrain, brain regions that play a part in controlling addiction-related behaviors. Eight samples were taken from each of three groups: long-term smokers until the time of death, previous long-term smokers, and nonsmokers. All died of causes not related to smoking.
The researchers analyzed levels of two specific enzymes found inside neurons that translate chemical signals outside the neuron, such as the neurotransmitter dopamine, into chemical signals and changes inside the neuron. They found elevated levels of these enzymes in the smokers, but, more interesting, levels remained high, as compared to nonsmokers, in the ventral midbrains of former smokers. This suggests that the changes persist long after smoking has ceased and could contribute to drug relapse, Hope says.
"The parallel between the new study and the animal studies is important because a causal role has been shown in animal studies between increased levels of these neuronal signaling enzymes in these brain regions and addiction-related behaviors. This strongly suggests that the similar changes observed in smokers and former smokers contributed to their addiction," he adds.
Hope points out that although previous investigations on human smokers revealed similar results, "these biochemical changes have not yet been observed to play causal roles in addiction-related behaviors, or were altered in brain regions where their effects on behavior are unknown." ###
The Journal of Neuroscience is published by the Society for Neuroscience, an organization of more than 36,500 basic scientists and clinicians who study the brain and nervous system. Hope can be reached at bhope@intra.nida.nih.gov.
Well I guess that settles everything except for one thing. I didn't know it was legal for animals to use drugs? ;-)
Be nice, fellow non-smoking FReepers...;)
"animals using illicit drugs"
Is that anything like when a monkey monkeys with another monkey's monkey?
Perhaps I'm reading too much into it, but this seems a rather naked attempt to help support the idea that tobacco be regulated by the FDA.
They couldn't have died from non-smoking related causes; they were smokers and they're dead, how simple can it get?
I quit drinking from the toilet when I quit smoking....anyway.
My friends sheepdog shaved her own head last week, checked into rehab on a Monday and left the next day.
May I borrow a paper towel? My screen needs to be wiped. LOL
Well, the old attack by association argument?
Tell me who funds these clowns, and I'll tell you where this is going...
Which would mean one of them was in for a big spanking.
I came across a fox snorting coke the other day. I shot it...problem solved. (It also had mange, how stereotypical is that?)
Spanking monkeys is bad enough, but the chickens are complaining about the choking.
Man, I've been wondering what STFU meant. Thanks!
Shot the fox up.
:{) happy to help.
"Perhaps I'm reading too much into it, but this seems a rather naked attempt to help support the idea that tobacco be regulated by the FDA."
I think you are reading something into it which is clearly not there.
There has been research into substance addictions, for many years. Frequently those studies comes down to permanent brain chemistry changes and brain chemicals like dopamine.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.