Neurological Effects of Nicotine, Tobacco, and Particulate Matter

Abstract

Tobacco smoke contains over 9000 chemicals, including many carcinogens and toxins, which results in approximately 6 million deaths every year worldwide. While nicotine is known to be the major addictive component found in tobacco smoke, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the other chemicals found in cigarette smoke also contribute to addiction. This is significant because current pharmacotherapies, such as nicotine replacement therapy, have low success rates. By identifying and understanding the neurobiological changes that occur with exposure to nicotine and particulate matter found in tobacco smoke, more effective targets may be identified. This is likely to lead to the development of pharmacotherapies to aid in smoking cessation and thus reduce the harmful effects of tobacco on global health. In this chapter we give an overview of the neurological effects of nicotine and other compounds found in tobacco particulate matter and the role they play in addiction to tobacco smoke.