Overcoming nicotine withdrawal: Clues found in neural mechanisms of the brain

Overcoming nicotine withdrawal: Clues found in neural mechanisms of the brain


(Left) Nicotine withdrawal Reduction Gic Interneurons or Administering The Muscarinic Antagonist Procyclidine Reduces Acetylcholine release or inhibits muscarinic receptors. This action restores the balance of acetylcholine signaling by reduction the excessive muscarinic receptor activity. Credit: Korea Institute of Science and Technology

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 22% of the global population smokes, with more than 9 million smoking-Related Deaths Reported Annually. Effective treatment to alleviate nicotine withdrawal symptoms caused by smoking cessation are essential for successful smoking cessation.

Currently, Approved Treatments for Nicotine withdrawal Include Bupropion and Varenicline, but there is a pressing need for new the therapeutic options to improve smoking cessation success

A research team LED by Dr. Heh-in IM at the Center for Brain Disorders of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (Kist) Has identified a novel brain region and neural mechanism invoaged in regulating nicotine withdrawal symptoms. The research has been Published in Advanced Science,

Building on this discovery, the team found that an existing parkinson’s disease Drug can effectively alleviate nicotine withdrawal symptoms, thus Increasing Its Potent for Thehapes.

When Smoking is Stopped, Specific Areas of the Brain Become Hyperactive, Causing Physical Withdrawal Symptoms Such as Tremors and Reduced Activity. These symptoms significantly disrupt daily life and are Major Factors Leading Smokers to Relapse. Therefore, undersrstanding the internal processes triggered by nicotine withdrawal is crucial for achieving smoking cessation.

The research team pinpointed the role of striatal cholinergic interneurons in nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Through Experiences on Mice, they selectively inhibited Sodium Channel Expression in the Striatal Cholineergic Interneurons to Reduce Neural Activity.

This intervention significantly allevied tremors caused by nicotine withdrawal. Using Advanced Multi-Electrode Array Technology, The Team Confirmed that Suppressing Cholineergic Interneurons Completely Blockked Abnormal Activity Changes.

  • Overcoming nicotine withdrawal: Clues found in neural mechanisms of the brain

    Nicotine withdrawal induces behavior symptoms such as tremors and shaking. Suppressing striatal cholinergic interneurons or administering the muscarinic antagonist procedine significant significantly reduces tremors caused by nicotine withdrawal. Credit: Korea Institute of Science and Technology

  • Overcoming nicotine withdrawal: Clues found in neural mechanisms of the brain

    Nicotine withdrawal decreases Dopamine release in the striatum. Suppressing striatal cholinergic interneurons or administering the muscarinic antagonist procedine prevents this decrease in Dopamine release. Credit: Korea Institute of Science and Technology

Additional, Microdialysis Experiences Showed that Suppressing Cholinergic Interneurons Restored Dopamine Levels in the striatum, which has decreased by over 20% DURROL DURINE WITH NICTINE WITINE WITINE OVER, to Normal Level

Based on these findings, the team explred the potential use of Procyclidine, an FDA -Proved Drug for Parkinson’s Disease, for nicotine withdrawal treatment. Procyclidine Mimics The Inhibition Effect on the Neural Activity of Cholinergic Interneurons, Making it a promising candidate for alleviating physical symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

Notably, administering a single low dose of procyclidine to Mice Prior to inducing nicotine withdrawal reduced tremors – a primery physical withdrawal Symptom -BY Over 50%.

This study demonstrates the potential of repurprosing a safe and established Drug for Nicotine withdrawal Treatment, Significantly Shorting the Clinical Trial Process. This Approach could improve access to smoking cessation therapies and effectively Reduce health issues caused by smoking.

Dr. Im stated, “This Study Presents New Possibility for Smoking Cessation Treatment by Mitigating The Disrupttions Cured by WithDrawal Symptoms. It provides an additional treatment option Ving forward, we aim to deepen our understanding of addiction mechanisms, including nicotine, and Develop Effective Therapies. “

More information:
Baeksun Kim Et Al Al, Striatal Cholinergic Interneurons Control Physical Nicotine Withdrawal via Muscarinic Receptor Signaling, Advanced Science (2024). Doi: 10.1002/advs.202402274

Provided by National Research Council of Science and Technology


Citation: Overcoming nicotine withdrawal: Clues found in neural mechanisms of the brain (2025, February 12) retrieved 12 February 2025 from

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