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NCI Drug Dictionary


nicotine 
A plant alkaloid, found in the tobacco plant, and addictive central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that causes either ganglionic stimulation in low doses or ganglionic blockage in high doses. Nicotine acts as an agonist at the nicotinic cholinergic receptors in the autonomic ganglia, at neuromuscular junctions, and in the adrenal medulla and the brain. Nicotine's CNS-stimulating activities may be mediated through the release of several neurotransmitters, including acetylcholine, beta-endorphin, dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and ACTH. As a result, peripheral vasoconstriction, tachycardia, and elevated blood pressure may be observed with nicotine intake. This agent may also stimulate the chemoreceptor trigger zone, thereby inducing nausea and vomiting. Check for active clinical trials or closed clinical trials using this agent. (NCI Thesaurus)
Abbreviation:NIC
Chemical structures:(S)-3-(1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)pyridine
1-methyl-2-(3-pyridyl)pyrrolidine
beta-pyridyl-alpha-N-methylpyrrolidine