Sensory Effects of Nicotine and Tobacco.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Ingestion of nicotine by smoking, vaping, or other means elicits various effects including reward, antinociception, and aversion due to irritation, bitter taste, and unpleasant side effects such as nausea and dizziness.

Aims and methods

Here we review the sensory effects of nicotine and the underlying neurobiological processes.

Results and conclusions

Nicotine elicits oral irritation and pain via the activation of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) expressed by trigeminal nociceptors. These nociceptors excite neurons in the trigeminal subnucleus caudalis (Vc) and other brainstem regions in a manner that is significantly reduced by the nAChR antagonist mecamylamine. Vc neurons are excited by lingual application of nicotine and exhibit a pr

SUBMITTER: Carstens E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8842437 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature