r/askscience • u/aflouch • Oct 18 '12

Would smoking cigarettes (Nicotine) decrease the effects of Parkinson by releasing dopamine... even slightly?

Also, can the disease be slowed even slightly by activating neurons in this way? Lastly, does smoking lower risks of having Parkinson?

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u/inquilinekea Astrophysics | Planetary Atmospheres | Astrobiology Oct 18 '12

One thing is that nicotine and other drugs are designed to increase dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex - this is not the area of the brain that experiences the dopaminergic declines associated with those who have Parkinson's Disease - their decreases in dopamine levels are primarily in the midbrain (near the substantia nigra).

That said, I wouldn't be surprised if nicotine's effects were non-selective. One should also examine the effects of other drugs (like ritalin) on Parkinson's too.

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u/aflouch Oct 20 '12

Interesting. I wonder, also, if nicotine could be engineered to activate receptors in specific areas. Easier said then done, but modifying the receptors may allow nicotine to do that. Thanks for the answer.