Nicotine

Nicotine ( [|C] 10 [|H] 14 [|N] 2) An addictive drug which each cigarette contains about 10mg and 2 mg are absorbed in the lungs. is an alkaloid found in the nightshade family of plants; biosynthesis takes place in the roots and accumulation occurs in the leaves. It constitutes approximately 0.6-3.0% of the dry weight of tobacco and is present in the range of 2-7ug/kg of various edible plants. It functions as an antiherbivore chemical; therefore, nicotine was widely used as an insecticide in the past and nicotine analogs such as imidaclopride are currently widely used. In low concentrations (an average cigarette yields about 1 mg of absorbed nicotine), the substance acts a s a stimulant in mammals, while in high concentrations (30-60mg) can be fatal. this stimulant effect is the main factor responsible for the dependence-forming properties of tobacco smoking. According to the american heart association, nicotine addiction has historically been one of the hardest addictions to break, and because it is widely used in tobacco products, pharmalogical and behavioral characteristics show that a nicotine addiction is similiar to that of a heroine or cocaine addiction. Nicotine content of popular American brand cigarettes has slowly increased over the years and studies show a 1.6% increase from 1998-2005 and this increase was found in all major market categories of cigarettes. Nicotine when used creates as initial rapid release of adrenaline in the body otherwise known as the "fight or flight" hormone, because of this release of adrenaline the body experiences effects such as, rapid heart beat, increased blood pressure, and rapid shallow breathing.

Chemical Formula C10H14N2 Aqueous solubility Slightly soluble Boiling Point477°F (247°C) Density Liquid: 1.01 g/cm3 at (68°F/39°F) (20°C/4°C) Gas: 5.6 (air = 1) Flammability Combustible liquid Flashpoint203°F (95°C) Molecular Mass162.23 Soluble In Alcohol, chloroform, ether, petroleum ether, kerosene, and oils. Specific Gravity1.01 Vapor Pressure0.08 mm Hg at 68°F (20°C) 0.038 mm Hg at 77°F (25°C) Volatility Not established/determined Auto-Ignition Temperature: 240 degrees Celsius Explosive Limits: 0.7 - 4 percent, by volume, in air

Medical detection
Nicotine can be quantified in blood, plasma, or urine to confirm a diagnosis of poisoning or to facilitate a medicolegal death investigation. Urinary or salivary cotinine concentrations are frequently measured for the purposes of pre-employment and health insurance medical screening programs. Careful interpretation of results is important, since passive exposure to cigarette smoke can result in significant accumulation of nicotine, followed by the appearance of its metabolites in various body fluids. Nicotine use is not regulated in competitive sports programs, yet the drug has been shown to have a significant beneficial effect on athletic endurance in subjects who have not used nicotine before.

Pharmacodynamics
Nicotine acts on the [|nicotinic acetylcholine receptors], specifically the [|ganglion type nicotinic receptor] and one [|CNS nicotinic receptor]. The former is present in the [|adrenal medulla] and elsewhere, while the latter is present in the [|central nervous system] (CNS). In small concentrations, nicotine increases the activity of these receptors. Nicotine also has effects on a variety of other neurotransmitters through less direct mechanisms.

Commonly a part of the alkaloid family and comes from the nighshade family of plants. Biosynthesis occurs underground in the root of the plant to cause the tobacco to form. It is a stiumlant for humans, which causes rapid aging and wrinkling, weight loss and addiction. Nicotine is a hygroscopic meaning it can hold and maintain water molecules. It is a nitrogenous base that forms salts and acids, but can usually be dissolved in water.