Cigarette Smoking Saturates Brain α4β2 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors

Abstract

Tobacco dependence (primarily through cigarette smoking) is a major risk factor for death and disability worldwide.^1,2 This condition is relatively resistant to treatment, as evidenced by the fact that most smokers endorse a desire to quit³ but very few are able to do so on their own⁴ and fewer than half are able to quit long-term even with comprehensive treatment.^3,5 A greater understanding of the mechanisms that underlie tobacco dependence may aid in the development of improved treatments for this condition.