Brain enzyme that drives nicotine addiction and smoking dependence identified
December 04, 2025 by medicalxpress.com
Brain enzyme that drives nicotine addiction and smoking dependence identified
Research reveals that astrocytes' enzyme, glutamine synthetase, plays a crucial role in nicotine addiction, influencing brain changes and addictive behavior. Led by Prof. Choe, the study found that astrocytes interact with neurons to regulate nicotine-dependent behavior. Nicotine exposure stimulates receptors on astrocytes, triggering a calcium surge and signaling pathways that enhance locomotor sensitization. By blocking specific interactions in rats' brains, researchers dampened locomotor sensitization, underscoring astrocytic signaling's significance in nicotine-induced brain changes. These findings suggest a new avenue for addiction research, emphasizing glia communication and potential therapeutic strategies for smoking cessation.
December 04, 2025 by prnewswire.com
Researchers have found that astrocytes, overlooked glial cells in the brain, actively influence nic…
17.60% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 8.1 million current smokers in South Korea 30.20% of men are current smokers but only 5.10% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
