Nicotine in the form of tobacco has been more widely used by humans than almost any other psychoactive drug. Recognition of the important role of nicotine in tobacco addiction, together with rapid advances in the techniques available to neuroscientists, has led to a great increase in research into the effects of nicotine on the central nervous system. This book consists of invited reviews from a variety of experts on many aspects of the psychopharmacology of nicotine. They integrate the present state of knowledge in this area and explore molecular, biochemical, neurophysiological, and behavioural approaches to studying nicotine and central nicotinic receptors. As well as having implications for health problems associated with tobacco use, the results have enhanced understanding of how central nicotinic mechanisms are involved in other psychiatric and neurological states, such as Parkinson's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease.
