Interactive Brain Map
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Nicotine attaches to your dopaminergic neuron (DA) like a lock-and-key mechanism. The DA neuron stores dopamine, and as nicotine latches on, it opens the channels. As a result, more dopamine floods in!
The excess dopamine floods your medium spiny neurons, resulting in long-term habit formation.
Nicotine tricks your glutamatergic and gabaergic neurons into releasing too much glutamate, making you lose control of your impulses.
