The effects of smoking on human health are enormous; yet, little is known about the pharmacologic effects of smoking on the human body apart from the effects of nicotine. |
These studies showing for the first time that smokers have reduced levels of MAO in their brains and in certain peripheral organs shed mechanistic light on some of the more puzzling aspects of smoking, including a reduced rate of Parkinson's disease in smokers and a high rate of smoking among people with depression and those addicted to other substances. |