Nicotine

Question 1

Nicotinic receptors are:
a) metabotropic receptors that acetylcholine
b) consist of only three subunits: alpha, beta, and gamma
c) are constructed of subunits that form a potassium channel in the cell membrane
d) can become silenced by depolarization block with repeated stimulation

Answer 1

d)
can become silenced by depolarization block with repeated stimulation

Question 2

Nicotine:
a) makes up about 10% of the dry tobacco leaf
b) enters a smoker’s lungs on particles of tar
c) reaches the bloodstream from a typical cigarette in the amount of 6 to 11 mg.
d) is the only biologically active substance in the tobacco leaf

Answer 2

b)
enters a smoker’s lungs on particles of tar

Question 3

Which of the following is not a symptom of the nicotine abstinence syndrome?
a) weight loss
b) insomnia
c) trouble concentrating
d) restlessness

Answer 3

a)
weight loss

Question 4

When smokers are given cigarettes lower in nicotine and tar?
a) they reduce their intake slightly
b) there is no change in smoking behavior
c) there is a marked decrease in their smoking behavior
d) they smoke more

Answer 4

d)
they smoke more

Question 5

Which of the following about the metabolism of nicotine is false?
a) it yields the principal metabolite cotinine
b) the liver enzyme CYP2A6 is involved
c) its half-life is about 18 hours
d) inefficient metabolizers may be less likely to become cigarette smokers

Answer 5

c)
its half-life is about 18 hours

Question 6

If you are asked to take a drug test before you are issued a life insurance policy, and the agent is
testing for nicotine use, what are they most likely testing for in your blood?
a. nicotine
b. CYP2A6
c. cotinine
d. cocaine

Answer 6

c)
cotinine

Question 7

Cotinine:
a) is a high affinity agonist at nicotinic receptors
b) is a metabolite of amphetamine
c) has a half-life that is about 20 min
d) leads to decreases in mood

Answer 7

a)
is a high affinity agonist at nicotinic receptors

Question 8

The components of cigarette smoke other than nicotine:
a. are known to inhibit MAO.
b. are known to inhibit L-DOPA.
c. fail to elicit smoking behavior in experienced smokers.
d. have no harmful effects on human health.

Answer 8

a)
are known to inhibit MAO

Question 9

Pipe smoke is usually not inhaled because
a. it is basic and nicotine is therefore at a low ionization state and readily absorbed via the
oral mucosa
b. it is basic and nicotine is therefore at a higher ionization state and readily absorbed via
the oral mucosa.
c. it is acidic and this is much more irritating to the lungs than is more alkaline (basic)
cigarette smoke.
d. the goal of a pipe smoker is to not ingest nicotine, which can only be absorbed via the
lungs.

Answer 9

a)
it is basic and nicotine is therefore at a low ionization state and readily absorbed via the oral mucosa

Question 10

Compared to nicotine delivery via cigarettes, the pharmacokinetic profile of nicotine when it is
delivered by a patch or gum is characterized by
a. higher absolute blood levels for a comparable dose.
b. more rapid absorption.
c. slower absorption.
d. a lack of psychoactive effect since nicotine concentration in the blood never reaches a
significant level.

Answer 10

c)
slower absorption