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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2017 Jun 1.
Published in final edited form as: Periodontol 2000. 2016 Jun;71(1):52–64. doi: 10.1111/prd.12120

Table 3.

Natural and pharmacological agents released by the body after exposure to nicotine

Agent Physiological Effect
Dopamine Pleasure sensation
Serotonin Anti-depressant
Beta endorphin Reduces anxiety
Acetylcholine Enhances cognitive ability
Vasopressin Enhances short term memory
Norepinephrine Suppresses appetite

Sources: Benowitz, 99 (13) and Jiloha, 2010 (71)