r/science • u/MarzipanBackground91 • 2d ago

Neuroscience Researchers found α-Conotoxin TxIB, from sea snails, reduces nicotine’s effects in mice by blocking brain receptors, lowering hyperactivity and dopamine spikes. It could be a promising, side-effect-free way to help quit smoking. Study shows potential for new addiction treatments.

https://www.mdpi.com/1660-3397/23/3/109
170 Upvotes

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u/jkz88 2d ago

So it's a poor man's champix?

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u/MarzipanBackground91 2d ago

It has a different mechanism of action to Champix—hitting a more targeted pathway in the brain. Initial tests indicate it might curb nicotine craving without some of the unpleasant side effects. Long way to go yet, but it's a new direction

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u/jkz88 2d ago

Interesting, thanks for clarifying. Champix was hell for me, something better would be a god send.

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u/Illustrious-Neat5123 2d ago

I had very bad and horror dreams with Champix...

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u/isnortmiloforsex 2d ago

An extremely deadly poison turned into medicine amazing.

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u/Chogo82 2d ago

Often, the difference between medicine and poison is dosage.

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u/Artosispoopfeast420 1d ago

Really interesting! Nicotine addiction tends to be comorbid with ADHD, I wonder about the effects of this toxin on adhd symptoms.

I don't like that this is published in MDPI.

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u/MarzipanBackground91 1d ago

Oh, that's a really interesting thought! Yeah, nicotine and ADHD do weirdly overlap with dopamine stuff, so it's totally possible this could have some effect. The study didn't look at ADHD specifically though—just addiction in mice for now. But if you're into ADHD neurobiology, this study on brain iron in ADHD might be up your alley. (And yeah, MDPI journals can be... inconsistent, haha. Hopefully more solid research comes out soon)

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u/DeliciousPumpkinPie 2d ago

Looks like we’ll have an entirely new reason to call them “cigarette snails” now!

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u/Low_Resolve9379 1d ago

Question: If it's just blocking the effects, then is it also lessening the withdrawal symptoms? In other words - if you're using this, are you still going to feel the cravings (but smoking/vaping doesn't satisfy them), or are the cravings gone as well?