Arecoline

About: Arecoline is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 744 publications have been published within this topic receiving 16015 citations. The topic is also known as: methylarecaiden & methylarecaidin.

Cholinergic REM sleep induction by arecoline in normal subjects: relation to thyroid function.

Abstract: Serum thyroid hormones and the speed of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep induction by the central muscarinic agonist arecoline were measured in 21 normal volunteers. The arecoline-REM induction latencies had a modestly significant negative correlation with free thyroxine index. This finding is discussed in the light of observations in animal studies that thyroid hormones stimulate central cholinergic neuronal function.

Arecoline induces TNF-alpha production and Zonula Occludens-1 redistribution in mouse

Abstract: Background: Arecoline, a major alkaloid in Areca nut has the ability to induce oxidative stress. The effect of Areca nut, arecoline on reducing sperm quality and quantity were documented previously using several animal models. Junction disruption by down-regulation of the junction-adhesive protein via oxidative stress is an important route mediating abnormal spermatogenesis. Therefore, in this present study, we investigated the functional role of arecoline on junctional proteins. Results: To analyze direct effects of arecoline on testis cells, confluent mouse testicular Sertoli cell line TM4 was exposed to arecoline. Arecoline decreased insoluble zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) protein expression in TM4 cells, however, arecoline treatment increased TNF-alpha production in both TM4 and monocytic THP1 cells. In addition, ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 reversed arecoline effects on TNF-alpha and ZO-1. Conclusions: Arecoline increases the production of TNF-alpha and induces protein redistribution of ZO-1. All these results explain the role of arecoline in male reproductive dysfunction, besides its cytotoxic induction.

General Aspects of Areca Nut Addiction

Abstract: The Areca catechu nut has a long history of consumption throughout the world, especially in South East Asia. It is estimated to be consumed by 20% of the global population. This figure is on the rise due to migration of native users to developed countries. The literature reveals that areca nut consumption is linked to the dependency syndrome and exhibits cross-sensitivity with substances of abuse, such as cigarettes and alcohol. Additionally, its preparation practices and patterns of consumption resemble that of addictive substances, which reflect its liability for addiction. Its alkaloid, that is, arecoline, underlies most biological actions and needs to be explored from an addictive perspective. Preclinical data reveal that the nut's crude fraction inhibited whereas arecoline precipitated morphine-induced withdrawal. The major limitation in the literature is the lack of neurochemical evidence supporting its addictive potential, which needs to be evaluated to protect consumers from its health hazards.

Inhibitory cholinergic effects on the autonomously contractile bulbus cordis branchialis of the cephalopod Sepia officinalis L.

Abstract: In vitro experiments were performed on a standardized preparation of the autonomously contractile bulbus cordis branchialis of the branchial heart of Sepia officinalis to investigate its cholinergic neuroregulation. Apart from acetylcholine, nicotine and carbachol (nicotinic agonists), the muscarinic agonists muscarine, arecoline, pilocarpine, and oxotremorine also exerted concentration-dependent negative inotropic effects on the preparations. As both the muscarinic antagonist quinuclidinylbenzilate and the nicotinic antagonist alpha-bungarotoxin blocked the ACh action there might be a special, possibly mixed muscarinic/nicotinic ACh-receptor system in the myocytes of the bulbus cordis branchialis, which is different from the cholinergic receptor in the central part of the branchial heart.