Research Into Poison Curare May Lead to Medication Against Tobacco Addiction

The poison known as Curare is a protein known to block specific receptors, especially in the nervous system, and inhibit nerve function and action potential frequency. The article introduces curare as having a paralysing effect - the poison's active chemical component is used in lung surgery. To date, however, scientists did not know how exactly it works." In addition, current medications release thousands of different ions into the blood in hopes that the desired result will be achieved - a sort of trial and error system. The research conducted led to the 3D mapping of the poison protein, and the conclusion that curare, with or without some modifications, may be able to specifically bind and inhibit the desired receptors. Quoting Dr. Ulens, the head researcher on the team, " [they] are locksmiths who examine on an atomic scale how a key -- the poison -- fits the lock of a door -- the ion channel -- and how the key keeps the door locked. Some kinds of poison only fit one lock, but curare is a passkey that can close various ion channels." As a result, the receptors for nicotine may be suppressed by a devised drug, developed using this research and new knowledge of Curare.

I found this article interesting not only because millions of people around the world are struggling with tobacco addiction, but also because the prolonged usage of tobacco based drugs lead to all sorts of health issues. With development of a drug to aid in addiction relief, many of those addicted may be able to gradually return to a relatively healthy physical state.

Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110330101040.htm