Nicotine Up-regulates nAChRs (2 of 2) (IMAGE) Rockefeller University Press Caption Chronic exposure to nicotine (bottom image) up-regulates fluorescently labeled receptors known as nACHRs (green) in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and ventral tegmental (VTA) areas of the mouse brain. Up-regulation of nAChRs plays a major role in nicotine addiction and, possibly, in the decreased susceptibility of smokers to Parkinson's disease. Credit Henderson et al., 2014 Usage Restrictions Reporters may freely use these materials in news coverage, with the appropriate credit information. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.