(R,S)-Anatabine

(R,S)-Anatabine is an alkaloid that has been found as a minor component in tobacco (Nicotiana).{20193} It is an agonist of a4B2 and a6/a3B2B4 subunit-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs; EC50s = 6.1 and 3.6 µM, respectively). It is selective for a4B2 and a6/a3B2B4 subunit-containing nAChRs over a3B4 subunit-containing nAChRs and a7 nAChRs (EC50s = 70.6 and 158.5 µM, respectively).{69082} (R,S)-Anatabine stimulates dopamine, but not norepinephrine, release from isolated rat brain synaptosomes (EC50s = 1.76 and >100 µM, respectively). It increases the time spent at the top of the tank in a novel tank test, indicating anxiolytic-like activity, in zebrafish when used at a concentration of 10 mg/L. (R,S)-Anatabine (0.05 mg/ml in the drinking water) decreases disease severity in a mouse model of moderate, but not low or severe, experimental autoimmune thyroiditis induced by immunization with thyroglobulin, complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), and M. tuberculosis.{69083} It decreases food and nicotine self-administration in monkeys (ED50s = 2.085 and 0.854 mg/kg, respectively).{69084} (R,S)-Anatabine has been used as a biomarker of tobacco use.{20195,20196}