STANFORD, Calif. Nicotine promotes the growth of new blood vessels and can also stimulate tumor growth and the build up of plaque inside arteries, say researchers at Stanford University Medical Center. The finding is the first proof that nicotine affects blood vessel formation. It suggests that while nicotine treatment may be useful to revive tissue deprived of blood by a stroke or heart attack, physicians should exercise caution when considering the long-term use of nicotine as a treatment. Currently the chemical is a useful tool in smoking-cessation programs and is being studied as a potential therapy for Alzheimers and Parkinsons diseases, as well as chronic pain.......
http://med.stanford.edu/news_releases/2001/julreleases/nicotineangiogen.html
http://med.stanford.edu/news_releases/2001/julreleases/nicotineangiogen.html
