Fig 3. Didactic representation of the model synapse. The local puff of ACh (1 mM) activates nAChRs much like a cholinergic synapse. Bath applied nicotine at the concentration obtained by smokers, desensitizes many nAChRs (black), especially those that also see the puff of ACh. Consequently many nAChRs are desensitized by a minority at any moment may recover to an active state (green).

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