Effects of chronic nicotine, nicotine withdrawal and subsequent nicotine challenges on behavioural inhibition in rats

Source: Psychopharmacology

Abstract
Rationale  Drug addiction is a chronically relapsing disorder characterised by compulsive drug use and loss of control over drug intake.
Although several theories propose impulsivity as a key component of addiction, the precise nature of this relationship remains
unclear.

Objectives  This study aims to investigate the short- and longer-term effects of chronic nicotine administration on behavioural inhibition.

Methods  Rats were trained on a symmetrically reinforced go/no-go task, following which they were subcutaneously prepared with osmotic
minipumps delivering either nicotine (3.16 mg kg−1 day−1 (freebase)) or saline for 7 days. Performance was assessed daily during chronic treatment, in early and late abstinence,
and in response to acute nicotine challenges following prolonged abstinence.

Results  Chronic nicotine resulted in a transient reduction in inhibitory control. Spontaneous withdrawal was associated with a nicotine
abstinence syndrome, the early stages of which were characterised by a significant increase in inhibitory control. This was,
however, short-lived with a decrease in inhibition observed in the second week of abstinence. Whilst performance returned
to baseline by the end of the third week, acute challenges (0.125, 0.25, 0.5 mg/kg, SC) revealed that nicotine exposure had
sensitised animals to the disinhibitory effects of the compound.

Conclusions  Drug-induced loss of inhibitory control may be critically involved both in the initial and later stages of addiction. Neuroadaptations
occurring during chronic exposure to and/or withdrawal from nicotine render animals more sensitive to the disinhibitory effects
of the drug. Longer-term changes in behaviour may play an important role in the increased susceptibility to relapse in those
with a history of nicotine abuse.

  • Content Type Journal Article
  • Category Original Investigation
  • Pages 453-468
  • DOI 10.1007/s00213-011-2558-z
  • Authors
    • K. Z. Kolokotroni, Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute of Psychological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT UK
    • R. J. Rodgers, Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute of Psychological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT UK
    • A. A. Harrison, Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute of Psychological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT UK

View the original article

Login or register to help identify topics from this page.

This page may contain content contributed by CPNP members or aggregated from other online sources. This content is provided as an unmoderated service to members for civil discussion and collaboration. Any opinions, conclusions, or recommendations are those of the author. If you come across any abuse or violation of the terms of use, please report the abuse.