Exposure to smoke from high- but not low-nicotine cigarettes leads to signs of dependence in male rats and potentiates the effects of nicotine in female rats.

Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
Ranjithkumar ChellianAdriaan W Bruijnzeel

Abstract

Nicotine is only mildly rewarding, but after becoming dependent, it is difficult to quit smoking. The goal of these studies was to determine if low-nicotine cigarettes are less likely to cause dependence and enhance the reinforcing effects of nicotine than regular high-nicotine cigarettes. Male and female rats were exposed to tobacco smoke with a low or high nicotine level for 35 days. It was investigated if smoke exposure affects the development of dependence, anxiety- and depressive-like behavior, and nicotine-induced behavioral sensitization. Smoke exposure did not affect locomotor activity in a small open field or sucrose preference. Mecamylamine precipitated somatic withdrawal signs in male rats exposed to smoke with a high level of nicotine, but not in male rats exposed to smoke with a low level of nicotine or in females. After cessation of smoke exposure, there was a small decrease in sucrose preference in the male rats, which was not observed in the females. Cessation of smoke exposure did not affect anxiety-like behavior in the large open field or the elevated plus maze test. Female rats displayed less anxiety-like behavior in both these tests. Repeated treatment with nicotine increased locomotor activity, rearing, and...Continue Reading

Citations

Jan 8, 2021·Psychopharmacology·Ranjithkumar ChellianAdriaan W Bruijnzeel
Apr 24, 2021·Journal of Psychopharmacology·Ranjithkumar ChellianAdriaan W Bruijnzeel

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