Nicotine physical dependence in the mouse: involvement of the alpha7 nicotinic receptor subtype

Although chronic nicotine produces dependence in mice, the role of specific nicotinic receptors has not been examined in knockout animals. The present study utilized alpha7 nicotinic receptor knockout mice to explore the role of this receptor subunit in nicotine dependence. Mice were chronically exp...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of pharmacology 2005-05, Vol.515 (1-3), p.90
Main Authors: Grabus, Sheri D, Martin, Billy R, Imad Damaj, M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor
Animals
Behavior, Animal - drug effects
Body Weight - drug effects
Female
Genotype
Male
Mice
Mice, Inbred C57BL
Mice, Knockout
Motor Activity - drug effects
Nicotine - administration & dosage
Nicotine - toxicity
Nicotinic Agonists - administration & dosage
Nicotinic Agonists - toxicity
Receptors, Nicotinic - genetics
Receptors, Nicotinic - physiology
Substance Withdrawal Syndrome - etiology
Substance Withdrawal Syndrome - physiopathology
Substance-Related Disorders
Time Factors
Tobacco Use Disorder - etiology
Tobacco Use Disorder - physiopathology
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Description
Summary:Although chronic nicotine produces dependence in mice, the role of specific nicotinic receptors has not been examined in knockout animals. The present study utilized alpha7 nicotinic receptor knockout mice to explore the role of this receptor subunit in nicotine dependence. Mice were chronically exposed to nicotine (0 or 200 microg/ml) in their drinking water and assayed for somatic withdrawal signs, hyperalgesia (tail-flick and hot-plate) and spontaneous activity following nicotine cessation. Nicotine withdrawal produced increased somatic signs in both strains and hyperalgesia in wild-type, but not in knockout animals. These results indicate that the alpha7 nicotinic receptor subunit may mediate some aspects of nicotine dependence.
ISSN:0014-2999
1879-0712