Journal article
Role of alpha 4-and alpha 6-containing nicotinic receptors in the acquisition and maintenance of nicotine self-administration
Heather B Madsen, Harcharan S Koghar, Tine Pooters, Jim S Massalas, John Drago, Andrew J Lawrence
ADDICTION BIOLOGY | WILEY-BLACKWELL | Published : 2015
DOI: 10.1111/adb.12148
Abstract
Tobacco smoking is a major cause of death and disease and as such there is a critical need for the development of new therapeutic approaches to treat nicotine addiction. Here, we utilize genetic and pharmacological tools to further investigate the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtypes that support intravenous self-administration of nicotine. α4-S248F mice contain a point mutation within the α4 nAChR subunit which confers increased sensitivity to nicotine and resistance to mecamylamine. Here, we show that acute administration of mecamylamine (2 mg/kg, i.p.) reduces established nicotine self-administration (0.05 mg/kg/infusion) in wild-type (WT), but not in α4-S248F heterozygous mi..
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Awarded by NHMRC Australia
Funding Acknowledgements
These studies were supported by the NHMRC Australia (project grant 628680). A.J.L. and J.D. are both Fellows of the NHMRC. We also acknowledge the Victorian Government's Operational Infrastructure Support Program.