�New research from The University of Western Ontario reveals how the encephalon processes the 'rewarding' and addictive properties of nicotine, providing a better savvy of why some people seemingly become hooked with their number one smoke. The research, light-emitting diode by Steven Laviolette of the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry could lead to new therapies to forestall nicotine dependence and to treat nicotine withdrawal when smokers try on to depart. The theme is published in the August 6th Journal of Neuroscience.
"Nicotine interacts with a variety of neurochemical pathways inside the brainpower to bring forth its rewarding and addictive effects," explains Laviolette. "However, during the early phase of tobacco exposure, many individuals find nicotine highly unpleasant and aversive, whereas others whitethorn become quickly dependent on nicotine and find it highly rewarding. We precious to explore that difference of opinion."
The researchers found one brain nerve tract in especial uses the neurotransmitter 'dopamine' to transmit signals related to nicotine's rewarding properties. This footpath is called the 'mesolimbic' dopamine system of rules and is involved in the habit-forming properties of many drugs of abuse, including cocaine, alcohol and nicotine.
"While much progress has been made in understanding how the brain processes the rewarding personal effects of nicotine after the dependence is established, very little is known around how the mesolimbic intropin system may control the initial vulnerability to nicotine; that is, why do some individuals become quickly addicted to nicotine while others do not, and in some cases, fifty-fifty find nicotine to be highly aversive."
The scientists identified which specific intropin receptor subtype controlled the brain's initial sensitivity to nicotine's rewarding and habit-forming properties and were able to manipulate these receptors to control whether the nicotine is processed as rewarding or aversive.
"Importantly, our findings may explicate an individual's vulnerability to nicotine addiction, and may point to new pharmacologic treatments for the prevention of it, and the treatment of nicotine detachment," says Laviolette. The enquiry was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Canadian Psychiatric Research Foundation.
University of Western Ontario
More information
