Genetic dissociation of two behaviors associated with nicotine addiction: Beta-2 containing nicotinic receptors are involved in nicotine reinforcement but not in withdrawal syndrome.

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Title:	Genetic dissociation of two behaviors associated with nicotine addiction: Beta-2 containing nicotinic receptors are involved in nicotine reinforcement but not in withdrawal syndrome.
Authors:	Besson, M., David, V., Suarez, S., Cormier, A., Cazala, P., Changeux, J. -P., Granon, S.
Source:	Psychopharmacology. Aug2006, Vol. 187 Issue 2, p189-199. 11p. 1 Color Photograph, 1 Chart, 3 Graphs.
Subjects:	Nicotine addiction, Nicotinic receptors, Cholinergic receptors, Drug withdrawal symptoms, Mice
Abstract:	Rationale Nicotine addiction is characterized by two distinct behaviors, chronic compulsive self-administration and the induction of a withdrawal syndrome upon cessation of nicotine consumption. Objective To examine if these two processes rely on β2-containing nicotinic receptors--β2nAChRs--we analyzed the behavior of mice lacking these receptors in the two situations. Results First, we showed that, in contrast to wild-type (WT) mice, β2-knockout (β2-/-) mice exhibit no intra-ventral tegmental area (VTA) nicotine self-administration, whereas their ability to self-administer morphine is intact. However, β2-/- mice showed some sensitivity to locomotor effects of nicotine, implying an effect of the drug on other nicotinic subtypes. Then, we observed that β2-/- mice exhibited a normal nicotine withdrawal syndrome, i.e., increased levels of rearing and jumping upon precipitated withdrawal. Thus, the β2nAChRs are not involved in the behaviors induced by cessation of nicotine consumption. Conclusion Taken together, the present data demonstrated a genetic dissociation of two distinct behavioral patterns associated with nicotine addiction. They further suggested that independent molecular mechanisms underlie these two aspects, offering the possibility of controlling them separately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database:	Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection

Description
Abstract:	Rationale Nicotine addiction is characterized by two distinct behaviors, chronic compulsive self-administration and the induction of a withdrawal syndrome upon cessation of nicotine consumption. Objective To examine if these two processes rely on β2-containing nicotinic receptors--β2nAChRs--we analyzed the behavior of mice lacking these receptors in the two situations. Results First, we showed that, in contrast to wild-type (WT) mice, β2-knockout (β2-/-) mice exhibit no intra-ventral tegmental area (VTA) nicotine self-administration, whereas their ability to self-administer morphine is intact. However, β2-/- mice showed some sensitivity to locomotor effects of nicotine, implying an effect of the drug on other nicotinic subtypes. Then, we observed that β2-/- mice exhibited a normal nicotine withdrawal syndrome, i.e., increased levels of rearing and jumping upon precipitated withdrawal. Thus, the β2nAChRs are not involved in the behaviors induced by cessation of nicotine consumption. Conclusion Taken together, the present data demonstrated a genetic dissociation of two distinct behavioral patterns associated with nicotine addiction. They further suggested that independent molecular mechanisms underlie these two aspects, offering the possibility of controlling them separately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:	00333158
DOI:	10.1007/s00213-006-0418-z