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Nicotine physical dependence and tolerance in the mouse following chronic oral administration

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Abstract

Rationale

Although nicotine dependence and tolerance develop in rats, few studies have examined these processes in the mouse. Establishing such mouse models would eventually allow for an examination of the role of specific nicotinic receptor subtypes in mediating these processes (i.e. through the use of receptor knockouts).

Objectives

The goals of the present study were to establish mouse models of nicotine dependence and tolerance.

Methods

Mice were chronically exposed to nicotine (0–200 μg/ml) in their drinking solution and assayed for plasma nicotine and cotinine levels, withdrawal signs following nicotine cessation (spontaneous withdrawal) or nicotinic antagonist administration (precipitated withdrawal), or nicotine tolerance. Dependence assays included somatic sign observations (paw tremors, backing and head shakes), tail-flick, plantar stimulation, elevated plus-maze and spontaneous activity. Tolerance was assayed using tail-flick, hot-plate and body temperature tests.

Results

Plasma nicotine and cotinine levels were elevated during oral nicotine exposure (15.85 ng/ml and 538.00 ng/ml, respectively) and quickly declined following nicotine cessation (<1 ng/ml and <2 ng/ml, respectively), providing evidence that the oral route was pharmacologically relevant. Nicotine withdrawal increased numbers of somatic signs (spontaneous and mecamylamine-precipitated withdrawal) and/or hyperalgesia (spontaneous withdrawal only). Chronic nicotine exposure also produced tolerance, as indicated by reduced responsivity to acute nicotine in assays of analgesia and hypothermia.

Conclusions

These results indicate that chronic oral nicotine produces dependence and tolerance in the mouse. Further, nicotine dependence may be mediated by multiple nicotinic receptor subtypes, since specific nicotinic receptor antagonists failed to precipitate withdrawal.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank Tie Shan-Han and Alicia Stevans for their technical support on this project. Research was supported by NIDA DA-05274, NIH DA-07027 and CIHR MOP 14173. Research complied with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Campus, PO Box 980613, Richmond, VA 23298-0613, USA

    Sheri D. Grabus, Billy R. Martin, Angela M. Batman & M. Imad Damaj

  2. Department of Pharmacology, CAMH, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5S 1A8

    Rachel F. Tyndale & Edward Sellers

Authors
  1. Sheri D. Grabus
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  2. Billy R. Martin
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  3. Angela M. Batman
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  4. Rachel F. Tyndale
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  5. Edward Sellers
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  6. M. Imad Damaj
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Correspondence to Sheri D. Grabus.

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Grabus, S.D., Martin, B.R., Batman, A.M. et al. Nicotine physical dependence and tolerance in the mouse following chronic oral administration. Psychopharmacology 178, 183–192 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-004-2007-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-004-2007-3

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