Nicotine preferentially stimulates dopamine release in the limbic system of freely moving rats

Locomotor activity in rats after administration of nicotinic agonists intracerebrally

1. Nicotine (0.13 and 0.4 mg kg-1, s.c.) increased the ambulatory component of locomotor activity in rats previously exposed to the drug. Nicotine did not increase repeated movements reliably. 2. An infusion of either nicotine (8 micrograms) or the potent nicotinic agonist cytisine (4 micrograms) into the ventral tegmental area of the forebrain increased ambulation but not repeated movements. 3. An infusion of nicotine or cytisine into the nucleus accumbens, striatum, dorsal hippocampal formation or motor thalamus did not increase ambulatory or repeated movements. 4. Mecamylamine (0.1-1.0 mg kg-1, s.c.) blocked increases in locomotor activity produced by an infusion of nicotine or cytisine into the ventral tegmental area. 5. The locomotor activity produced by systemically administered nicotine may be mediated, in part, through nicotinic receptors located in the ventral tegmental area of the mesolimbic dopamine system.

Desensitization of central cholinergic mechanisms and neuroadaptation to nicotine

This review focuses on neuroadaptation to nicotine. The first part of the paper delineates some possible general mechanisms subserving neuroadaptation to commonly abused drugs. The postulated role of the mesocorticolimbic neuroanatomical pathway and drug-receptor desensitization mechanisms in the establishment of tolerance to, dependence on, and withdrawal from psychoactive drugs are discussed. The second part of the review deals with the pharmacological effects of nicotine at both pre- and postsynaptic locations within the central nervous system, and the still-perplexing upregulation of brain nicotine-binding sites seen after chronic nicotine administration. A special emphasis has been put on desensitization of presynaptic cholinergic mechanisms, and postsynaptic neuronal nicotinic-receptor function and its modulation by endogenous substances. A comparison with the inactivation process occurring at peripheral nicotinic receptors is also included. Finally, a hypothesis on the possible connections between desensitization of central cholinergic mechanisms and neuroadaptation to nicotine is advanced. A brief comment on the necessity of fully understanding the effects of nicotine on the developing nervous system closes this work.

Lack of tolerance to nicotine-induced dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens

The extent to which repeated administration produces tolerance to nicotine-induced increases in dopamine transmission in the nucleus accumbens was investigated in rats. In vivo microdialysis was used to sample extracellular dopamine and metabolites after a nicotine challenge (0.35 mg/kg) in (1) naive rats, (2) acutely pretreated rats (1 prior nicotine injection), and (3) chronically pretreated rats (12-15 prior daily nicotine injections, 0.35 mg/kg per injection). Nicotine increased extracellular DA and its metabolites, and these increases were not significantly altered by either acute or chronic prior exposure to the drug. The failure to find evidence of tolerance is compatible with the hypothesis that the mesolimbic dopaminergic system is a substrate for the reinforcing properties of chronically administered nicotine.

Regionally specific effects of acute and chronic nicotine on rates of catecholamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine synthesis in rat brain

Acute (-)-nicotine administration (0.4 and 0.8 mg/kg s.c.) produced a regionally specific increase in the rate of catecholamine synthesis in the rat nucleus accumbens, hypothalamus and hippocampus but not elsewhere, including the caudate-putamen. In all regions rates of 5-hydroxytryptamine synthesis were unaffected. (-)-Cotinine (0.4 and 0.8 mg/kg), the major metabolite of (-)-nicotine was without effect. (-)-Nicotine-induced increase in catecholamine synthesis occurred by a direct stimulation of central nicotinic receptors, as mecamylamine (5 mg/kg) but not hexamethonium (5 mg/kg) was an effective antagonist. Following repeated daily injections of (-)-nicotine (0.8 mg/kg) for up to 28 days, the induced catecholamine response following a subsequent challenge was unaffected in the nucleus accumbens and hypothalamus, but was increased in the hippocampus. This effect persisted for up to 14 days following withdrawal. Rates of 5-hydroxytryptamine synthesis remained unaltered after chronic pretreatment.

Reversal of a mecamylamine-induced cognitive deficit with the D2 agonist, LY 171555

Pharmacological blockade of either nicotinic or muscarinic cholinergic receptors has been found to impair choice accuracy in the radial-arm maze. Simultaneous blockade of both of these receptor types causes an additive impairment. However, despite these common effects, nicotinic and muscarinic receptors have been found to have differential involvement with dopamine receptors. The cognitive impairment caused by the muscarinic antagonist scopolamine is reversed by the D1 antagonist SCH 23390 but is unaffected by the D2 antagonist raclopride. In contrast, the cognitive impairment caused by the nicotinic antagonist mecamylamine is unaffected by SCH 23390 but is potentiated by raclopride. In the current study, the D2 agonist LY 171555 was found to be effective in reversing the radial-arm maze choice accuracy impairment caused by mecamylamine. In contrast, the D1 agonist SKF 38393 was not found to be effective. Thus, we have found selective dopaminergic D1 and D2 treatments which counteract the adverse cognitive effects of either nicotinic or muscarinic blockade. A combination of these treatments may be useful in treating the cognitive effects of generalized cholinergic underactivation.

Effects of subchronic nicotine administration on central dopaminergic mechanisms in the rat

Nicotine was administered acutely and subchronically (14 days) to determine whether various synaptic mechanisms are selectively altered in the nigrostriatal and mesolimbic dopaminergic systems in the rat. When added to tissue preparations in vitro, nicotine had no effects on tyrosine hydroxylase, synaptosomal uptake of [3H]dopamine or binding of [3H]spiperone to D2 receptors in either system. However, acute treatment in vivo stimulated tyrosine hydroxylase activity in the nucleus accumbens. This effect was prevented by pretreatment with a nicotinic antagonist, suggesting that it was mediated by nicotinic receptors. Since subchronic exposure to nicotine had no effect on tyrosine hydroxylase, it appears that tolerance develops to this action. In vivo treatment with nicotine did not alter dopamine uptake or receptor binding. The results suggest that, in doses which result in moderate plasma levels, nicotine has selective stimulant actions on nerve terminals of the mesolimbic system.

Differential inhibitory effects of a 5-HT3 antagonist on drug-induced stimulation of dopamine release

The effects of a potent and specific antagonist of 5-HT3 receptors, ICS 205-930, on the dopamine (DA)-releasing properties of morphine (1.0 mg/kg s.c.), nicotine (0.6 mg/kg s.c.), ethanol (1.0 g/kg i.p.) and amphetamine (0.25 and 1.0 mg/kg s.c.) were studied in rats. DA release was estimated by trans-cerebral dialysis in the nucleus accumbens of freely moving rats. ICS 205-930 (15-30 micrograms/kg s.c.) failed to modify the basal output of DA and its metabolites, however, ICS 205-930 dose dependently reduced the stimulation of DA release by morphine, nicotine and ethanol. Thus, at doses of 30 micrograms/kg s.c., ICS 205-930 completely prevented the morphine-, nicotine- and ethanol-induced stimulation of DA release in the nucleus accumbens; doses of 15 micrograms/kg s.c. partially prevented the morphine-, nicotine- and ethanol-induced stimulation of DA release while doses of 7.5 micrograms/kg s.c. were ineffective. In contrast, ICS 205-930 (up to 30 micrograms/kg s.c.) failed to affect the amphetamine-induced stimulation of DA release in the nucleus accumbens. The inhibitory effects of ICS 205-930 (15 and 30 micrograms/kg s.c.) on the drug-induced stimulation of DA release could also be extended to the neuroleptic haloperidol (0.1 mg/kg s.c.). The results indicate that blockade of 5-HT3 receptors selectively prevents the stimulation of DA release induced by drugs known to stimulate the firing activity of DA neurons.

Pharmacology of nicotine

In recent years progress in basic neuropsychopharmacology and clinical addiction research have allowed the conclusion that tobacco smoking essentially represents an addiction to nicotine. Parallel to this work, experimental research in biochemistry, physiology and pharmacology has provided detailed descriptions of the structure and function of the nicotinic receptor, the biologic mediator of the many actions of nicotine. This article reviews current knowledge of nicotinic mechanisms in the peripheral and central nervous systems as well as some implications for the notion of smoking as an addiction to nicotine. In particular this review will focus on the effects of nicotine on brain dopamine and noradrenaline systems since these neuronal systems appear to be crucially involved in the rewarding and stimulant effects of addictive drugs.

Aversive environmental stimuli as a factor in the psychostimulant response to nicotine

Saline-treated rats tested on an elevated open platform were less active (p less than 0.01) than those tested on an enclosed platform of the same dimensions. Acute nicotine (0.05, 0.1 and 0.4 mg/kg SC) increased the activity (p less than 0.01) of rats tested on the open platform but had no effect on activity measured on the enclosed platform. When injected chronically, the highest dose tested increased the activity of rats tested on both platforms, whereas the two lower doses continued to exert selective effects on the activity of rats tested on the open platform. d-Amphetamine (0.1 to 0.5 mg/kg SC) and cocaine (5 and 15 mg/kg IP) evoked dose-dependent increases in activity which were independent of the test environment used. It is concluded that nicotine appeared to be a more effective psychostimulant in the rats tested on the open platform because, at doses lower than those needed to evoke general psychostimulation, it attenuated the reduction in activity caused by exposure to the more aversive environment.

Nicotine infused into the nucleus accumbens increases synaptic dopamine as measured by in vivo microdialysis

It has been postulated that addiction to nicotine is mediated by dopamine release in the mesolimbic system. It is possible that nicotine might act directly on the dopamine terminals to release dopamine. This hypothesis was tested by infusing nicotine through a microdialysis probe into the nucleus accumbens of freely moving rats. Dopamine, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, and homovanillic acid from the extracellular space were collected by microdialysis and measured by high pressure liquid chromatography. Nicotine increased extracellular dopamine in a dose-related manner. Systemic injection of the nicotine antagonist mecamylamine blocked the dopamine increase induced by local nicotine. These results suggest that nicotine releases dopamine by a local action in the nucleus accumbens terminal area of the mesolimbic system. Presynaptic induction of dopamine release might play a role in nicotine addiction.

Action of nicotine on accumbens dopamine and attenuation with repeated administration

The behavioral and physiological effects of repeated nicotine administration are complex; sedation and hypothermia are present early but become attenuated while locomotor activity increases. Maximal blood levels and behavioral changes occur within 10 min of s.c. injection. We examined the effects of 10 nicotine injections (0.8 mg/kg) in 14 days on the levels of brain amines following challenge with either saline or nicotine on the 15th day. Dopamine, DOPAC, HVA, 3-methoxytyramine, norepinephrine, 5-hydroxytyramine, and 5-HIAA were measured in the frontal cortex, olfactory tubercle, nucleus accumbens, caudate-putamen, substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area. Ten minutes after nicotine was given to rats that had previously received only saline the levels of dopamine and its metabolite DOPAC indicated an increase in dopamine turnover in the nucleus accumbens. Of the areas examined the accumbens was the most sensitive to nicotine, with few significant amine changes in other regions. Twenty-four hours after the last nicotine injection the levels of dopamine and its metabolites indicated a sustained decrease in dopamine turnover in the accumbens induced by repeated administration. Following repeated nicotine a nicotine challenge still induced an acute increase in dopamine turnover in the accumbens, but the response was less than in animals not previously given nicotine. The results confirm earlier studies indicating that the accumbens is a major site of nicotine action.

Subjective and behavioural effects of nicotine in humans: some sources of individual variation

Despite its addictiveness, the subjective effects of nicotine in "smoking doses" are of low intensity compared with those of other addictive drugs. Although mildly pleasurable to many regular users, it causes no striking euphoriant effects and its effects on mood, performance and the level of arousal are relatively small. This chapter does not attempt to list or review the numerous effects of nicotine, but focuses instead on some of the multiple sources of individual variation. The subjective and behavioral effects of nicotine in humans differ markedly, not only between individuals but also within individuals, according to the stage of their smoking career, their level of dependence and the time since their last few doses. Some of the influences and mechanisms discussed include innate and acquired factors, pharmacokinetic factors, acute and chronic tolerance, learning and conditioning. It is not clear to what extent the effects of nicotine are primary, or how much they reflect reversal or relief of acquired withdrawal effects. Only one study has found a "rebound" element in the effects of withdrawal and although chronic exposure to nicotine induces an increase in the number of nicotinic receptors, chronic tolerance to nicotine has not been demonstrated in humans. Acute tolerance (tachyphylaxis) develops rapidly to many of the effects of nicotine and is completely reversible after nicotine depletion. Other effects of nicotine are less sensitive to acute tolerance. It is suggested that it is the effects of nicotine at postsynaptic receptors that are most susceptible to acute tolerance and that those mediated by its action at presynaptic receptors are less sensitive to it. Due to accumulation of nicotine and other pharmacokinetic factors, for most of the day and much of the night, regular smokers have high levels of acute tolerance to nicotine. In other words, there is a chronic partial blockade of its agonist effects at postsynaptic receptors. This explains why nicotinic receptors are upregulated rather than downregulated and why heavy smokers experience no subjective effects from a cigarette smoked during the course of a normal smoking day. When the effects of acute tolerance are unmasked after abstinence for 24 h, it is the more addicted heavy smokers who experienced more severe withdrawal effects who also have stronger subjective and heart rate effects following the first post-abstinence cigarette. Their greater sensitivity to nicotine after abstinence may reflect their higher density of unoccupied nicotinic receptors. On the other hand, those who have higher innate sensitivity may be more likely to take up smoking and to become more dependent if they

Conditioning of nicotine effects on motility and behaviour in rats

Nicotine produces behavioural signs which are, in part, characteristic of dopaminergic activation. In the present study, it was investigated, to which degree these signs can be conditioned. The drug produced dose-dependent (0.15-0.60 mg/kg s.c.) increases in locomotor activity, hyperkinesia and stereotyped sniffing. The effects produced by 0.6 mg/kg nicotine were significantly inhibited by mecamylamine (1 mg/kg i.p.), but only in part by haloperidol (0.2 mg/kg i.p.). In a subsequent series, the administration of nicotine (0.6 mg/kg s.c.) was repeatedly associated with well-defined environmental (conditioned) stimuli: a wire cage associated with an auditory and an olfactory stimulus. Another group was pseudoconditioned, a third group remained drug-naive. When the animals were given saline in presence of the conditioned stimuli 24 h after the last conditioning session, locomotor activity, hyperkinesia and stereotyped sniffing were significantly higher in conditioned than in pseudoconditioned and drug-native rats. Similarly, when the rats were injected with nicotine (0.6 mg/kg s.c.) in presence of the conditioned stimuli 24 h after the last conditioning session, locomotor activity and stereotyped sniffing were most pronounced in the conditioned animals. These results demonstrated that behavioural effects of nicotine can be conditioned. Phenomena of this kind might contribute to the addictive behaviour to nicotine.

Effects of chronic nicotine pretreatment on (+)-amphetamine and nicotine-induced synthesis and release of [3H]dopamine from [3H]tyrosine in rat nucleus accumbens

The effects of chronic (14 day) administration of nicotine (1.5 mg kg-1 day-1) on the rat nucleus accumbens have been examined. Pretreatment of animals with nicotine increased the endogenous level of dopamine. The ability of (+)-amphetamine to stimulate formation and release of [3H]dopamine from [3H]tyrosine was greatly potentiated in tissue slices from the nucleus accumbens of rats pretreated with nicotine. Furthermore, nicotine was effective in stimulating the formation and release of from [3H]dopamine from [3H]tyrosine in tissue slices from chronic nicotine-treated animals.

SCH 23390 blocks drug-conditioned place-preference and place-aversion: anhedonia (lack of reward) or apathy (lack of motivation) after dopamine-receptor blockade?

The influence of the D1 antagonist SCH 23390 on the motivational properties of rewarding (morphine, nicotine and diazepam) and aversive (naloxone, phencyclidine and picrotoxin) drugs was studied in the rat in a two-compartment place-conditioning paradigm, which included a pre-conditioning test for spontaneous place-preference. The specific D1 dopamine-receptor antagonist SCH 23390 (0.05 mg/kg SC), paired with both compartments or, separately, with the preferred or with the non-preferred compartment, failed to affect the spontaneous unconditioned preference of the animal. Pairing of morphine (1.0 mg/kg SC), nicotine (0.6 mg/kg SC) or diazepam (1.0 mg/kg IP) with the less preferred compartment induced significant preference for that compartment. Pairing of SCH 23390 (0.05 mg/kg SC) with both compartments completely blocked the place-preference induced by morphine, nicotine and diazepam. Naloxone (0.8 mg/kg SC), phencyclidine (2.5 mg/kg SC) or picrotoxin (2.0 mg/kg IP) paired with the preferred compartment elicited place-aversion. Pairing of SCH 23390 (0.05 mg/kg SC) with both compartments abolished also the place-aversion induced by naloxone, phencyclidine and picrotoxin. The results indicate that blockade of dopamine transmission blocks the motivational properties of rewarding as well as aversive stimuli. It is suggested that neuroleptics rather than simply blocking the rewarding impact of positive reinforcers (anhedonia, lack of pleasure) exert a more general influence on conditioned behaviour by blocking the affective impact of negative as well as positive reinforcers (apathy, lack of motivation).

5HT3 receptor antagonists block morphine- and nicotine- but not amphetamine-induced reward

The effect of two potent and specific antagonists of 5HT3 receptors, ICS 205-930 and MDL 72222, on the reinforcing properties of amphetamine, morphine and nicotine was studied in rats. Drug-induced reinforcement was assessed by measuring drug-conditioned place preference. ICS 205-930 and MDL 72222 dose-dependently reduced the place preference induced by morphine (1.0 mg/kg SC). At doses of 0.030 mg/kg SC the two antagonists completely blocked morphine-induced place preference while doses of 0.015 mg/kg SC significantly reduced it. ICS 205-930 and MDL 72222 at doses of 0.030 mg/kg SC also prevented the place preference induced by nicotine (0.6 mg/kg SC). In contrast, ICS 205-930 and MDL 72222 up to doses of 0.030 mg/kg SC failed to modify the place preference elicited by amphetamine (1.0 mg/kg SC). The results indicate that 5HT3 receptors are specifically involved in the reinforcing properties of morphine and nicotine.

Neuroregulatory effects of nicotine

The impact of nicotine on the central nervous system is, in an important sense, neuroregulatory, with cascading effects on physiological and biochemical function as well as on behavioral activity. Accordingly, the neurotransmitter and neuroendocrine effects of nicotine constitute a critical part of its biological action, which includes reinforcing as well as pathophysiological consequences. This review focuses on nicotine's effects on cholinergic and non-cholinergic nicotine receptors and on the responses of catecholamines, monoamines, hypophyseal hormones, and cortisol. The contribution of critical variables, such as timing and duration of neuroregulator release and the patterns that make up the total response, is still largely unknown, particularly with regard to the effects of environmental context, history of nicotine use, and mode of administration. The evidence suggests that by altering the bioavailability of the above-listed neuroregulators, nicotine serves as a pharmacological "coping response", providing immediate though temporary improvement in affect or performance in response to environmental demands. Much of what is known to date is based on studies involving the administration of agonists and antagonists under different environmental conditions. Newer technological approaches such as autoradiography and positron emission tomography show potential for determining the neuroregulatory patterns involved and specifying nicotine's locus of action relevant to its behavioral and physiological effects.

Amphetamine, cocaine, phencyclidine and nomifensine increase extracellular dopamine concentrations preferentially in the nucleus accumbens of freely moving rats

The effect of systemically administered amphetamine, cocaine, phencyclidine and nomifensine on the extracellular concentrations of dopamine in freely moving rats was estimated by microdialysis in the nucleus accumbens and in the dorsal caudate. All the drugs tested stimulated dopamine output in both areas but more effectively in the accumbens as compared to the caudate. Low doses of cocaine (1.0 mg/kg s.c.) stimulated dopamine output only in the nucleus accumbens. Nomifensine (1.25-5.0 mg/kg s.c.) increased by a similar extent peak dopamine output in the two dopaminergic areas but the duration of the effect was longer in the accumbens as compared to the caudate. The effect of cocaine, phencyclidine and nomifensine was prevented by systemic gamma-butyrolactone (700 mg/kg i.p.) and by omitting Ca2+ from the Ringer used for dialysis, the effect of amphetamine was insensitive to these manipulations. Thus, in contrast with amphetamine, cocaine, phencyclidine and nomifensine increase synaptic dopamine concentrations in vivo by a mechanism which depends on intact activity of dopaminergic neurons and by an exocytotic process.

Postnatal behavioural effects of maternal nicotine exposure in rats

The effects of nicotine on locomotor activity have been studied in neonate rats exposed to nicotine (1.5 mg kg-1 day-1) throughout the gestational period. Both 14 day old male and female offspring demonstrated an increase in spontaneous locomotor activity when compared with saline-exposed controls. However, systemic administration of (+)-amphetamine was effective in attenuating the hyperactivity of these nicotine-exposed pups.

Receptor mechanisms of nicotine-induced locomotor hyperactivity in chronic nicotine-treated rats

Rats were pretreated with saline or nicotine (1.5 mg/kg per day) by subcutaneously implanting each animal with an Alzet osmotic mini-pump which continuously released saline or nicotine for 1, 5 and 14 days. At the end of each pretreatment period, animals were used for (i) determining their locomotor response to acutely injected nicotine (0.2 mg/kg, s.c.) and (ii) measuring the density of L-[3H]nicotine and [3H]spiperone binding sites in the striatum. We observed no changes in nicotine-induced locomotor response, striatal L-[3H]nicotine and [3H]spiperone binding in the animals pretreated with nicotine for 1 day. In rats which were pretreated with nicotine for 5 days, there was a significant increase in the nicotine-stimulated locomotor response which was associated with an increase in the number of L-[3H]nicotine binding sites and also with an elevated dopamine (DA) level in the striatum. The number of striatal [3H]spiperone binding sites was not affected. In animals pretreated with nicotine for 14 days, the nicotine-induced locomotor response remained to be potentiated. However, this response was correlated with an elevated number of striatal [3H]spiperone binding sites, whereas the number of striatal L-[3H]nicotine binding sites and the striatal DA level were normal. These results suggest that chronic nicotine-treated rats develop locomotor hyperactivity in response to nicotine initially due to increases of both the density of nicotinic receptors and DA concentration, followed by inducing DA receptor supersensitivity in the striatum.

The effect of systemically applied cholinergic drugs on the striatal release of dopamine and its metabolites, as determined by automated brain dialysis in conscious rats

The effects of cholinergic drugs on the in vivo release of dopamine (DA) and its metabolites were studied in the striatum of freely moving rats. The endogenous compounds were sampled by microdialysis and analysed by on-line HPLC. High doses of oxotremorine (5 mumol/kg), physostigmine (3.6 mumol/kg), nicotine (3 mumol/kg) and atropine (10 mumol/kg) were injected i.p. Oxotremorine, physostigmine and atropine failed to modify the release of DA, while nicotine induced a slight (30%) but significant increase in the release of the transmitter. In contrast, oxotremorine and physostigmine did produce a significant rise of the dialysate contents of the DA metabolites. Thus, these data demonstrate clearly that changes in DA metabolism do not necessarily reflect changes in the release of DA. The most interesting findings of the present study is the fact that muscarinic receptor stimulation or blockade does not modify the release of DA from the rat striatum, while nicotine receptor stimulation may exert some stimulatory effect on the release of DA. This conclusion does not support the concept that the mode of action of anticholinergic drugs used in the treatment of parkinsonism, can be ascribed to a modulation of striatal dopaminergic activity.

Scheduled eating increases dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens of food-deprived rats as assessed with on-line brain dialysis

This study examined the effect of scheduled eating on the in vivo release of dopamine (DA) in the nucleus accumbens of rats that were maintained on a food deprivation schedule. DA release was measured by means of a fully automated on-line brain dialysis system. The initiation of eating increased the release of DA, which remained elevated during the entire eating period. Termination of eating caused a gradual decrease of the release of DA to basal values. Increased motor activities did not change the release of DA. These results indicate a link between eating and DA release and demonstrate the suitability of on-line brain dialysis for behavioural experiments.

Effect of nicotine on central GABAergic system

1. The acute and chronic effects of nicotine (1.5 mg/kg/day) on the striatal and mesolimbic GABAergic systems were examined in the rat. 2. Despite altering the striatal DAergic activity, neither acute nor chronic administration of nicotine significantly affected the GABAergic system. 3. The nicotine treatment did not alter the ability of muscimol to inhibit the hyperactivity elicited by apomorphine. 4. Similarly, the levels of GABA in striata and nucleus accumbens remained unchanged.

Scope and limitations of in vivo brain dialysis: a comparison of its application to various neurotransmitter systems

Brain dialysis is rapidly becoming a routine research method with a wide range of applications. Since 1982 this sampling technique is frequently used as a method to study the in vivo release of endogenous neurotransmitters such as dopamine, noradrenaline, serotonin, acetylcholine and certain amino acids. In this review most of the studies that have appeared in this field, are evaluated. Special attention was given to the question whether the neurotransmitter content in the dialysate is related to neurotransmission. Criteria such as the presence of a high tissue/dialysate concentration ratio, the sensitivity of the transmitters to membrane active compounds and the occurrence of receptor-mediated effects, are discussed. It is concluded that dopamine, noradrenaline and acetylcholine found in the dialysate are directly derived from neurotransmission, whereas the overflow of excitatory amino acid neurotransmitters is related to neurogenic as well as to metabolic events.

Blockade of D-1 receptors by SCH 23390 antagonizes morphine- and amphetamine-induced place preference conditioning

Morphine (0.5 mg/kg s.c.) and amphetamine (1 mg/kg s.c.) used in a two-compartment place preference test induced strong place preference when paired to the non-preferred environments. They did not modify preference under basal conditions but completely reversed morphine- and amphetamine-induced place preference. Pairing of haloperidol (0.2 mg/kg s.c.) to both environments also abolished the morphine-induced place preference.

Interaction of nicotine with dopaminergic mechanisms assessed through drug discrimination and rotational behaviour in rats

Biochemical and electrophysiological studies have suggested that nicotine may interact with dopaminergic systems so as to enhance the release and utilization of dopamine. The functional significance of these effects has been assessed using drug discrimination and rotational behaviour in rats. The dopamine antagonists haloperidol and Sch 23390 attenuated the discriminative stimulus effect of nicotine and reduced overall rates of responding. In contrast, droperidol and pimozide were without significant effect on discrimination of nicotine at doses that reduced response rates. There was partial generalization from nicotine to the dopamine D-1 agonist SKF 38393. In rats with unilateral, 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the nigrostriatal dopamine pathway, nicotine produced rotation towards the side of the lesion, a characteristic effect of indirectly acting dopamine agonists such as amphetamine. The nico tinic-cholinergic antagonist mecamylamine, and haloperidol, blocked rotation produced by nicotine. A dose of nicotine that was too small to produce amphetamine-like effects itself enhanced both the discriminative stimulus and the rotational behaviour produced by amphetamine. However, mecamylamine did not weaken the discriminative effect of amphetamine. The results suggest that there may be a minor component of the nicotine discriminative stimulus that is mediated, indirectly, through a dopaminergic mechanism. There also appears to be a facilitatory, nicotinic influence on behavioural functions linked to the dopamine system.