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Casarrubea M, Aiello S, Crescimanno G, Cassar D, Busuttil Z, Faulisi F, Iacono A, Di Giovanni G. Sex-dependent behavioral effects of chronic nicotine during adolescence evaluated in young adult rats tested in Hole-Board. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 133:111034. [PMID: 38795824 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
As one of the leading causes of death and serious illnesses, tobacco smoking remains a significant issue in modern societies. Many individuals smoke during adolescence, a trend that has been exacerbated by the prevalence of vaping among young people. In this context, studying the behavioral effects induced by nicotine administration in male and female rats, during the adolescent period, assumes great importance because it can help to better understand the dynamics underlying tobacco use in the two sexes. For this purpose, we employed 4 groups of rats, 2 male and 2 female groups, chronically treated with saline or nicotine 3 mg/kg i.p. for 30 days, spanning from postnatal day 30 to postnatal day 60. Utilizing quantitative analyses and T-pattern detection and analysis, our findings revealed a complex and multifaceted behavioral reorganization in adolescent rats subjected to chronic nicotine administration. Specifically, we observed an increase of anxiety in males and a reduction in females. The distinctive structural changes, induced by chronic nicotine in both sexes, have significant implications, from a translational perspective, for studies on nicotine dependence disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Casarrubea
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Stefania Aiello
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Crescimanno
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniel Cassar
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Zachary Busuttil
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Fabiana Faulisi
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Iacono
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Giovanni
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta; School of Biosciences, Neuroscience Division, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
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Martínez M, Espinoza VE, Garcia V, Uribe KP, Negishi K, Estevao IL, Carcoba LM, O'Dell LE, Khan AM, Mendez IA. Withdrawal from repeated nicotine vapor exposure increases somatic signs of physical dependence, anxiety-like behavior, and brain reward thresholds in adult male rats. Neuropharmacology 2023; 240:109681. [PMID: 37611823 PMCID: PMC11253717 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Nicotine vapor consumption via electronic nicotine delivery systems has increased over the last decade. While prior work has shed light on the health effects of nicotine vapor inhalation, its unique effects on the brain and behavior have not been thoroughly explored. In this study we assessed markers of withdrawal following 14 days of nicotine vapor exposure. For Experiment 1, 21 adult male rats were exposed to ambient air or 6, 12, or 24 mg/mL nicotine vapor for 14 consecutive days. Following exposure on day 14, rats were injected with the nicotinic receptor antagonist mecamylamine (3.0 mg/mL) and assessed for somatic withdrawal signs and anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze. For Experiment 2, 12 adult male rats were tested for intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) immediately following exposure to vehicle vapor (50%/50%, vegetable glycerin/propylene glycol) or 24 mg/mL nicotine vapor, for 14 consecutive days. ICSS behavior was assessed for an additional 14 days, following cessation of repeated vapor exposure. Results reveal that rats with repeated nicotine vapor exposure display an increase in behavioral indicators of withdrawal following injection of mecamylamine (precipitated withdrawal). Additionally, increases in ICSS stimulation thresholds, indicative of reduced brain reward sensitivity, persist following cessation of repeated nicotine vapor exposure (spontaneous withdrawal). These data suggest that repeated e-cigarette use leads to nicotine dependence and withdrawal that affects behavior and brain reward function. Further characterization of the health effects of nicotine vapor is necessary to improve treatment strategies for nicotine use disorder and public health policies related to novel nicotine delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Martínez
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Veronika E Espinoza
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Valeria Garcia
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Kevin P Uribe
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Kenichiro Negishi
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Igor L Estevao
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Luis M Carcoba
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Laura E O'Dell
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA; Interdisciplinary Group for Neuroscience Investigation, Training and Education (IGNITE), The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Arshad M Khan
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA; Interdisciplinary Group for Neuroscience Investigation, Training and Education (IGNITE), The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Ian A Mendez
- School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA; Interdisciplinary Group for Neuroscience Investigation, Training and Education (IGNITE), The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA.
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Gilmore B, Reveles K, Frei CR. Electronic cigarette or vaping use among adolescents in the United States: A call for research and legislative action. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1088032. [PMID: 36530666 PMCID: PMC9752070 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1088032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaping among adolescents is increasingly common and may result in poor health outcomes; however, little research has been conducted evaluating the risks of vaping among adolescents and the knowledge and perceptions that drive use. We must gain a better understanding of vaping outcomes and adolescents' perceptions while identifying potential ways to lessen or eradicate the health burdens associated with vaping. This knowledge could then inform robust educational and public health programs to prevent and mitigate vaping among youths. Health education incorporating a target populations' world view, spheres of influence, readiness, motivation, intention, and determination promotes informed decision making. There are few resources currently being allocated to the problem even though legislators and enforcement agencies are aware. We cannot simply rely on existing laws to serve as a sufficient deterrent to prevent underaged usage. Further efforts are needed in the areas of behavioral science, health education, and public policy to tackle this urgent public health concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bretton Gilmore
- Pharmacotherapy Division, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States,Pharmacotherapy Education and Research Center, School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States,*Correspondence: Bretton Gilmore
| | - Kelly Reveles
- Pharmacotherapy Division, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States,Pharmacotherapy Education and Research Center, School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Christopher R. Frei
- Pharmacotherapy Division, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States,Pharmacotherapy Education and Research Center, School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States,Christopher R. Frei
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Harris AC, Muelken P, Alcheva A, Stepanov I, LeSage MG. Cigarette Smoke Extract, but Not Electronic Cigarette Aerosol Extract, Inhibits Monoamine Oxidase in vitro and Produces Greater Acute Aversive/Anhedonic Effects Than Nicotine Alone on Intracranial Self-Stimulation in Rats. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:868088. [PMID: 35712461 PMCID: PMC9196039 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.868088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional tobacco cigarettes appear to have greater abuse liability than non-combusted products such as electronic cigarettes (ECs) and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). This may be due to the higher levels of behaviorally active non-nicotine constituents [e.g., monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors such as β-carbolines] in cigarette smoke (CS) compared to non-combusted products. To evaluate this hypothesis, the current studies compared the relative abuse liability of CS and EC aerosol extracts containing nicotine and a range of non-nicotine constituents to that of nicotine alone (NRT analog) using intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) in rats. Effects of formulations on brain MAO activity in vitro and ex vivo were also studied to evaluate the potential role of MAO inhibition in the ICSS study. CS extract contained higher levels of several behaviorally active non-nicotine constituents (e.g., the β-carbolines norharmane and harmane) than EC extract. Nicotine alone reduced ICSS thresholds at a moderate nicotine dose, suggesting a reinforcement-enhancing effect that may promote abuse liability, and elevated ICSS thresholds at a high nicotine dose, suggesting an aversive/anhedonic effect that may limit abuse liability. CS extract elevated ICSS thresholds to a greater degree than nicotine alone at high nicotine doses. Effects of EC extract on ICSS did not differ from those of nicotine alone. Finally, CS extract significantly inhibited MAO-A and MAO-B activity in vitro, whereas EC extract and nicotine alone did not. None of the formulations inhibited MAO measured ex vivo. These findings indicate greater acute aversive/anhedonic effects for CS extract compared to nicotine alone, suggesting lower abuse liability. Although confirmation of our findings using other dosing regimens, preclinical addiction models, and tobacco product extracts is needed, these findings suggest that the centrally-mediated effects of MAO inhibitors and other non-nicotine constituents may not account for the greater abuse liability of cigarettes compared to non-combusted products. Nonetheless, identifying the specific constituent(s) mediating the effects of CS extracts in this study could help clarify mechanisms mediating tobacco addiction and inform FDA product standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C. Harris
- Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute, Minneapolis, MN, United States,Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States,Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States,*Correspondence: Andrew C. Harris,
| | - Peter Muelken
- Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Aleksandra Alcheva
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Irina Stepanov
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Mark G. LeSage
- Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute, Minneapolis, MN, United States,Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States,Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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Chellian R, Behnood-Rod A, Wilson R, Bruijnzeel AW. Rewarding Effects of Nicotine Self-administration Increase Over Time in Male and Female Rats. Nicotine Tob Res 2021; 23:2117-2126. [PMID: 33987656 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntab097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Smoking and the use of other nicotine-containing products is rewarding in humans. The self-administration of nicotine is also rewarding in male rats. However, it is unknown if there are sex differences in the reward-enhancing effects of nicotine self-administration and if the rewarding effects of nicotine change over time. METHODS Rats were prepared with catheters and intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) electrodes to investigate the effects of nicotine and saline self-administration on reward function. A decrease in thresholds in the ICSS procedure reflects an enhancement of reward function. The ICSS parameters were determined before and after the self-administration sessions from days 1 to 10, and after the self-administration sessions from days 11 to 15. RESULTS During the first 10 days, there was no sex difference in nicotine intake, but during the last 5 days, the females took more nicotine than the males. During the first 10 days, nicotine self-administration did not lower the brain reward thresholds but decreased the response latencies. During the last 5 days, nicotine lowered the reward thresholds and decreased the response latencies. An analysis with the 5-day averages (days 1-5, 6-10, and 11-15) showed that the reward enhancing and stimulatory effects of nicotine increased over time. There were no sex differences in the reward-enhancing and stimulatory effects of nicotine. The nicotinic receptor antagonist mecamylamine diminished the reward-enhancing and stimulatory effects of nicotine. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that the rewarding effects of nicotine self-administration increase over time, and there are no sex differences in the reward-enhancing effects of nicotine self-administration in rats. IMPLICATIONS This study investigated the rewarding effect of nicotine and saline self-administration in male and female rats. The self-administration of nicotine, but not saline, enhanced brain reward function and had stimulatory effects. The rewarding effects of nicotine increased over time in the males and the females. Despite that the females had a higher level of nicotine intake than the males, the reward-enhancing effects of nicotine self-administration were the same. These findings suggest that in new tobacco and e-cigarette users, nicotine's rewarding effects might increase quickly, and a higher level of nicotine use in females might not translate into greater rewarding effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Azin Behnood-Rod
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ryann Wilson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Adriaan W Bruijnzeel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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