From phenomenon to mechanism: an investigational strategy

Phenelzine produces subsensitivity to nicotine

1. The authors attempted to detect a possible effect of treatment with phenelzine on a physiological response to nicotine in the rat. 2. Positive findings in an animal model suggest the feasibility of more complicated experiments in animals and the possibility of studies involving human subjects. 3. Treatment of Sprague Dawley rats (n = 10) with phenelzine sulfate (15.0 mg/kg ip) every 48 hours for 14 days was associated with a 73.3% decrease in the hypothermic response to nicotine. 4. Treatment with phenelzine did not enhance the rate of elimination of nicotine. 5. The authors discuss a possible relationship between changes in nicotinic mechanisms and the therapeutic actions of drugs used to treat affective illness.