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Bekci E, Gokmen RC, Kanit L, Gozen O, Balkan B, Koylu EO, Keser A. Enhanced Novel Object Recognition and Spatial Memory in Rats Selectively Bred for High Nicotine Preference. Brain Sci 2024; 14:427. [PMID: 38790406 PMCID: PMC11118842 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14050427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This study examined the influence of genetic background on cognitive performance in a selectively bred high nicotine-preferring (NP) rat line. Using the novel object recognition (NOR), novel location recognition (NLR), and Morris water maze (MWM) tests, we evaluated object memory, spatial memory, and spatial navigation in nicotine-naive NP rats compared to controls. Our results demonstrate that in the NOR test, both male and female NP rats spent more time exploring the novel object (higher discrimination index) compared to sex-matched controls. In the NLR, the discrimination index differed significantly from zero chance (no preference) in both NP males and females but not in controls, indicating enhanced spatial memory in the NP line. During MWM acquisition, the NP groups and control males took a shorter path to reach the platform compared to control females. On the probe trial, the distance traveled in the target quadrant was longer for NP males and females compared to their respective controls, suggesting enhanced spatial navigation and learning in the NP rats. The interesting preference for novel objects and locations displayed by NP rats may indicate a potential novelty-seeking phenotype in this line. These results highlight the complex interplay between genetic factors, cognitive function, and nicotine preference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eren Bekci
- Neuroscience Department, Institute of Health Sciences, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Ramazan Can Gokmen
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Lutfiye Kanit
- Neuroscience Department, Institute of Health Sciences, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Oguz Gozen
- Neuroscience Department, Institute of Health Sciences, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Burcu Balkan
- Neuroscience Department, Institute of Health Sciences, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Ersin O. Koylu
- Neuroscience Department, Institute of Health Sciences, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Aysegul Keser
- Neuroscience Department, Institute of Health Sciences, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
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Bayoglu M, Ozturk Bintepe M, Kanit L, Balkan B, Gozen O, Koylu EO, Keser A. Decreased anxiety-like behavior in a selectively bred high nicotine-preferring rat line. Int J Neurosci 2023:1-11. [PMID: 37929683 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2023.2279505] [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: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Genetic vulnerability contributes significantly to the individual variability observed in nicotine dependence. Selective breeding for sensitivity to a particular effect of abused drugs has produced rodent lines useful for studying genetic vulnerability to drug addiction. Previous research showed that anxiety-related personality traits are associated with nicotine dependence. Therefore, we examined the differences in anxiety-like behavior between a high nicotine-preferring rat line and their controls. At the beginning of the study, all rats, naïve to any drug, were exposed sequentially to open field arena, marble-burying and elevated plus-maze paradigms. In the second step, all rats received nicotine in drinking water for 7 weeks. Behavioral tests were rerun on the final 2 weeks of chronic nicotine treatment. Elevated plus-maze testings under basal condition and during chronic nicotine treatment showed that the time spent on the open arms, preference for being in the open arms, and the latency to enter the closed arms were higher, whereas open arm avoidance index was lower in nicotine-preferring rats compared to the controls. In the open field test, nicotine-preferring rats spent longer time in the central zone and excreted less fecal pellets; they buried less marbles in the marble-burying test. These findings indicate a lower level of anxiety-like behavior in nicotine-preferring rat line under basal conditions and during chronic nicotine treatment. We conclude that lower anxiety level in nicotine-preferring rat line is consistent with novelty-seeking personality type and may increase vulnerability to nicotine dependence in this rat line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Bayoglu
- Neuroscience Department, Ege University, Institute of Health Sciences, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - Lutfiye Kanit
- Neuroscience Department, Ege University, Institute of Health Sciences, Izmir, Turkey
- Faculty of Medicine, Physiology Department, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
- Center for Brain Research, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Burcu Balkan
- Neuroscience Department, Ege University, Institute of Health Sciences, Izmir, Turkey
- Faculty of Medicine, Physiology Department, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
- Center for Brain Research, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Oguz Gozen
- Neuroscience Department, Ege University, Institute of Health Sciences, Izmir, Turkey
- Faculty of Medicine, Physiology Department, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
- Center for Brain Research, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ersin O Koylu
- Neuroscience Department, Ege University, Institute of Health Sciences, Izmir, Turkey
- Faculty of Medicine, Physiology Department, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
- Center for Brain Research, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Aysegul Keser
- Neuroscience Department, Ege University, Institute of Health Sciences, Izmir, Turkey
- Faculty of Medicine, Physiology Department, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
- Center for Brain Research, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
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Chellian R, Behnood-Rod A, Bruijnzeel AW. Development of Dependence in Smokers and Rodents With Voluntary Nicotine Intake: Similarities and Differences. Nicotine Tob Res 2023; 25:1229-1240. [PMID: 36482774 PMCID: PMC10256892 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntac280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Smoking and vaping throughout adolescence and early adulthood lead to nicotine dependence. Nicotine withdrawal is associated with somatic and affective withdrawal symptoms that contribute to smoking and relapse. Affective nicotine withdrawal symptoms in humans include craving for cigarettes, depression, anxiety, trouble sleeping, and cognitive deficits. METHODS Herein, we review clinical studies that investigated nicotine dependence in people who smoke or vape. We also discuss studies that investigated the development of dependence in animals with oral nicotine intake, nicotine aerosol self-administration, and intravenous nicotine self-administration. RESULTS Clinical studies report that adolescents who smoke daily develop nicotine dependence before those who smoke infrequently, but ultimately all smokers become dependent in adulthood. Preclinical studies indicate that rats that self-administer nicotine also become dependent. Rats that self-administer nicotine display somatic withdrawal signs and affective withdrawal signs, including increased anxiety and depressive-like behavior, cognitive deficits, and allodynia. Most nicotine withdrawal signs were observed in rodents with daily (7 days/week) or intermittent long access (23-hour) to nicotine. Clinical smoking studies report symptoms of nicotine dependence in adolescents of both sexes, but virtually all preclinical nicotine self-administration studies have been done with adult male rats. CONCLUSIONS The role of sex and age in the development of dependence in nicotine self-administration studies remains under-investigated. However, the role of sex and age in nicotine withdrawal has been thoroughly evaluated in studies in which nicotine was administered noncontingently. We discuss the need for volitional nicotine self-administration studies that explore the gradual development of dependence during adolescence and adulthood in rodents of both sexes. IMPLICATIONS The reviewed clinical studies investigated the development of nicotine dependence in male and female adolescent and young adult smokers and vapers. These studies indicate that most adolescent smokers and vapers gradually become nicotine dependent. Preclinical studies with rodents show that nicotine intake in widely used self-administration models also leads to dependence. However, almost all animal studies that investigated the development of nicotine dependence have been conducted with adult male rats. To better model smoking and vaping, it is important that nicotine intake in rats or mice starts during adolescence and that both sexes are included.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Azin Behnood-Rod
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Adriaan W Bruijnzeel
- Corresponding Author: Adriaan Bruijnzeel, PhD, University of Florida, Department of Psychiatry, 1149 Newell Dr., Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA. Telephone: 352-294-4931; Fax: 352-392-9887; E-mail:
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Carstens E, Carstens MI. Sensory Effects of Nicotine and Tobacco. Nicotine Tob Res 2022; 24:306-315. [PMID: 33955474 PMCID: PMC8842437 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntab086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ingestion of nicotine by smoking, vaping, or other means elicits various effects including reward, antinociception, and aversion due to irritation, bitter taste, and unpleasant side effects such as nausea and dizziness. AIMS AND METHODS Here we review the sensory effects of nicotine and the underlying neurobiological processes. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Nicotine elicits oral irritation and pain via the activation of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) expressed by trigeminal nociceptors. These nociceptors excite neurons in the trigeminal subnucleus caudalis (Vc) and other brainstem regions in a manner that is significantly reduced by the nAChR antagonist mecamylamine. Vc neurons are excited by lingual application of nicotine and exhibit a progressive decline in firing to subsequent applications, consistent with desensitization of peripheral sensory neurons and progressively declining ratings of oral irritation in human psychophysical experiments. Nicotine also elicits a nAChR-mediated bitter taste via excitation of gustatory afferents. Nicotine solutions are avoided even when sweeteners are added. Studies employing oral self-administration have yielded mixed results: Some studies show avoidance of nicotine while others report increased nicotine intake over time, particularly in adolescents and females. Nicotine is consistently reported to increase human pain threshold and tolerance levels. In animal studies, nicotine is antinociceptive when delivered by inhalation of tobacco smoke or systemic infusion, intrathecally, and by intracranial microinjection in the pedunculopontine tegmentum, ventrolateral periaqueductal gray, and rostral ventromedial medulla. The antinociception is thought to be mediated by descending inhibition of spinal nociceptive transmission. Menthol cross-desensitizes nicotine-evoked oral irritation, reducing harshness that may account for its popularity as a flavor additive to tobacco products. IMPLICATIONS Nicotine activates brain systems underlying reward and antinociception, but at the same time elicits aversive sensory effects including oral irritation and pain, bitter taste, and other unpleasant side effects mediated largely by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). This review discusses the competing aversive and antinociceptive effects of nicotine and exposure to tobacco smoke, and the underlying neurobiology. An improved understanding of the interacting effects of nicotine will hopefully inform novel approaches to mitigate nicotine and tobacco use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Earl Carstens
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - M Iodi Carstens
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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Ozturk B, Pogun S, Kanit L. Increased alcohol preference and intake in nicotine-preferring rats. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2020; 46:408-420. [PMID: 31860364 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2019.1695808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol and tobacco are among the leading substances that are misused together and shared genetic vulnerability is likely. Increased susceptibility to nicotine self-administration has been shown in alcohol-preferring rat-lines. However, a nicotine-preferring (nP) rat-line has not been studied for alcohol preference. OBJECTIVES To evaluate alcohol preference and intake in male and female nP rats. We hypothesized that nP rats and females would drink more ethanol than control rats and males, respectively. METHODS nP rats are being selectively outbred for high oral nicotine intake at Ege University. Seventeen nP (18th generation) and 20 naïve female and male SD rats, not previously exposed to alcohol or nicotine, were used. Twelve-week-old rats were given intermittent access to 20% ethanol in a 2-bottle-choice-procedure for six weeks. After one week withdrawal, six weeks of oral nicotine self-administration was applied. RESULTS nP rats drank significantly more ethanol than controls and their preference for ethanol over water was higher. Female rats' ethanol intake was higher than males'. The nP rats' nicotine preference and intake were higher than controls, and they gained less weight. CONCLUSION We have shown for the first time that nP rats also have high alcohol intake. Our results support the hypothesis that shared genetic factors may underlie concurrent addiction to nicotine and alcohol and have translational value in understanding their misuse. Considering the increased vulnerability for alcohol use disorder in smokers and sex differences observed, early preventive measures in families with a history of tobacco addiction, specifically targeting female members, could have public health benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baran Ozturk
- Center for Brain Research and School of Medicine Department of Physiology, Ege University , Izmir, Turkey
| | - Sakire Pogun
- Center for Brain Research and School of Medicine Department of Physiology, Ege University , Izmir, Turkey
| | - Lutfiye Kanit
- Center for Brain Research and School of Medicine Department of Physiology, Ege University , Izmir, Turkey
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Bagdas D, Diester CM, Riley J, Carper M, Alkhlaif Y, AlOmari D, Alayoubi H, Poklis JL, Damaj MI. Assessing nicotine dependence using an oral nicotine free-choice paradigm in mice. Neuropharmacology 2019; 157:107669. [PMID: 31220484 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Models to assess the addictive-like properties of nicotine in mice are limited. Therefore, we aimed to characterize and validate an addiction index by using an oral nicotine free-choice paradigm in mice. Adult C57BL/6J, DBA/2J, or genetically modified mice carrying deletions for nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunits, (n = 8-10/sex/group) were given a choice of water or nicotine (10-960 μg/ml) solution using a two-bottle free-choice (2BC) paradigm. In general, oral nicotine intake and preference were higher in female mice compared to males. Absence of nicotine led to withdrawal, and intermittent access resulted in an escalation in consumption and greater nicotine withdrawal than continuous exposure. Additionally, oral nicotine consumption increased nucleus accumbens tyrosine hydroxylase levels. While β2 and α6 KO mice showed a significant decrease in nicotine intake, deletion of α5 nAChRs increased nicotine consumption at high concentrations. Deletion of the α7 subunit altered the observed sex difference in nicotine consumption, with females consuming less than males. The α4β2 partial agonist varenicline decreased oral nicotine consumption. Although addition of quinine to the nicotine solution lowered nicotine intake, mice primed with nicotine did not lower their intake after quinine addition. Nicotine deprivation followed by re-exposure showed increased nicotine consumption, and DBA/2J mice consumed less nicotine compared to C57BL/6J. We validated the mouse 2BC paradigm to study nicotine's addictive-like properties including nicotine intake, preference, withdrawal, and escalation of nicotine consumption during binge drinking or after reinstatement of a deprivation period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Bagdas
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298-0613, USA; The Center for the Study for Tobacco Products, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298-0613, USA
| | - Clare M Diester
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298-0613, USA
| | - Jason Riley
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298-0613, USA
| | - Moriah Carper
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298-0613, USA
| | - Yasmin Alkhlaif
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298-0613, USA
| | - Dana AlOmari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298-0613, USA
| | - Hala Alayoubi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298-0613, USA
| | - Justin L Poklis
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298-0613, USA
| | - M Imad Damaj
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298-0613, USA; The Center for the Study for Tobacco Products, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298-0613, USA.
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Sharp BM, Chen H. Neurogenetic determinants and mechanisms of addiction to nicotine and smoked tobacco. Eur J Neurosci 2018; 50:2164-2179. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Burt M. Sharp
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics College of Medicine University of Tennessee Health Science Center 19 S. Manassas, CRB #220 Memphis TN 38103 USA
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Pharmacology University of Tennessee Health Science Center Memphis TN USA
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Pogun S, Yararbas G, Nesil T, Kanit L. Sex differences in nicotine preference. J Neurosci Res 2017; 95:148-162. [PMID: 27870459 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Revised: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Smoking is the major cause of preventable deaths worldwide, and although there is a decline in overall smoking prevalence in developed countries, the decline in women is less pronounced than in men. Women become dependent faster and experience greater difficulties in quitting. Similar trends have been observed in animal models of nicotine/tobacco addiction. Individual differences in vulnerability to drug abuse are also observed in nicotine/tobacco addiction and point to the importance of sex differences. This Review, summarizes findings from three experimental approaches used to depict nicotine preference in animal models, intravenous and oral nicotine self-administration and nicotine-induced conditioned place preference. Nicotine preference is considered to be reflected in the animal's motivation to administer the drug (intravenously or orally) or to prefer an environment paired with the presence of the drug (conditioned place preference). These approaches all point to the importance of sex and age of the subjects; the preference of females and adolescents appear to be more pronounced than that of males and adults, respectively. A closer look at these factors will help us understand the mechanisms that underlie nicotine addiction and develop strategies to cope. Ignoring sex differences and reaching conclusions based only on studies using male subjects has resulted in erroneous generalizations in the past. Sex differences in nicotine preference have been clearly documented, and awareness on this aspect of nicotine dependence will significantly impact our success in translational research. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakire Pogun
- Center for Brain Research, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gorkem Yararbas
- Institute on Drug Abuse, Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Science, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Tanseli Nesil
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Lutfiye Kanit
- Center for Brain Research, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey.,Physiology Department, School of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
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Nesil T, Kanit L, Pogun S. Nicotine intake and problem solving strategies are modified during a cognitively demanding water maze task in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2015; 138:156-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2015.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Revised: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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