Nicotine modulates nitric oxide in rat brain

Better antidepressant efficacy of mecamylamine in combination with L-NAME than with L-arginine

Aff ;ective disorders, including anxiety and mood disorders, are a constellation of psychiatric diseases that aff ;ect over 10 % of the world's population. It has been proposed that drugs that change nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) activity can affect mood- and anxiety-related behaviors. Also, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) is closely associated with the pathophysiology of these disorders. To limit the potential adverse effects of alteration in cholinergic and nitric oxide (NO) systems, we investigated the combined efficacy of subthreshold doses of nAChR antagonist mecamylamine and NO ligands (L-arginine as agonist and l-NAME as an antagonist) on depression- and anxiety-related behaviors in male NMRI mice. Depression-related behaviors using the forced swim test (FST) and anxiety-like activity using the hole-board test were assessed. In our results, mecamylamine (3 mg/kg) showed antidepressant-like properties, and it also tended to have anxiolytic-like effects, though not significant. Concomitant treatment of subthreshold doses of mecamylamine (1 mg/kg) and l-arginine (25 mg/kg), l-NAME (1 mg/kg), or l-arginine/L-NAME were antidepressive. In contrast, l-arginine/L-NAME alone or in associated with mecamylamine showed anxiogenic-like efficacy. Isobolographic analysis exhibited an additive antidepressant effect of the combined subthreshold doses of mecamylamine and l-arginine, and a synergistic antidepressant effect of the combined subthreshold doses of mecamylamine and l-NAME. It should be noted that mecamylamine (3 mg/kg) elicited hypolocomotion. Our results suggest that mecamylamine produces a better antidepressant efficacy in combination with l-NAME than with l-arginine.

Nitric oxide blockade in mediodorsal thalamus impaired nicotine/ethanol-induced memory retrieval in rats via inhibition of prefrontal cortical pCREB/CREB signaling pathway

Reciprocal connections between the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus (MD) and the prefrontal cortex (PFC) are important for memory processes. Since the co-abuse of nicotine and ethanol affects memory formation, this study investigated the effect of nitric oxide inhibition in the MD on memory retrieval induced by co-administration of nicotine and ethanol. Subsequently, western blot analysis was used to evaluate how this change would alter the PFC pCREB/CREB signaling pathway. Male Wistar rats were bilaterally cannulated into the MD and the memory retrieval was measured by passive avoidance task. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of ethanol (1 g/kg, i.p) 30 min before the test impaired memory retrieval and caused ethanol-induced amnesia. Subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of nicotine (0.05-0.2 mg/kg, s.c.) prevented ethanol-induced amnesia and improved memory retrieval. Intra-MD microinjection of a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, L-NAME (0.5-1 μg/rat) inhibited the improving effect of nicotine (0.2 mg/kg, s.c.) on ethanol-induced amnesia, while intra-MD microinjection of a precursor of nitric oxide, l-arginine (0.25-1 μg/rat), potentiated such effect. Noteworthy, intra-MD microinjection of the same doses of L-NAME or l-arginine by itself had no effect on memory retrieval. Furthermore, intra-MD microinjection of L-NAME (0.05, 0.1 and 0.3 μg/rat) reversed the l-arginine improving effect on nicotine response. Successful memory retrieval significantly increased the p-CREB/CREB ratio in the PFC tissue. Ethanol-induced amnesia, however, decreased this ratio in the PFC while the co-administration of nicotine and ethanol increased the PFC CREB signaling. Interestingly, the inhibitory effect of L-NAME and the potentiating effect of l-arginine on nicotine response were associated with the decrease and increase of the PFC p-CREB/CREB ratio respectively. It can be concluded that MD-PFC connections are involved in the combined effects of nicotine and ethanol on memory retrieval. The mediodorsal thalamic NO system possibly mediated this interaction via the pCREB/CREB signaling pathways in the PFC.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant role of resveratrol on nicotine-induced lung changes in male rats

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Nicotine decreased the antioxidant capacities in male rats.

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The lung of nicotine-treated rats showed severe congestion of the alveolar lung tissues.

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Resveratrol exerts its protective effect by alleviating the extent of oxidative status induced by nicotine.

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Resveratrol improve the enzymatic/non-enzymatic antioxidant defense system in rats treated with combination of nicotine and resveratrol.

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Resveratrol decreases the pathological changes in animals against the lung damage caused by nicotine.

Male albino rats of Wistar strain were injected intraperitoneally with nicotine or/and resveratrol for 4 weeks. Serum Interleukin-2, Interleukin-6, alpha-fetoprotein and tumor necrosis-alpha, as well as plasma 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine of nicotine-treated rats were increased significantly. Myeloperoxidase, xanthine oxidase, nitric oxide, lipid peroxidation and total oxidative status of the lung in nicotine-treated rats were increased significantly, which were brought down to normal in resveratrol co-treated group. Endogenous antioxidant status as the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenases were found to be decreased significantly in the lung of the nicotine-treated group, which were significantly raised in resveratrol-administered groups. The non-enzymatic antioxidants as total antioxidant and thiol levels were decreased significantly as the effect of nicotine that was effectively enhanced by resveratrol treatment. The lung of nicotine-treated rats showed severe congestion of the alveolar lung tissues with scattered congestion per bronchiolar and perivascular cells, as well as, inflammatory cells were observed. The data suggested that resveratrol exerts its protective effect by modulating the extent of oxidative status and improving the enzymatic/non-enzymatic antioxidant defense system, moreover, decreases the pathological changes in animals against the lung damage caused by nicotine.

Striatal NOS1 has dimorphic expression and activity under stress and nicotine sensitization

Nicotine exerts its addictive influence through the meso-cortico-limbic reward system, where the striatum is essential. Nicotine addiction involves different neurotransmitters, nitric oxide (NO) being especially important, since it triggers the release of the others by positive feedback. In the nervous system, NO is mainly produced by nitric oxide synthase 1 (NOS1). However, other subtypes of synthases can also synthesize NO, and little is known about the specific role of each isoform in the process of addiction. In parallel, NOS activity and nicotine addiction are also affected by stress and sexual dimorphism. To determine the specific role of this enzyme, we analyzed both NOS expression and NO synthesis in the striatum of wild-type and NOS1-knocked out (KO) mice of both sexes in situations of nicotine sensitization and stress. Our results demonstrated differences between the caudate-putamen (CP) and nucleus accumbens (NA). With respect to NOS1 expression, the CP is a dimorphic region (27.5% lower cell density in males), but with a stable production of NO, exclusively due to this isoform. Thus, the nitrergic system of CP may not be involved in stress or nicotine addiction. Conversely, the NA is much more variable and strongly involved in both situations: its NO synthesis displays dimorphic variations at both basal (68.5% reduction in females) and stress levels (65.9% reduction in males), which disappear when nicotine is infused. Thus, the KO animals showed an increase in NO production (21.7%) in the NA, probably by NOS3, in an attempt to compensate the lack of NOS1.

Effects of chronic nicotine administration on body weight, food intake and nitric oxide concentration in female and male rats

Nicotine is readily consumed through cigarettes; however it is also easily consumed through the various forms of non-prescription nicotine replacement therapy. It has been shown to possess potential therapeutic value for the management of neurologic and neurodegenerative diseases in the last decade. Hence, this study examined the effects of chronic subcutaneous nicotine administration on food intake and body weight as well as on nitric oxide concentrations and total antioxidant capacity in female and male rats. Nicotine was administered to rats via subcutaneous injections at doses of 0.25, 2 and 4mg/kg body weight for 28 days. Control groups received normal saline; the vehicle for nicotine. Food intake by each group was monitored daily and body weight of the animals was measured twice weekly. At the end of drug administration, blood was obtained from each animal via cardiac puncture for biochemical determination of serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and nitric (NO) concentrations using standard assay kits. Results show significant loss (p<0.05) of body weight in all nicotine treated female rats. In contrast, male rats showed weight gain, though this was significantly lower (p<0.001) in nicotine treated groups compared to control. Nicotine significantly reduced (p<0.001) food consumed in both female and male rats; however dose related changes were observed in only male rats. No significant difference was observed in TAC following nicotine treatments for both female and male rats. Furthermore, only males exhibited changes in NO concentrations following nicotine treatment, as it significantly increased (p<0.01) NO concentrations in all male treated groups. In conclusion, this study has shown that modulation of body weight, food consumption and nitric oxide formation by nicotine is sexually dimorphic. Also, the study suggests that nicotine modulation of food intake and body weight and its modulation of NO may be independent of each other.

Sex-influence of nicotine and nitric oxide on motor coordination and anxiety-related neurophysiological responses

RATIONALE

Nitric oxide (NO) is a messenger synthesized in both the neuronal and glial populations by nitric oxide synthase type 1 (NOS1). Nicotine regulates NO production in a sex-dependent manner, both molecules being involved in motor function.

OBJECTIVE

The present study evaluates sex differences in motor coordination, general movement, and anxiety-related responses resulting from both constant and continuous nicotine treatment and the genetic depletion of NOS1 activity.

METHODS

Male and female mice were analyzed with the open-field and the rotarod tests. To understand the role of NO, knockout mice for NOS1 (NOS1-/-) were analyzed. Nicotine was administered continuously at a dose of 24 mg/kg/day via osmotic mini-pumps over 14 days because the behavioral effects elicited are similar to those observed with discontinuous administration.

RESULTS

Data analyses revealed noteworthy sex differences derived from NOS1 depletion. Control NOS1-/- males exhibited an exacerbated anxiety-related response in relation to control NOS1-/- females and control wild-type (WT) males; these differences disappeared in the nicotine-administered NOS1-/- males. Additionally, nicotine administration differentially affected the horizontal movements of NOS1-/- females with respect to WT animals. NO depletion affected male but not female motor coordination improvement along the test days. However, the drug affected female motor coordination only at the end of the administration period.

CONCLUSIONS

We show for the first time that NO affects motor and anxiety behaviors in a sex-dependent manner. Moreover, the behavioral effects of constant nicotine administration are dimorphic and dependent on NO production.

Brain nitric oxide metabolites in rats preselected for nicotine preference and intake

Nicotine addiction is a serious health problem resulting in millions of preventable deaths worldwide. The gas messenger molecule nitric oxide (NO) plays a critical role in addiction, and nicotine increases nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) in the brain. Understanding the factors which underlie individual differences in nicotine preference and intake is important for developing effective therapeutic strategies for smoking cessation. The present study aimed to assess NO activity, by measuring its stable metabolites, in three brain regions that express high levels of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in rats preselected for nicotine preference. Rats (n=88) were exposed to two-bottle, free choice of oral nicotine/water starting either as adolescents or adults; control animals received only water under identical conditions. Following 12 or six weeks of exposure, levels of NOx (nitrite+nitrate), were determined in the hippocampus, frontal cortex, and amygdala. Since the rats were singly housed during oral nicotine treatment, naïve rats were also included in the study to evaluate the effect of isolation stress. Isolation stress increased NOx in the hippocampus. Nicotine preference did not have a significant effect on NO activity, but rats with adolescent exposure had higher NOx levels in the frontal cortex compared to adult-onset rats. Our findings suggest that nicotine exposure during adolescence, regardless of the amount of nicotine consumed, results in higher NO activity in the frontal cortex of rats, which persists through adulthood.

Brain regional heterogeneity and toxicological mechanisms of organophosphates and carbamates

The brain is a well-organized, yet highly complex, organ in the mammalian system. Most investigators use the whole brain, instead of a selected brain region(s), for biochemical analytes as toxicological endpoints. As a result, the obtained data is often of limited value, since their significance is compromised due to a reduced effect, and the investigators often arrive at an erroneous conclusion(s). By now, a plethora of knowledge reveals the brain regional variability for various biochemical/neurochemical determinants. This review describes the importance of brain regional heterogeneity in relation to cholinergic and noncholinergic determinants with particular reference to organophosphate (OP) and carbamate pesticides and OP nerve agents.

TOLERANCE TO PENTYLENTETRAZOL-INDUCED CONVULSIONS AND PROTECTION OF CEREBROVASCULAR INTEGRITY BY CHRONIC NICOTINE

The authors' previous studies have shown that in nicotine-induced seizures sensitivity was decreased and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption was prevented as a consequence of nicotine pretreatment. This study aimed to investigate the possible protective actions of nicotine on cerebrovascular permeability and seizures induced by pentylentetrazol (PTZ) injection. Cerebrovascular effects of nicotine were evaluated by measuring the permeability changes of BBB using Evans-Blue (EB) dye and specific gravity (SG), which indicates brain water and protein content. The experiments were carried out on Wistar rats. Animals were randomly divided into two groups. Convulsions were induced by injection of PTZ (80 mg/kg i.v.) in rats either pretreated with nicotine daily with a low dose of 0.8 mg/kg day for 21 days or injected with a single dose of 6 mg/kg mecamylamine. The same procedures were followed in control rats with the exception that they were injected only with saline. PTZ injection caused tonic-clonic convulsions and increased the EB dye leakage and specific gravity values in saline-injected control rat brains. Daily injection of nicotine lessened the intensity of seizures. These were accompanied by marked decreases in both the leakage of EB and brain water content. Acute administration of a nAChR antagonist mecamylamine significantly increased seizure latency and decreased the duration of seizures. Thereby, mecamylamine reduced the EB leakage and water content in most brain regions. These results indicate that development of tolerance to PTZ convulsions can be produced by chronic nicotine administration in rats. The mechanism for this effect currently needs clarification. Moreover, the data also suggest that cholinergic activity may account for occurrence of PTZ-induced convulsions.

Rodent models of nicotine withdrawal syndrome

Simple, rapid and inexpensive rodent models of nicotine physical dependence and withdrawal syndrome have proved useful for preliminary screening of smoking cessation treatments. They have led to an exponential increase of knowledge regarding the underlying neurobiological mechanisms of dependence and withdrawal syndrome. The human nicotine withdrawal syndrome in smoking cessation is variable and multidimensional, involving irritability, anxiety, depression, cognitive and attentional impairments, weight gain, sleep disturbances, and craving for nicotine. Aside from sleep disturbances, analogous phenomena have been seen in rodent models using different measures of withdrawal intensity. It appears likely that different withdrawal phenomena may involve some partially divergent mechanisms. For example, depression-like phenomena may involve alterations in mechanisms such as the mesolimbic dopamine pathway from the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens. Irritability and anxiety may involve alterations in endogenous opioid systems and other regions, such as the amygdala. This chapter reviews many additional anatomical, neurochemical, and developmental elements that impact nicotine physical dependence.

Interaction between genes and environment in neurodegenerative diseases

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are highly prevalent disorders that account for a large part of the global burden of neurodegenerative diseases. Most AD and PD cases occur sporadically and it is generally agreed that they could arise through interactions among genetic and environmental factors. Candidate genes involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics, neurodegeneration and functioning of dopaminergic neurons were found to be associated with PD. Some of these genes interact with environmental factors that could modify PD risk. Thus, we found that the inverse association between smoking and the risk of PD depended on a polymorphism of the iNOS (inducible NO synthase) gene. We also found that the cytochrome P450 2D6 gene could have a modifying effect on the risk of PD among persons exposed to pesticides. Both interactions have biological plausibility supported by laboratory studies and could contribute to better understand the aetiology of PD. A single susceptibility gene has been identified in sporadic AD. The epsilon4 allele of epsilon polymorphism of the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) is strongly associated with AD, the risk of AD being multiplied by 5 in persons carrying two epsilon4 alleles. The mechanism of the association between APOE and AD is poorly understood. A few interactions between the epsilon polymorphism and possible risk factors for AD have been described. However, these interactions had no biological plausibility and were likely due to chance.

Behavioral Cross-Tolerance between Repeated Intracerebellar Nicotine and Acute Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-Induced Cerebellar Ataxia: Role of Cerebellar Nitric Oxide

We have previously demonstrated that acute intracerebellar nicotine or N-methyl-4-(3-pyridinyl)-3-buten-1-amine (RJR-2403), a selective alpha(4)beta(2) nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonist, dose dependently attenuates Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta(9)THC)-induced ataxia. Presently, we have shown that intracerebellar nicotine (1.25, 2.5, and 5 ng; once daily for 5 days) and RJR-2403 (250, 500, and 750 ng; once daily for 5 days) significantly attenuate cerebellar Delta(9)-THC-induced ataxia dose dependently, suggesting the development of cross-tolerance between nicotine or RJR-2403 with Delta(9)-THC in male CD-1 mice. Intracerebellar RJR-2403 (750 ng) microinfused for 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 days (once daily) significantly attenuated Delta(9)-THC-induced ataxia in the 3-, 5-, and 7-day treatment groups; optimal cross-tolerance was evident at day 5 and persisted till 36 h after the last RJR-2403 microinfusion. Intracerebellar microinfusion of hexamethonium (nAChR antagonist; 1 microg) or dihydro-beta-erythroidine hydrobromide (alpha(4)beta(2) nAChR antagonist; 500 ng) for 5 days 10 min before daily intracerebellar nicotine or RJR-2403 microinfusion virtually abolished cross-tolerance between nicotine or RJR-2403 and Delta(9)-THC, indicating nAChR participation. In addition, microinfusion of antagonists 10 min after daily intracerebellar nicotine or RJR-2403 failed to alter the cross-tolerance, suggesting possible involvement of downstream cerebellar second-messenger mechanisms. Finally, the cerebellar concentration of nitric oxide products [total sum of nitrite + nitrate (NO(x))] was increased after 5 days of intracerebellar nicotine or RJR-2403 treatment, which was decreased by acute intracerebellar Delta(9)-THC treatment. The "nicotine or RJR-2403 + Delta(9)-THC" treatments significantly increased cerebellar NO(x) levels compared with treatment with Delta(9)-THC alone, supporting a functional correlation between cerebellar nitric oxide production and cerebellar Delta(9)-THC-induced ataxia and suggesting participation of nitric oxide in the observed cross-tolerance between nicotine/RJR-2403 and Delta(9)-THC.

Decreased vesicular acetylcholine transporter and α4β2 nicotinic receptor density in the rat brain following 192 IgG-saporin immunolesioning

Degeneration of cholinergic neurons is a well known characteristic of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Two radioligands were studied in a rat model of cholinergic degeneration to evaluate their potential efficacy for molecular imaging of AD. Following specific cholinergic-cell immunolesioning with 192 IgG-saporin (SAP), ex vivo autoradiography was performed with (123)IBVM, a radioligand which targets the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT). Following the decay of (123)I, the same animals had in vitro autoradiography performed with (125)I-A-85380, a marker for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). As expected significant, widespread decreases in (123)IBVM uptake were observed in SAP treated animals. Moderate but significant reductions in (125)I-A-85380 binding in the hippocampus (Hip) and cerebellum (Cbm) were also observed following SAP immunolesioning. The results with (123)IBVM confirm and extend previous work investigating the uptake of radioiodinated IBVM in this animal model. The results with (125)I-A-85380 are unique and are in contrast with work performed in this animal model with other nAChR radioligands, indicating the favourable properties of this radioligand for molecular imaging.

Involvement of the alpha4beta2 nicotinic receptor subtype in nicotine-induced attenuation of delta9-THC cerebellar ataxia: role of cerebellar nitric oxide

We have recently reported that mediation of intracerebellar nicotine-induced attenuation of cerebellar delta9-THC ataxia was via the alpha4beta2 nAChR. The present study was meant to investigate the role of cerebellar nitric oxide (NO)-guanylyl cyclase (GC) signaling in the alpha4beta2-mediated attenuation in CD-1 male mice. Drugs were given via intracerebellar microinfusion using stereotaxically implanted guide cannulas, with ataxia evaluated by Rotorod. Intracerebellar microinfusion of SNP (sodium nitroprusside, NO donor; 15, 30, 60 pg) and SMT (S-methylisothiourea, inhibitor of inducible NO synthase; 70, 140, 280 fg) significantly enhanced and reduced, respectively, intracerebellar RJR-2403 (selective alpha4beta2 agonist)-induced attenuation of delta9-THC ataxia dose-dependently. Intracerebellar isoliquiritigenin (GC-activator; 1, 2, 4 pg) and ODQ (1H[1,2,4]oxadiazolo-[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one, GC inhibitor; 200, 400, 800 fg), significantly enhanced and reduced, respectively, intracerebellar RJR-2403-induced attenuation of delta9-THC ataxia dose-dependently. Further support for the role of NO was evidenced via increases in cerebellar NO(x) (nitrate+nitrite) levels following microinfusion of nicotine or RJR-2403 as compared to control, whereas delta9-THC significantly decreased NO(x) levels. "Nicotine/RJR-2403+delta9-THC" treated mice had cerebellar NO(x) levels significantly increased as compared to mice infused with delta9-THC alone. Results of the present investigation support the role of cerebellar NO-GC signaling in alpha4beta2 nAChR subtype-mediated attenuation of delta9-THC ataxia.

Mediation of glutamatergic receptors and nitric oxide on striatal dopamine release evoked by anatoxin-a. An in vivo microdialysis study

In this work, the involvement of ionotropic glutamatergic receptors and nitric oxide on striatal dopamine release induced by anatoxin-a was investigated in conscious and freely-moving rats. To study the participation of glutamatergic receptors, the effects of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA)/kainate receptors antagonist, 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX), and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists, dizocilpine (MK-801) and d(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (APV), were examined. The perfusion of 3.5 mM anatoxin-a increased the extracellular dopamine levels to 701% relative to the basal. When CNQX was administered with 3.5 mM anatoxin-a, the increase of dopamine levels was 29% smaller than that observed with anatoxin-a alone. When MK-801 and APV were administered, the effect of anatoxin-a was attenuated 26% and 25% respectively in terms of that observed with anatoxin-a alone. And with CNQX plus MK-801, the effect of anatoxin-a was 53% inhibited in terms of the effect of anatoxin-a alone. These results suggest that the striatal dopamine release induced by anatoxin-a is partly mediated by activation of both ionotropic glutamatergic receptors. Since the neuronal form of nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) produces nitric oxide (NO) primarily in response to activation of NMDA receptors, it was tested if NO could play any role in the effect of anatoxin-a. Treatment with NOS inhibitors, L-nitro-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and d(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (7-NI), induced decreased anatoxin-a effects of 22% and 26% respectively. In conclusion, the present in vivo results demonstrate that anatoxin-a induced an indirect activation of ionotropic glutamatergic receptors (NMDA and AMPA/kainite receptors), which stimulate striatal dopamine release. On the other hand, activation of NMDA receptors may elicit NO increased levels enhancing dopamine release.

Evidence for the role of nitric oxide in antiapoptotic and genotoxic effect of nicotine on human gingival fibroblasts

Resistance to apoptosis is essential for cancer survival and plays a critical role in carcinogenesis. Growing evidence suggests that nicotine can act as a tumor promoter, impairing apoptotic process in certain types of human cancer cell lines. Our previous study revealed in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) a concomitant antiapoptotic and genotoxic effect of nicotine, manifested by the attenuation of staurosporine (STP)-induced apoptosis and the increase of micronucleus frequency. The present report provides evidence that nitric oxide (NO) is critically involved in these actions. In vitro treatment with sodium nitroprusside as NO donor showed that NO produced similar effects as those observed with nicotine: it caused DNA damage and partially prevented apoptosis induced by staurosporine. Exposure of HGFs to nicotine, at concentrations similar to those found in the blood of habitual smokers, leads to the production of NO associated with the induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. Experiments using an inhibitor of iNOS, N-monomethyl-L-arginine (NMA), together with nicotine confirmed the involvement of NO in the drug action, abrogating completely cell death and a good part of the genotoxicity. Finally, we show by different approaches that the inhibition of cell death by nicotine through NO release is related to modulation of caspase-1 activation.

DARPP-32 phosphorylation opposes the behavioral effects of nicotine

BACKGROUND

The addictive properties of nicotine are mediated via dopaminergic pathways and their post-synaptic neurons in the striatum. Because post-synaptic neurons within the striatum contain high levels of the dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein of 32 kDa (DARPP-32), we hypothesized that DARPP-32 may functionally contribute to the behavioral effects of nicotine.

METHODS

We examined the behavioral effects of nicotine and the phosphorylation state of DARPP-32 in wild-type (WT) and DARPP-32 knockout (KO) mice. In one experiment, we assessed voluntary nicotine intake (0-50 microg/ml) of WT and KO mice in a two-bottle choice paradigm. In a separate experiment, the motor-depressant effects of acute and repeated nicotine injections (0-.8 mg/kg, subcutaneously [SC]) were assessed. The phosphorylation of DARPP-32 at threonine34 and threonine75 were examined using Western blotting.

RESULTS

A heightened responsiveness to nicotine was seen in KO mice when compared with WT mice in oral intake and motor depression. The enhanced responsiveness in KO mice was not due to alterations in taste sensations, fluid intake, or blood nicotine or cotinine levels. Systemic injections of nicotine resulted in increased striatal DARPP-32 phosphorylation at threonine34 and threonine75.

CONCLUSIONS

DARPP-32 opposes the behavioral effects of nicotine possibly via concurrent phosphorylation at the two threonine sites.

EFFECT of nicotine on hippocampal nicotinic acetylcholine alpha7 receptor and NMDA receptor subunits 2A and 2B expression in young and old rats

Nicotinic acetylcholine (nAChR) and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) play critical roles in memory function. This study administered chronic nicotine to determine the alterations of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit 2A and 2B (NR2A, NR2B) and the alterations of alpha7nAChR receptor. It was determined that the effectivity of nicotine and the data support that nicotine increases hippocampal NR2A and B expression. Additionally, the role of nicotine in the cognitive improvement was not supported by the antioxidative mechanisms or the authors observed no effect of nicotine on lipid peroxidation at the hippocampus.

The effects of nitric oxide on the acquisition and expression of nicotine-induced conditioned place preference in mice

In the present study, the possible role of nitric oxide on the conditioned place preference (CPP) induced by nicotine in mice was investigated. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of nicotine (1 mg/kg) and the nitric oxide (NO) precursor, L-arginine (200 and 500 mg/kg), produced significant place preference. However, injection of mecamylamine (0.05 and 0.1 mg/kg; i.p.) or the NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor, L-Nitro-amino-methyl-ester, L-NAME (5-20 mg/kg; i.p.), had no effect. Ineffective doses of nicotine in combination with ineffective doses of L-arginine produced significant place preference. Administration of L-arginine (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg; i.p.) on the test day reduced the expression of nicotine-induced place preference. Nicotine injection (0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 mg/kg) on the test day reduced the expression of place preference induced by L-arginine, while both mecamylamine (0.05 and 0.1 mg/kg) and L-NAME (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) inhibited the acquisition of place preference induced by nicotine (1 mg/kg) and L-arginine (200 mg/kg). Moreover, neither of the antagonists reduced the expression of nicotine- or L-arginine-induced place preference. It is suggested that nitric oxide may play an important role in nicotine-induced place preference.

Evidence for the role of nitric oxide in nicotine-induced locomotor sensitization in mice

RATIONALE

Nitric oxide (NO) is implicated in both acute effects of addictive drugs and development of dependence to them. We investigated the role of NO in nicotine-induced locomotor sensitization.

OBJECTIVES

The effects of Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a NO synthase inhibitor, and a combination of a NO precursor L-arginine and L-NAME on nicotine-induced locomotor sensitization were investigated in Swiss Webster mice.

METHODS

Sensitization to psychomotor stimulating effect of nicotine was rendered by seven injections of nicotine (1 mg/kg) on every other day. To investigate their effect on the development of sensitization to nicotine, L-NAME (15-60 mg/kg) and L-arginine (1 g/kg) were given before nicotine administration during the first seven sessions. To investigate the effect of these compounds on the expression of nicotine sensitization, after a 4-day drug-free period another group of mice received a challenge injection of nicotine on day 18.

RESULTS

Nicotine (1 mg/kg) produced a robust locomotor sensitization in mice. The doses of 30 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg of L-NAME blocked the development of sensitization to nicotine; and, L-arginine (1 g/kg) pretreatment reversed this effect of L-NAME. Likewise, the doses of 30 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg of L-NAME inhibited the expression of sensitization to nicotine on day 18; and, L-arginine (1 g/kg) pretreatment reversed this inhibitory effect of L-NAME.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that NO is implicated in the development and expression of nicotine-induced locomotor sensitization in mice.

Long-Term Effects of High Doses of Nicotine on Feeding Behavior and Brain Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity in Female Mice

We studied the long-term effects of repeated doses of nicotine, causing dependence, 120 days after its withdrawal on feeding behavior and on brain nitric oxide (NO) formation in female mice. Nicotine dependence was induced by subcutaneous (s.c.) nicotine injection (2 mg/kg, four injections daily) for 14 days. Daily food intake was evaluated for the entire observational period (120 days). Moreover, 30, 60, and 120 days after nicotine withdrawal, we evaluated food intake, nitrite/nitrate levels, and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity and expression in the hypothalamus after food deprivation (24 h). In animals in which nicotine dependence was induced (NM), daily food intake was similar to that of controls (M). However, following food deprivation, NM mice showed i) a significant increase in food intake, ii) changes in weight gain and in hypothalamic nitrite/nitrate levels, and iii) enhancement of hypothalamic neuronal NOS (nNOS) activity. Results indicate that high doses of nicotine producing dependence induce long-term changes in feeding behavior consequent to food deprivation associated to alterations in the brain nitrergic system.

Nitric oxide is involved in nicotine-induced burst firing of rat ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons

In the present study, using single cell recordings in vivo and intracellular recordings in vitro from midbrain slices, the role of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor signaling on firing activity in ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons elicited by nicotine was investigated in the rat. In accordance with previous studies, systemic nicotine (0.5 mg/kg s.c.) increased both firing rate and burst firing of dopamine neurons in vivo, and bath-applied nicotine (10 microM) increased firing rate in vitro. The competitive NMDA receptor antagonist CGP39551 (2.5 mg/kg i.p.) inhibited nicotine's effects on burst firing and also attenuated the nicotine-induced increase in firing rate. Moreover, although the nitric oxide (NO)-synthase inhibitor N-nitro-l-arginine-methyl-ester (l-NAME; 5.0 mg/kg i.p.) had no effect on cell firing by itself, it prevented the response to nicotine in vivo. In contrast, l-NAME (100 microM) did not influence nicotine's effect on dopamine cell firing in vitro, suggesting that the effect of l-NAME seen in vivo is dependent on presynaptic afferent input. The present study confirms previous results suggesting that the effect of systemically administered nicotine is in part presynaptic and mediated via NMDA receptors. The data also indicate that NO plays an important role in the previously demonstrated, indirect, glutamate-mediated excitation of these neurons by nicotine. By inference, our results provide additional support for the involvement of NO in nicotine dependence.

The effect of nitric oxide synthase inhibition on cognitive ability and strategies employed for place learning in the water maze: sex differences

Male and female rats use different cognitive strategies in the solution of place-learning problems in the water maze despite similar abilities. The female-type strategy has been negatively correlated with cortical nitric oxide (NO) metabolites. The present study aimed to examine the effect of NO synthase (NOS) inhibition (N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine, L-NA) on cognitive ability and strategy in the water maze, and to evaluate possible sex differences. In a 2 (male versus female) x2 (L-NA versus saline) factorial design, rats were trained to find the platform (visible or hidden), always in the same position, for 12 days. L-NA impaired acquisition, during the earlier phases and more prominently in females. This impairment was quite dramatic and unique to females during the first day that the platform was hidden following 3 days of visible-platform conditions. After acquisition, the visible platform's position was shifted, thereby presenting the rats with a choice (searching for the hidden platform in the previous location, i.e. adopting a conceptual cognitive style, or escaping to the visible platform in a new position, i.e. adopting a perceptual style). On the first of the four shift trials (where the newly positioned platform was proximal to the rat's starting position), female rats showed the previously found tendency to adopt a perceptual style escape directly in clear contrast to saline-treated males. The L-NA-treated males tended to manifest female-like perceptual style, suggesting that inhibition of NO synthesis in males weakened the tendency to choose a conceptual style in this shifted-platform task. The role of NO in both cognitive and non-cognitive psychological functions is discussed.

Mechanism of nicotine-evoked release of 3H-noradrenaline in human cerebral cortex slices

1. The mechanism of stimulation of noradrenaline (NA) release by nicotine (NIC) was investigated in human cerebral cortex slices preloaded with 3H-noradrenaline. 2 NIC (10-1000 micro M) increased 3H-NA release in a concentration-dependent manner. 3. NIC (100 micro M)-evoked 3H-NA release was largely dependent on external Ca2+, and was attenuated by omega-conotoxin GVIA (0.1 micro M) but not by nitrendipine (1 micro M). 4. Tetrodotoxin (1 micro M) and nisoxetine (0.1 micro M) attenuated the NIC (100 micro M)-evoked release of 3H-NA. 5. Mecamylamine (10 micro M), dihydro-beta-erythroidine (10 micro M) and d-tubocurarine (30 micro M), but not alpha-bungarotoxin (alpha-BTX, 0.1 micro M), attenuated the NIC (100 micro M)-evoked release of 3H-NA. 6. NIC (100 micro M)-evoked release of 3H-NA was not affected by 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX, 30 micro M) and D(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (D-AP5, 100 micro M), but attenuated by MK-801 (10 micro M). MK-801 (0.1-1000 micro M) displaced the specific binding of 3H-nisoxetine with K(i) values of 91.2 micro M. NIC (100, 300 and 1000 micro M) did not induce 3H-D-aspartate release in human cerebral cortex slices. 7. NIC (100 micro M)-evoked release of 3H-NA was attenuated by 7-nitroindazole (10 micro M), N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester HCl (L-NAME, 30 micro M), N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine acetate (L-NMMA, 300 micro M). [(3)H]-NA release induced by NIC (100 micro M) was attenuated by methylene blue (3 micro M) and 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazole[4,3-alpha]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, 10 micro M), and enhanced by zaprinast (30 micro M). 8. In conclusion, NIC stimulates the release of 3H-NA through activation of alpha-BTX-insensitive nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the human cerebral cortex slices and this action of NIC is associated with modulation of the NO/cGMP pathway.

Spreading depression-induced preconditioning in the mouse cortex: differential changes in the protein expression of ionotropic nicotinic acetylcholine and glutamate receptors

Preconditioning of the cerebral cortex was induced in mice by repeated cortical spreading depression (CSD), and the major ionotropic glutamate (GluRs) and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChRs) subunits were compared by quantitative immunoblotting between sham- and preconditioned cortex, 24 h after treatment. A 30% reduction in alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-iso- xazolepropionate (AMPA) GluR1 and 2 subunit immunoreactivities was observed in the preconditioned cortex (p < 0.03), but there was no significant change in the NMDA receptor subunits, NR1, NR2A and NR2B. A 12-15-fold increase in alpha7 nAChR subunit expression following in vivo CSD (p < 0.001) was by far the most remarkable change associated with preconditioning. In contrast, the alpha4 nAChR subunit was not altered. These data point to the alpha7 nAChR as a potential new target for neuroprotection because preconditioning increases consistently the tolerance of the brain to acute insults such as ischaemia. These data complement recent studies implicating alpha7 nAChR overexpression in the amelioration of chronic neuropathologies, notably Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Effects of chronic nicotine administration on nitric oxide synthase expression and activity in rat brain

Although there is substantial evidence concerning the influence of nicotine on nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in the vascular system, there are fewer studies concerning the central nervous system. Although NO metabolites (nitrates/nitrites) increase in several rat brain regions after chronic injection of nicotine, the cellular origin of this rise in NO levels is not known. The aim of the present work was to assess the effects of repetitive nicotine administration on nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression and activity in male and female rat brains. To determine levels of nitrate/nitrite, the Griess reaction was carried out in tissue micropunched from the frontal cortex, striatum, and accumbens of both male and female rats untreated (naïve) or injected with saline or nicotine (0.4 mg/kg for 15 days). In parallel, coronal sections of fixed brains from equally treated animals were immunostained for neuronal NOS or histochemically labelled for NADPH-diaphorase activity. Nicotine treatment increased NO metabolites significantly in all brain regions compared with naïve or saline-treated rats. By contrast, analysis of the planimetric counting of NOS/NADPH-diaphorase-positive neurons failed to demonstrate any significant effect of the nicotine treatment. A significant decrease was observed with both techniques employed in saline-injected female rats compared with naïve animals, suggesting a stress response. The mismatch between the biochemical and the histological data after chronic nicotine treatment is discussed. The up-regulation of NO sources other than neurons is proposed.