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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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Wills L, Ables JL, Braunscheidel KM, Caligiuri SPB, Elayouby KS, Fillinger C, Ishikawa M, Moen JK, Kenny PJ. Neurobiological Mechanisms of Nicotine Reward and Aversion. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:271-310. [PMID: 35017179 PMCID: PMC11060337 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) regulate the rewarding actions of nicotine contained in tobacco that establish and maintain the smoking habit. nAChRs also regulate the aversive properties of nicotine, sensitivity to which decreases tobacco use and protects against tobacco use disorder. These opposing behavioral actions of nicotine reflect nAChR expression in brain reward and aversion circuits. nAChRs containing α4 and β2 subunits are responsible for the high-affinity nicotine binding sites in the brain and are densely expressed by reward-relevant neurons, most notably dopaminergic, GABAergic, and glutamatergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area. High-affinity nAChRs can incorporate additional subunits, including β3, α6, or α5 subunits, with the resulting nAChR subtypes playing discrete and dissociable roles in the stimulatory actions of nicotine on brain dopamine transmission. nAChRs in brain dopamine circuits also participate in aversive reactions to nicotine and the negative affective state experienced during nicotine withdrawal. nAChRs containing α3 and β4 subunits are responsible for the low-affinity nicotine binding sites in the brain and are enriched in brain sites involved in aversion, including the medial habenula, interpeduncular nucleus, and nucleus of the solitary tract, brain sites in which α5 nAChR subunits are also expressed. These aversion-related brain sites regulate nicotine avoidance behaviors, and genetic variation that modifies the function of nAChRs in these sites increases vulnerability to tobacco dependence and smoking-related diseases. Here, we review the molecular, cellular, and circuit-level mechanisms through which nicotine elicits reward and aversion and the adaptations in these processes that drive the development of nicotine dependence. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Tobacco use disorder in the form of habitual cigarette smoking or regular use of other tobacco-related products is a major cause of death and disease worldwide. This article reviews the actions of nicotine in the brain that contribute to tobacco use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Wills
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York
| | - Jessica L Ables
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York
| | - Kevin M Braunscheidel
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York
| | - Stephanie P B Caligiuri
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York
| | - Karim S Elayouby
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York
| | - Clementine Fillinger
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York
| | - Masago Ishikawa
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York
| | - Janna K Moen
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York
| | - Paul J Kenny
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York
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Abstract
Despite the evidence that the muscarinic agonist arecoline is a drug of abuse throughout Southeast Asia, its stimulus characteristics have not been well studied. The goal of this work was to understand more about the mediation of discriminative stimulus effects of arecoline. Arecoline (1.0 mg/kg s.c.) was trained as a discriminative stimulus in a group of eight rats. The ability of various cholinergic agonists and antagonists to mimic or antagonize the discriminative stimulus effects of arecoline and to modify its rate-suppressing effects was evaluated. A muscarinic antagonist, but neither of two nicotinic antagonists, was able to modify the discriminative stimulus effects of arecoline, suggesting a predominant muscarinic basis of arecoline's discriminative stimulus effects in this assay. However, both nicotine itself and two nicotine agonists with selective affinity for the α4β2* receptor (ispronicline and metanicotine) produced full arecoline-like discriminative stimulus effects in these rats. The discriminative stimulus effects of the selective nicotine agonists were blocked by both the general nicotine antagonist mecamylamine and by the selective α4β2* antagonist, dihydro-beta-erythroidine (DHβE). Surprisingly, only DHβE antagonized the rate-suppressing effects of the selective nicotine agonists. These data indicate a selective α4β2* nicotine receptor component to the behavioral effects of arecoline. Although the nicotinic aspects of arecoline's behavior effects could suggest that abuse of arecoline-containing material (e.g. betel nut chewing) is mediated through nicotinic rather than muscarinic actions, further research, specifically on the reinforcing effects of arecoline, is necessary before this conclusion can be supported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gail Winger
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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Abstract
Human behavior can be controlled by physical or psychological dependencies associated with addiction. One of the most insidious addictions in our society is the use of tobacco products which contain nicotine. This addiction can be associated with specific receptors in the brain that respond to the natural neurotransmitter acetylcholine. These nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) are ligand-gated ion channels formed by the assembly of one or multiple types of nAChR receptor subunits. In this paper, we review the structure and diversity of nAChR subunits and our understanding for how different nAChR subtypes play specific roles in the phenomenon of nicotine addiction. We focus on receptors containing β2 and/or α6 subunits and the special significance of α5-containing receptors. These subtypes all have roles in regulating dopamine-mediated neurotransmission in the mesolimbic reward pathways of the brain. We also discuss the unique roles of homomeric α7 nAChR in behavioral responses to nicotine and how our knowledge of nAChR functional diversity may help guide pharmacotherapeutic approaches for treating nicotine addiction. While nicotine addiction is a truly global problem, the use of areca nut (betel) products is also a serious addiction associated with public health issues across most of South Asia, impacting as many as 600 million people. We discuss how cholinergic receptors of the brain are also involved with areca addiction and the unique challenges for dealing with addiction to this substance.
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Neural circuits and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors mediate the cholinergic regulation of midbrain dopaminergic neurons and nicotine dependence. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2020; 41:1-9. [PMID: 31554960 PMCID: PMC7468330 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-019-0299-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Midbrain dopaminergic (DA) neurons are governed by an endogenous cholinergic system, originated in the mesopontine nuclei. Nicotine hijacks nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and interferes with physiological function of the cholinergic system. In this review, we describe the anatomical organization of the cholinergic system and the key nAChR subtypes mediating cholinergic regulation of DA transmission and nicotine reward and dependence, in an effort to identify potential targets for smoking intervention. Cholinergic modulation of midbrain DA systems relies on topographic organization of mesopontine cholinergic projections, and activation of nAChRs in midbrain DA neurons. Previous studies have revealed that α4, α6, and β2 subunit-containing nAChRs expressed in midbrain DA neurons and their terminals in the striatum regulate firings of midbrain DA neurons and activity-dependent dopamine release in the striatum. These nAChRs undergo modification upon chronic nicotine exposure. Clinical investigation has demonstrated that partial agonists of these receptors elevate the success rate of smoking cessation relative to placebo. However, further investigations are required to refine the drug targets to mitigate unpleasant side-effects.
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Hauser SR, Knight CP, Truitt WA, Waeiss RA, Holt IS, Carvajal GB, Bell RL, Rodd ZA. Adolescent Intermittent Ethanol Increases the Sensitivity to the Reinforcing Properties of Ethanol and the Expression of Select Cholinergic and Dopaminergic Genes within the Posterior Ventral Tegmental Area. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2019; 43:1937-1948. [DOI: 10.1111/acer.14150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sheketha R. Hauser
- Department of Psychiatry Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis Indiana
| | | | - William A. Truitt
- Department of Psychiatry Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis Indiana
| | - Robert Aaron Waeiss
- Program in Medical Neuroscience Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis Indiana
| | - Ian S. Holt
- Department of Psychiatry Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis Indiana
| | - Gustavo B. Carvajal
- Department of Psychiatry Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis Indiana
| | - Richard L. Bell
- Department of Psychiatry Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis Indiana
| | - Zachary A. Rodd
- Department of Psychiatry Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis Indiana
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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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Garcia‐Rivas V, Deroche‐Gamonet V. Not all smokers appear to seek nicotine for the same reasons: implications for preclinical research in nicotine dependence. Addict Biol 2019; 24:317-334. [PMID: 29480575 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Tobacco use leads to 6 million deaths every year due to severe long-lasting diseases. The main component of tobacco, nicotine, is recognized as one of the most addictive drugs, making smoking cessation difficult, even when 70 percent of smokers wish to do so. Clinical and preclinical studies have demonstrated consistently that nicotine seeking is a complex behavior involving various psychopharmacological mechanisms. Evidence supports that the population of smokers is heterogeneous, particularly as regards the breadth of motives that determine the urge to smoke. Here, we review converging psychological, genetic and neurobiological data from clinical and preclinical studies supporting that the mechanisms controlling nicotine seeking may vary from individual to individual. It appears timely that basic neuroscience integrates this heterogeneity to refine our understanding of the neurobiology of nicotine seeking, as tremendous progress has been made in modeling the various psychopharmacological mechanisms driving nicotine seeking in rodents. For a better understanding of the mechanisms that drive nicotine seeking, we emphasize the need for individual-based research strategies in which nicotine seeking, and eventually treatment efficacy, are determined while taking into account individual variations in the mechanisms of nicotine seeking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vernon Garcia‐Rivas
- Université de Bordeaux France
- INSERM U1215, Psychobiology of Drug AddictionNeuroCentre Magendie France
| | - Véronique Deroche‐Gamonet
- Université de Bordeaux France
- INSERM U1215, Psychobiology of Drug AddictionNeuroCentre Magendie France
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Peng C, Yan Y, Kim VJ, Engle SE, Berry JN, McIntosh JM, Neve RL, Drenan RM. Gene editing vectors for studying nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in cholinergic transmission. Eur J Neurosci 2018; 50:2224-2238. [PMID: 29779223 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), prototype members of the cys-loop ligand-gated ion channel family, are key mediators of cholinergic transmission in the central nervous system. Despite their importance, technical gaps exist in our ability to dissect the function of individual subunits in the brain. To overcome these barriers, we designed CRISPR/Cas9 small guide RNA sequences (sgRNAs) for the production of loss-of-function alleles in mouse nAChR genes. These sgRNAs were validated in vitro via deep sequencing. We subsequently targeted candidate nAChR genes in vivo by creating herpes simplex virus (HSV) vectors delivering sgRNAs and Cas9 expression to mouse brain. The production of loss-of-function insertions or deletions (indels) by these 'all-in-one' HSV vectors was confirmed using brain slice patch clamp electrophysiology coupled with pharmacological analysis. Next, we developed a scheme for cell type-specific gene editing in mouse brain. Knockin mice expressing Cas9 in a Cre-dependent manner were validated using viral microinjections and genetic crosses to common Cre-driver mouse lines. We subsequently confirmed functional Cas9 activity by targeting the ubiquitous neuronal protein, NeuN, using adeno-associated virus (AAV) delivery of sgRNAs. Finally, the mouse β2 nAChR gene was successfully targeted in dopamine transporter (DAT)-positive neurons via CRISPR/Cas9. The sgRNA sequences and viral vectors, including our scheme for Cre-dependent gene editing, should be generally useful to the scientific research community. These tools could lead to new discoveries related to the function of nAChRs in neurotransmission and behavioral processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Peng
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior Street, Searle 5-450, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Yijin Yan
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior Street, Searle 5-450, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Veronica J Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior Street, Searle 5-450, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Staci E Engle
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Jennifer N Berry
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - J Michael McIntosh
- George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Departments of Psychiatry and Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Rachael L Neve
- Gene Delivery Technology Core, Massachusetts General Hospital, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ryan M Drenan
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior Street, Searle 5-450, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
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