Sex steroid hormone levels associated with dopamine D_2/3 receptor availability in people who smoke cigarettes.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Sex differences exist in tobacco smoking. Women have greater difficulty quitting smoking than men. Tobacco smoking is driven by the reinforcing effects of nicotine, the primary addictive component in cigarettes. Nicotine binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, facilitating dopamine release in striatal and cortical brain regions. Dysregulated dopamine D_2/3 receptor signaling in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) is associated with cognitive deficits such as impairments in attention, learning, and inhibitory control that impede quit attempts. Sex steroid hormones, such as estradiol and progesterone, influence drug-taking behaviors, through dopaminergic actions, suggesting that their influence may explain sex differences in tobacco smoking. The goal

SUBMITTER: Zakiniaeiz Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10288103 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature