The volitional nature of nicotine exposure alters anandamide and oleoylethanolamide levels in the ventral tegmental area.

ABSTRACT: Cannabinoid-1 receptors (CB(1)) have an important role in nicotine reward and their function is disrupted by chronic nicotine exposure, suggesting nicotine-induced alterations in endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling. However, the effects of nicotine on brain eCB levels have not been rigorously evaluated. Volitional intake of nicotine produces physiological and behavioral effects distinct from forced drug administration, although the mechanisms underlying these effects are not known. This study compared the effects of volitional nicotine self-administration (SA) and forced nicotine exposure (yoked administration (YA)) on levels of eCBs and related neuroactive lipids in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and other brain regions. Brain lipid levels were indexed both by in vivo microdialysis in the V

SUBMITTER: Buczynski MW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3572454 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature