Activation of GABAergic neurons in the interpeduncular nucleus triggers physical nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Chronic exposure to nicotine elicits physical dependence in smokers, yet the mechanism and neuroanatomical bases for withdrawal symptoms are unclear. As in humans, rodents undergo physical withdrawal symptoms after cessation from chronic nicotine characterized by increased scratching, head nods, and body shakes.

Results

Here we show that induction of physical nicotine withdrawal symptoms activates GABAergic neurons within the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN). Optical activation of IPN GABAergic neurons via light stimulation of channelrhodopsin elicited physical withdrawal symptoms in both nicotine-naive and chronic-nicotine-exposed mice. Dampening excitability of GABAergic neurons during nicotine withdrawal through IPN-selective infusion of an NMDA receptor antagonis

SUBMITTER: Zhao-Shea R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3855889 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature