Genetic deletion or pharmacological blockade of nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptors in the ventral tegmental area attenuates nicotine-motivated behaviour.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

The nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ)-nociceptin opioid-like peptide (NOP) receptor system is widely distributed in the brain and pharmacological activation of this system revealed therapeutic potential in animal models of substance use disorder. Studies also showed that genetic deletion or pharmacological blockade of NOP receptors confer resistance to the development of alcohol abuse. Here, we have used a genetic and pharmacological approach to evaluate the therapeutic potential of NOP antagonism in smoking cessation.

Experimental approach

Constitutive NOP receptor knockout rats (NOP^-/- ) and their wild-type counterparts (NOP^+/+ ) were tested over a range of behaviours to characterize their motivation for nicotine. We next explored

SUBMITTER: Domi A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9081114 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature