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Investigation of Sex Differences in Neurotensin following Nicotine Self‐Administration
Author(s) -
Pittenger Steven,
Smith Misty,
Hoonakker Amanda,
Hanson Glen,
Fleckenstein Annette,
Bevins Rick
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.29.1_supplement.1019.6
Subject(s) - nicotine , neurotensin , nucleus accumbens , ventral tegmental area , nicotine withdrawal , self administration , medicine , endocrinology , psychology , addiction , substantia nigra , saline , dopamine , neuropeptide , neuroscience , dopaminergic , receptor
Research has revealed sex differences in nicotine addiction vulnerability. Women, on average, progress to dependence more rapidly, attempt to quit less frequently, remain abstinent for shorter durations during quit attempts, and have a higher relapse rate to smoking. Recent research suggests a role of the endogenous neuropeptide neurotensin (NT) in nicotine addiction via modulation of dopamine. Experimenter‐administered nicotine alters NT levels. However, possible variation of NT levels between the sexes following nicotine self‐administration (SA) needs to be determined. In a series of studies, age‐matched male and female Sprague‐Dawley rats were surgically implanted with indwelling jugular catheters. Half of the rats were then trained to self‐administer nicotine (Nic‐Male; Nic‐Female); the other half received saline infusions yoked to a nicotine‐administering rat (Sal‐Male; Sal‐Female) during daily sessions (1‐h; 21 days). Brains were extracted 3 hours after the last SA session. NT was assessed in the nucleus accumbens core (NAc) and shell (NAs), substantia nigra (SN), globus palladus (GP), anterior (AC) and posterior caudate (PC), frontal cortex (FR), ventral tegmental area (VTA) and habenula (Hb). We found a reliable NT increase in the Nic‐Males compared to the Sal‐Males in the AC, PC, GP, and FR. Potential sex differences in the PC (Nic‐Male NT > Nic‐Female NT) are currently under additional validation. Research supported by DA034389 and DA031883.