Role of Central 5 HT Receptor in Nicotine Mediated Behavioral Neurochemical Outcomes
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Abstract
Nicotine is the principal neuroactive component in tobacco, but, despite ongoing research efforts, the cellular basis of its effects on behavior remains unclear. Efforts to resolve this conundrum have focused on the dopamine system, which contributes to the rewarding effects of many addictive drugs, including nicotine. Sensitization occurs with repeated or prolonged drug treatment and results in enhanced responsiveness to subsequent drug exposure, even after long withdrawal times. The phenomenon can be assayed as an increase in locomotor response to drug administration or as enhanced extracellular dopamine (DA) levels at the projection areas of the midbrain reward pathway, as measured by microdialysis. It may also reflect a drug-induced change in motivation. The aim of present study is to evaluate the role of central 5 HT receptor in nicotine mediated behavioral neurochemical outcomes