TIPS review
The neurobiology of tobacco addiction

https://doi.org/10.1016/0165-6147(91)90638-9Get rights and content

Abstract

The key property that makes nicotine addictive is an ability to support the drug-seeking behaviour that has been demonstrated in self-administration and place preference experiments. This reinforcing effect is complex, possibly involving subjective states of euphoria, cognitive enhancements, changed adaptation to stress, and relief from the nicotine withdrawal syndrome. The neural mechanisms, described here by Ian Stolerman and Mohammed Shoaib, include a primary action on central nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, associated with selective activation of the mesolimbic dopamine system that also mediates other sources of reinforcement. Structures such as the mesopontine tegmentum may also contribute to the reinforcing effect, whereas hippocampal and striatal regions seem to mediate other behavioural changes.

References (45)

  • J.E. Rose et al.

    Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav.

    (1985)
  • P.J. Fudala et al.

    Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav.

    (1986)
  • J.R. Pauly et al.

    Physiol. Behav.

    (1988)
  • A. Imperato et al.

    Eur. J. Pharmacol.

    (1986)
  • M.P. Brazell et al.

    Neuropharmacology

    (1990)
  • J.C. Mifsud et al.

    Brain Res.

    (1989)
  • G. Damsma et al.

    Eur. J. Pharmacol.

    (1989)
  • P.B.S. Clarke et al.

    Brain Res.

    (1985)
  • G. Singer et al.

    Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav.

    (1982)
  • H. Welzl et al.

    Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav.

    (1990)
  • E. Museo et al.

    Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav.

    (1990)
  • E. Museo et al.

    Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav.

    (1990)
  • L.T. Meltzer et al.

    Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav.

    (1981)
  • A. Maiti et al.

    Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav.

    (1986)
  • E.S. Deneris et al.

    Trends Pharmacol. Sci.

    (1991)
  • J.W. Sloan et al.

    Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav.

    (1988)
  • M.J. Marks et al.

    Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav.

    (1989)
  • N.L. Benowitz et al.
  • M.D.B. Swedberg et al.
  • W.A. Corrigall et al.

    Psychopharmacology

    (1989)
  • P.B.S. Clarke et al.

    Psychopharmacology

    (1987)
  • Cited by (0)

    View full text