Title

Molecular, Neuronal, and Behavioral Effects of Ethanol and Nicotine Interactions

UMMS Affiliation

Department of Neurobiology, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute; Tapper Lab

Publication Date

2018-02-09

Document Type

Article

Disciplines

Neuroscience and Neurobiology | Pharmacology | Substance Abuse and Addiction

Abstract

Ethanol and nicotine can modulate the activity of several neurotransmitter systems and signalling pathways. Interactions between ethanol and nicotine can also occur via common molecular targets including nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). These effects can induce molecular and synaptic adaptations that over time, are consolidated in brain circuits that reinforce drug-seeking behavior, contribute to the development of withdrawal symptoms during abstinence and increase the susceptibility to relapse. This chapter will discuss the acute and chronic effects of ethanol and nicotine within the mesolimbic reward pathway and brain circuits involved in learning, memory, and withdrawal. Individual and common molecular targets of ethanol and nicotine within these circuits are also discussed. Finally, we review studies that have identified potential molecular and neuronal processes underlying the high incidence of ethanol and nicotine co-use that may contribute to the development of ethanol and nicotine co-addiction.

Keywords

Acute drug exposure, Chronic drug exposure, Dopamine, Ethanol, Nicotine, Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

DOI of Published Version

10.1007/164_2017_89

Source

Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2018 Feb 9. doi: 10.1007/164_2017_89. [Epub ahead of print] Link to article on publisher's site

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Handbook of experimental pharmacology

Related Resources

Link to Article in PubMed

PubMed ID

29423839

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