Nicotine amplifies reward-related dopamine signals in striatum

Nat Neurosci. 2004 Jun;7(6):583-4. doi: 10.1038/nn1244. Epub 2004 May 16.

Abstract

Reward-seeking behaviors depend critically on dopamine signaling--dopamine neurons encode reward-related information by switching from tonic to phasic (burst-like) activity. Using guinea pig brain slices, we show that nicotine, like cocaine and amphetamine, acts directly in striatum where it enhances dopamine release during phasic but not tonic activity. This amplification provides a mechanism for nicotine facilitation of reward-related dopamine signals, including responses to other primary reinforcers that govern nicotine dependence in smokers.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials / drug effects*
  • Action Potentials / physiology
  • Animals
  • Corpus Striatum / drug effects*
  • Corpus Striatum / metabolism
  • Dopamine / metabolism*
  • Guinea Pigs
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Nicotine / pharmacology*
  • Reward*

Substances

  • Nicotine
  • Dopamine