Kurzfassung

Tobacco dependence is the leading preventable cause of death in the world. Nicotine plays a major role in tobacco dependence by acting directly as a reinforcer of drug-seeking and drug-taking behaviour. However, also environmental factors have a major influence on the reinforcing effects of nicotine, as shown by drug self-administration and conditioned place preference procedures. Recently, the endocannabinoid system has been implicated in nicotine dependence. Pharmacological blockade of CB1...Tobacco dependence is the leading preventable cause of death in the world. Nicotine plays a major role in tobacco dependence by acting directly as a reinforcer of drug-seeking and drug-taking behaviour. However, also environmental factors have a major influence on the reinforcing effects of nicotine, as shown by drug self-administration and conditioned place preference procedures. Recently, the endocannabinoid system has been implicated in nicotine dependence. Pharmacological blockade of CB1 receptors alleviates nicotine-induced conditioned place preference in animals and supports the cessation of smoking in humans. The present research proposal aims at characterizing the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of CB1 receptors in nicotine dependence. To characterize the neuronal circuits involved in dependence, CB1 receptors will be deleted in mice in specific neurons, and conditioned place preference experiments aim at uncovering the importance of CB1 receptors in particular brain regions. Furthermore, neuronal mechanisms downstream of CB1 receptor-mediated nicotine dependence will be explored. Interdisciplinary methods will be applied, ranging from molecular genetics to biochemistry and behaviour.» weiterlesen» einklappen