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Tolerance to and cross tolerance between ethanol and nicotine
A C Collins1, J B Burch, C M de Fiebre
1School of Pharmacy, University of Colorado, Boulder 80309.
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|February 1, 1988
Summary
Chronic ethanol and nicotine exposure induce tolerance and cross-tolerance in mice, potentially through desensitization of brain nicotinic receptors. This study explores the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these drug interactions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Ethanol and nicotine are widely used psychoactive substances.
- Understanding their interactions is crucial for public health and addiction research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the development of tolerance and cross-tolerance between ethanol and nicotine.
- To examine the effects of chronic exposure on drug elimination and brain nicotinic receptors.
Main Methods:
- Female DBA mice were administered chronic ethanol diets or nicotine infusions.
- Animals were subsequently challenged with acute doses of ethanol or nicotine.
- Behavioral responses, drug elimination rates, and brain nicotinic receptor binding were assessed.
Main Results:
- Chronic ethanol exposure led to tolerance to ethanol and cross-tolerance to nicotine.
- Nicotine administration induced tolerance to nicotine and cross-tolerance to ethanol.
- Neither drug altered its own elimination rate, but nicotine increased nicotinic receptor binding sites.
Conclusions:
- Tolerance and cross-tolerance exist between ethanol and nicotine in mice.
- These effects may be mediated by alterations in brain nicotinic receptor sensitivity, particularly desensitization.
- Findings contribute to understanding the neurobiological basis of co-use and addiction.