Chronic nicotine treatment potentiates behavioral responses to dopaminergic drugs in rats

In the present study, the behavioral effects of apomorphine, methamphetamine, and haloperidol were examined in nicotine-treated rats. All animals were SC administered nicotine at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg or saline once daily for 14 days. Hyperlocomotion induced by apomorphine (0.2 mg/kg, IP) and methamphetamine (1.0 mg/kg, IP) was greater in nicotine-treated rats than in control rats. Stereotyped behaviors induced by apomorphine (1.0 mg/kg, IP) and methamphetamine (5.0 mg/kg, IP) were also potentiated in nicotine-treated rats. However, the incidence of catalepsy induced by haloperidol (0.25-1.5 mg/kg, IP) was slightly lower in nicotine-treated rats. These results suggest that chronic nicotine treatment may increase the susceptibility of the dopaminergic system to dopaminergic drugs.