Ventral tegmental injection of nicotine induces locomotor activity and L-DOPA release from nucleus accumbens

Effects of nicotine systemically or locally on locomotor activity and L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) release were studied using microdialysis in the nucleus accumbens of freely moving rats. The basal L-DOPA release was Ca2(+)-dependent and tetrodotoxin-sensitive. Systemic nicotine (1 mg/kg s.c.) increased locomotor activity and L-DOPA release preferentially in the nucleus accumbens as compared with the striatum. Injection of nicotine (30 micrograms) into the ventral tegmental area increased locomotor activity and L-DOPA release from the nucleus accumbens. These increases were antagonized by prior injection of mecamylamine into the ventral tegmental area. Nicotine induces locomotor activity and L-DOPA release from the nucleus accumbens via nicotinic receptors in the ventral tegmental area. The release may be relevant to behavioral actions of nicotine.