New research could prevent nicotine addiction

Tag : Nicotine
New research could prevent nicotine addiction
Updated Wed. Aug. 6 2008 12:22 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
Canadian researchers have discovered the way to manipulate how thebrain processes the addictive and rewarding properties ofcigarettes, which could lead to treatments that prevent nicotineaddiction in those most susceptible to it.
Researchers from the University of Western Ontario conducted anexperiment in mice to explore why some people are turned off bytheir first experiences with nicotine while others enjoy it andquickly become addicted.
They identified the subtype of the neurotransmitter dopamine thatcontrols the initial susceptibility to the pleasurable rewards ofnicotine.
In fact, they found that they could control dopamine signals toinfluence if the mice processed their first exposure to nicotine asa positive or negative experience.
Dopamine also influences addiction to substances such as cocaineand alcohol.
The researchers said their findings could lead to a number of newdevelopments.
"Importantly, our findings may explain an individual'svulnerability to nicotine addiction, and may point to newpharmacological treatments for the prevention of it and thetreatment of nicotine withdrawal," lead researcher StevenLaviolette, of Western's Schulich School of Medicine &Dentistry, said in a statement.
The findings are published in the Journal of Neuroscience .