NESC 3237 Lecture Notes - Sidestream Smoke, Nicotine Dependence, Tegmentum
18 Apr 2013
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Not really concerned with background info, statistical methods. More focused on the results and methods. For addiction pathways: mesolimbic dorsal striatum, frontal cortex, anything in particular mentioned, be sure to know really well, be familiar with neurochemistry involved with different addiction pathways. Tobacco addiction is arguably one of the most addictive drugs out there. Idea that tobacco addiction and nicotine addiction are synonymous: nicotine dependence, nicotine withdrawal. There is very little direct evidence that nicotine itself is an addictive drug. Nicotinic receptor sites on dopaminergic cells in the ventral tegmental area. Must choose the substance over a pharmacologically inert substance. The drug itself must be capable of producing compulsive patterns of use. Removal of the substance must produce withdrawal. Studies have been conducted using different methods of administration and different types of smokers: the majority of these studies fail to develop a preference for nicotine in absence to tobacco in comparison to a placebo.
