Nicotine-induced molecular changes in the central nervous system of adolescent rats

• Grant number: 12/11403-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2012
• End date: July 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Pharmacology - Neuropsychopharmacology
• Principal Investigator: Cleopatra da Silva Planeta
• Grantee: Taisa Felix Gottsfritz
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCFAR). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Drug abuse is considered a public health problem worldwide. Among the substances of abuse, nicotine is one of the most widely used substances in the world. Studies show that early tobacco exposure often occurs during adolescence, around age 12. Even though the issue has relevance, there is little information in the literature as the prolonged use of nicotine alters gene expression in regions involved in the abuse and dependence of psychoactive substances. Thus, this project aims to investigate whether the withdrawal after a prolonged administration of nicotine can alter gene expression of corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) and its receptor (CRH-R1); opioid peptide dynorphin and its kappa opioid receptor and neuropeptide Y (NPY). We will also investigate whether such changes, when they occur, are long lasting. (AU)