Characterization of central nicotinic receptors by studies on the nicotine cue and conditioned taste aversion in rats

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Some recent studies on the discriminative stimulus (cue) and conditioned taste aversion (CTA) effects of nicotine are reviewed. The characteristics of the nicotine cue correlate well with those of high affinity nicotine binding in studies comparing different nicotinic agonists. The dose of nicotine used for training a discrimination is an important variable determining patterns of generalization. The effects of antagonists on the nicotine cue are also compatible with ligand-binding studies although the lack of competitive antagonists generates unsolved problems for investigators. The CTA produced by nicotine has pharmacological characteristics like the nicotine cue. Both effects are produced at CNS sites that resemble to a certain extent the cholinoceptive sites in autonomic ganglia. The small differences in the degree of stereoselectivity of the two effects or in their sensitivity to antagonists do not constitute substantive evidence for mediation by different receptors. The major differences between the procedures lies in their general psychopharmacological characteristics rather than in any special qualities of the response to nicotine. For example, the nicotine cue is not produced by agents from other pharmacological classes whereas a wide range of different drugs can produce CTA. The concept of multiple types of CNS nicotinic receptors, as supported by certain biochemical studies, requires further evaluation in behavioural systems.