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Discovery
Dr. William Corrigall described the neurobiological targets of current research: genes and gene products that play a role in structure and response of nicotinic receptors, and neurochemical systems, which are modulated by dopamine, GABA, serotonin, and glutamate.
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Dr. Caryn Lerman of the University of Pennsylvania described studies exploring the effect of genetic variations on the activity of enzymes that play a role in nicotine metabolism. This research suggests a potentially valuable role for medications that mimic the effect of genetic variants associated with lower rates of smoking initiation, reduced impact of nicotine on the brain’s dopamine system, and decreased craving among smokers who try to quit.
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Dr. Marina Picciotto of Yale University discussed research
that has expanded the understanding of the role of nicotine
receptors—the sites at which nicotine acts on brain
cells. Scientists have identified two subtypes of these
receptors and a total of 12 different forms within the subtypes.
Each receptor structure contains 5 components including
some combination of these 12 forms. Researchers now are
investigating the possibility that the subtly different
functions of receptors with different combinations of subtypes
may represent new targets for medications to block or counteract
nicotine’s effects in the brain.
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Dr. Julie Staley of Yale University also described the possibility
that neurotransmitters other than dopamine might represent
new pathways for intervention. For example, studies
that examine the high incidence
of smoking among patients with schizophrenia suggest that
the brain’s serotonin
system also plays a role in smoking and relapse. Therefore,
medications known to act on the serotonin system may provide
models for new pharmacological
treatments.
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Dr. Daniel McGehee of the University of Chicago described
recent findings that help explain the mechanism by which nicotine exerts
its powerful addictive effect: the drug simultaneously stimulates dopamine
release and depresses the effect of GABA, which normally acts to limit dopamine’s
effect in the brain’s pleasure center. These findings, like those reported
by Dr. Staley, may lead to new avenues for treatment.
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Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco 9th Annual Meeting
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