Altered Anxiety-Related Responses in Mutant Mice Lacking the β4 Subunit of the Nicotinic Receptor

摘要: Nicotine, acting at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), is the primary addictive component of tobacco. Smokers often report an anxiolytic effect cigarettes. This relief anxiety, attributed to nicotine, important contributor relapse when smokers try quit. Hence, study effects nicotine for understanding mechanisms underlying addiction. Mammalian nAChRs are pentameric ion channels usually composed ofα andβ subunits. Taking advantage ofβ4-homozygous-null mice (β4-/-), we examined role nAChR β4 subunit in anxiety-related behaviors. The β4-/- behaved as though they were less anxious than wild-type littermates on elevated-plus and staircase mazes, tests that measure To obtain independent, physiological indication stress produced by several tests, measured changes heart rate using telemetry. Consistently with behavioral phenotype, had a smaller increase maze did littermates. In contrast, during social isolation, separate test anxiety,β4-/- exhibited greater Finally, indistinguishable from their open field, light/dark box, mirrored chamber. overall results demonstrate β4-containing (β4*) influence responses this depends type anxiety-provoking experience. Through behavior, β4* might both tobacco consumption smoking relapse.