Neuroendocrinological and neuropsychological correlates of dopaminergic function in nicotine dependence.

摘要: There is multiple evidence that nicotine—as with ethanol and other drugs of abuse—stimulates dopamine release in the ventral striatum as a central part brain reward circuits. Chronic nicotine exposure leads to changes these dopaminergic During withdrawal, an impaired function has been reported. On behavioral level, this seems result motivational disturbances abstaining smokers. To investigate impact smoking on humans both neuroendocrinological neuropsychological level. Thirty-seven healthy smokers were assessed whilst (test 1) after overnight for 12 h 2). A control group 18 non-smokers was also examined twice. Severity dependence, incentive motivation, digit span verbal fluency assessed. The sensitivity (DA) D2 receptors apomorphine-induced growth hormone (GH) secretion. ANOVA revealed GH response significantly lower than (P=0.04). inversely correlated severity dependence (r=−0.39). Neuropsychological performance not influenced by status. After abstinence from response, affected, whereas motivation Smoking associated reduced DA receptors. This alteration stable even nicotine. Therefore, hypothesis impairment during withdrawal altered cannot be supported.