AUTHOR=Lobina Carla , Carai Mauro A., Froestl Wolfgang , Mugnaini Claudia , Pasquini Serena , Corelli Federico , Gessa Gian Luigi , Colombo Giancarlo 

TITLE=Activation of the GABAB Receptor Prevents Nicotine-Induced Locomotor Stimulation in Mice

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychiatry

VOLUME=2

YEAR=2011

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2011.00076

DOI=10.3389/fpsyt.2011.00076

ISSN=1664-0640

ABSTRACT=<p>Recent studies demonstrated that activation of the GABA<sub>B</sub> receptor, either by means of orthosteric agonists or positive allosteric modulators (PAMs), inhibited different nicotine-related behaviors, including intravenous self-administration and conditioned place preference, in rodents. The present study investigated whether the <italic>anti</italic>-nicotine effects of the GABA<sub>B</sub> receptor agonist, baclofen, and GABA<sub>B</sub> PAMs, CGP7930, and GS39783, extend to nicotine stimulant effects. To this end, CD1 mice were initially treated with baclofen (0, 1.25, and 2.5 mg/kg, i.p.), CGP7930 (0, 25, and 50 mg/kg, i.g.), or GS39783 (0, 25, and 50 mg/kg, i.g.), then treated with nicotine (0 and 0.05 mg/kg, s.c.), and finally exposed to an automated apparatus for recording of locomotor activity. Pretreatment with doses of baclofen, CGP7930, or GS39783 that did not alter locomotor activity when given with nicotine vehicle fully prevented hyperlocomotion induced by 0.05 mg/kg nicotine. These data extend to nicotine stimulant effects the capacity of baclofen and GABA<sub>B</sub> PAMs to block the reinforcing, motivational, and rewarding properties of nicotine. These data strengthen the hypothesis that activation of the GABA<sub>B</sub> receptor may represent a potentially useful, <italic>anti</italic>-smoking therapeutic strategy.</p>