Abstract
A new oral model of nicotine self-administration in rats has been described. The model utilizes a two-lever operant procedure with rats having a choice between nicotine and water reinforcement. Most (16 of 20) rats exhibited reliable preferences for nicotine solutions equal to or less than 32 μg/ml; preferences were inversely related to the concentration of nicotine. Mecamylamine (0.25–5.0 mg/kg), a nicotinic antagonist, reduced preferences for a low nicotine concentration (4 μg/ml) and enhanced preferences for a high nicotine concentration (32 μg/ml). The relationship of nicotine concentration to nicotine preference appeared to be consistent with previous reports of nicotine self-administration using the intravenous route in rats as well as the respiratory route (i.e., smoking) in humans. The mecamylamine-induced changes in nicotine preference were consistent with its nicotinic antagonist action as well as with effects of mecamylamine reported in humans. This model should be useful in the preclinical assessment of new agents as potential therapies in smoking cessation programs.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 22 June 1996 / Final version: 30 August 1996
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Glick, S., Visker, K. & Maisonneuve, I. An oral self-administration model of nicotine preference in rats: effects of mecamylamine. Psychopharmacology 128, 426–431 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002130050153
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002130050153