Effects of Nicotine Withdrawal in Adult Male and Female Rats
Abstract
Gender differences have been observed in difficulty quitting smoking. A rodent model of nicotine withdrawal has been used by several laboratories, but only in males. Nicotine withdrawal in male and female adult rats was examined in a dimly-lit, comfortable environment and a brightly-lit, uncomfortable environment. Ninety-six Sprague-Dawley male and female adult rats received 7 days continuous subcutaneous infusion via Alzet osmotic pumps filled with saline or 3.16 mg/kg of nicotine hydrogen tartrate. Behavioral observations were made before, during, and after nicotine or saline administration. Cessation of nicotine administration caused a significant increase in withdrawal behaviors in male and female rats in both environments. In the dimly-lit environment, female rats showed more withdrawal behavior than male rats, but there was no drug x sex interaction. In the brightly-lit environment, there was no male-female difference in withdrawal. Nicotine withdrawal was greater in the brightly-lit environment and was more pronounced in female rats.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA593149
Entities
People
- Kristen R. Hamilton
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences