Retrieval of nicotine-associated memories from adolescence enhances alcohol intake in adulthood

Alcohol and nicotine are the two most commonly-abused substances and are often used together. Nicotine enhances alcohol-drinking behaviors in humans and in animal models, and has been suggested to enhance the reinforcing properties of other reinforcers. Here, we show that nicotine-associated environment, rather than nicotine itself, enhances alcohol intake in rats. Furthermore, re-exposure to the nicotine-associated context from adolescence alters the expression of the growth factor glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (Gdnf), a reduction previously shown to enhance alcohol intake and relapse.
Source: Alcohol - Category: Addiction Authors: Source Type: research