We propose to investigate the involvement of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (NAChR) in i) the consumption of alcohol, and ii) the subjective responses to alcohol in human social drinkers. Prior research has indicated an unequivocal relationship between nicotine and alcohol consumption with the use of one increasing the likelihood that the other will be consumed as well. Experimental studies in animals have repeatedly shown that alcohol consumption increases when a nicotine pretreatment is administered and recently a corresponding effect has been found in human social drinkers. It has been hypothesized that nicotine may alter the subjective responses to alcohol and that the stimulant-like effects and euphorigenic properties of alcohol may be mediated through action at NAChRs. The proposed studies will examine this relationship between the stimulant-like effects and consumption of alcohol and nicotinic acetylcholine function through two different approaches: nicotine administration and receptor blockade. Mecamylamine, a non-competitive, nicotinic receptor antagonist that readily passes the blood-brain barrier, will be administered in two studies to assess the effect of NAChR blockade on the subjective effects of alcohol and its consumption. We will investigate the efficacy of mecamylamine in attenuating the stimulant-like and euphorigenic properties of alcohol as well as its voluntary consumption. The third study proposed will administer nicotine through transdermal patches and assess its impact on the effects and consumption of alcohol. The proposed studies can be a significant and important first step in elucidating the interaction between two of the most commonly used drugs in this country. In addition to providing informative data on possible mechanisms mediating the reinforcing effects of alcohol, these studies can also serve as a first step to determining the efficacy of nicotinic antagonists as a treatment for alcohol abuse or dependence.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Type
Small Research Grants (R03)
Project #
1R03AA013729-01
Application #
6513837
Study Section
Alcohol and Toxicology Subcommittee 4 (ALTX)
Program Officer
Silverman, Peter
Project Start
2002-09-15
Project End
2004-08-31
Budget Start
2002-09-15
Budget End
2003-08-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$76,250
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Chicago
Department
Psychiatry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
225410919
City
Chicago
State
IL
Country
United States
Zip Code
60637
Acheson, Ashley; Mahler, Stephen V; Chi, Henry et al. (2006) Differential effects of nicotine on alcohol consumption in men and women. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 186:54-63