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Identification Of Pharmacological And Molecular Mechanisms Involved In Nicotine Withdrawal, Kia Jackson
Identification Of Pharmacological And Molecular Mechanisms Involved In Nicotine Withdrawal, Kia Jackson
Theses and Dissertations
Tobacco dependence is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Despite currently available smoking cessation therapies, there is a high rate of relapse in smoking among those attempting to quit. While the somatic signs of nicotine withdrawal (insomnia, increased appetite, weight gain) contribute to the continuation of smoking behavior, it has been hypothesized that the affective signs (depression, anxiety, craving, irritability) are greater motivators of relapse and continued tobacco use. There are few studies that assess the molecular and receptor-mediated mechanisms of nicotine withdrawal; therefore, our studies focus on identifying the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtypes and …
Examining The Behavioral And Molecular Aspects Of Adolescent Nicotine Dependence: Implications For Vulnerability To Drugs Of Abuse, Dena Heath Kota
Examining The Behavioral And Molecular Aspects Of Adolescent Nicotine Dependence: Implications For Vulnerability To Drugs Of Abuse, Dena Heath Kota
Theses and Dissertations
Approximately 200 million men and 100 million women smoke worldwide. In the United States, an estimated 25.9 million men (23.9 percent) and 20.7 million women (18.1 percent) are smokers. The commencement of smoking at a young age is thought to increase addiction liability, decrease the probability of successful cessation, and correlate with a higher number of cigarettes smoked per day. Studies from the World Health Organization indicate that between 80,000 and 100,000 children start smoking every day worldwide. These statistics suggest that adolescence is a critical phase for developing nicotine dependence. The work in this dissertation contributes to the further …