N-acetylcysteine decreased nicotine self-administration and cue-induced reinstatement of nicotine seeking in rats: Comparison with the effects of N-acetylcysteine on food responding and food seeking

摘要

RationaleChronic nicotine administration decreases the functioning of the cystine-glutamate antiporter system xc^_ which is hypothesized to promote nicotine-taking and -seeking behaviors. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a cystine pro-drug, increases the activity of the cystine-glutamate antiporter system xc^_. Thus, NAC could potentially reverse nicotine-induced alterations in glutamatergic transmission and decrease nicotine taking and seeking.