Repeated administration of the GABAB receptor positive modulator BHF177 decreased nicotine self-administration and acute administration decreased cue-induced reinstatement of nicotine seeking in rats

摘要

Rationaleγ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain and is implicated in the modulation of central reward processes. Acute or chronic administration of GABAB receptor agonists or positive modulators decreased self-administration of various drugs of abuse. Furthermore, GABAB receptor agonists inhibited cue-induced reinstatement of nicotine- and cocaine-seeking behavior. Because of their fewer adverse side effects compared with GABAB receptor agonists, GABAB receptor positive modulators are potentially improved therapeutic compounds for the treatment of drug dependence compared with agonists.