Addictive and nonaddictive smoking as related to responsivity to neurotransmitter systems.
In a double-blind crossover design on 36 male smokers, differences in hormone responses to a serotonergic (citalopram) and dopaminergic (bromocriptine) challenge were tested, to compare transmitter responsivities in addicted and pleasure-motivated smokers with respective controls. A general score of smoking addiction, according to DSM IV criteria, was associated with a blunted prolactin decrease to bromocriptine, indicating a possible nicotine-induced desensitization of DA receptors. The single questionnaire-based symptom of tolerance was associated with a blunted cortisol response to citalopram, indicating a particular desensitization of serotonin receptors. Nontolerant but addicted subjects exhibited increased serotonergic responsivity, interpreted as resulting from low serotonin levels associated with lack of impulse control. The questionnaire-based score of pleasure-motivated (='indulgent') smoking was associated with high dopaminergic activity (pronounced prolactin responses), confirming findings obtained in subjects exhibiting reward-related personality factors.
Netter
P
P
Department of Psychology, University of Giessen, Germany. petra.netter@psychol.uni-giessen.de
Toll
C
C
Lujic
C
C
Reuter
M
M
Hennig
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016739:Behavior, Addictive / Q000523:psychology*; D001971:Bromocriptine / Q000494:pharmacology; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D015283:Citalopram / Q000494:pharmacology; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004298:Dopamine / Q000502:physiology; D018491:Dopamine Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000502:physiology*; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012701:Serotonin / Q000502:physiology; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D012907:Smoking / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D001971:Bromocriptine; D015283:Citalopram; D004298:Dopamine; D018491:Dopamine Agonists; D006854:Hydrocortisone; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D011388:Prolactin; D012701:Serotonin; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors