CONTINUOUS TREATMENT WITH NICOTINE INCREASES DIAZEPAM-BINDING INHIBITOR (DBI) AND ITS MESSENGER-RNA IN THE MOUSE-BRAIN

Effect of chronic treatment with nicotine on DBI and its mRNA in mouse cerebral cortex were examined. Continuous treatment of mice with nico tine significantly increased DBI content and its mRNA expression, whic h was completely abolished by simultaneous administration of mecamylam ine (1 mg/kg, i.p.). These results indicate that chronic functional in teraction between nicotine and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors has a critical role in increases in DBI content and its mRNA expression. (C ) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.