Effects of Nicotine on Plasticity in Glutamate Neurotransmission to Midbrain GABA Neurons

Authors

Peter Nielson, Brigham Young University
Dr. Scott Steffensen, Brigham Young University

Keywords

nicotine, plasticity, glutamate neurotransmission, midbrain GABA neurons

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Psychology

Abstract

In order to further the knowledge of physiological contributions to addiction, this project’s purpose was to elucidate the neuronal processes involved in nicotine (NIC) addiction. We studied its effects on critical neuronal substrates in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), an area of the midbrain implicated in drug reinforcement. As NIC was previously shown to affect GABAergic neurotransmission, this project was to determine the more specific effect of NIC on glutamate (GLU) neurotransmission in the same area.

Recommended Citation

Nielson, Peter and Steffensen, Dr. Scott (2013) "Effects of Nicotine on Plasticity in Glutamate Neurotransmission to Midbrain GABA Neurons," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 563.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/563