Researcher Heath Schmidt said, “We’re very interested in screening potential efficacy of anti-addiction medications in our models. For this study, we looked at potential smoking-cessation medications.”
Smokers trying to quit describe a decrease in their executive functions, leaving them feeling fuzzy or forgetful. This prompted researchers to explore AChEIs as an alternative to smoking, as it helps with cognitive function and short-term learning.
Schmidt also performed such tests with cocaine addiction and found AChEIs to be successful. For the current study, the rats were divided into two groups – those who received galantamine and those who received donepezil. The rats administered nicotine with a push button at will to simulate human consumption. Once nicotine stabilized, the rats were given AChEIs.
Both groups reduced their intake of nicotine, but the researchers wanted to confirm whether it was due to the drugs or because the rats felt sick. Schmidt explained, “At the doses shown to reduce nicotine self-administration, the AChEIs did not make our animals sick.”
Co-researcher Rebecca Ashare added, “Our goal in investigating these different repurposed medications is not to replace the medications that are already available. We know that they’re effective. Our goal is to target different populations of smokers who may be more likely to experience these cognitive deficits.”
Although AChEIs are not currently available for smoking cessation, Schmidt and Ashare are working towards a future alternative for quitting smoking.
Sources:
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-02/uop-pra021816.php