17.3.1 Brain Neurochemistry

• What characterizes nicotine addiction as a chronic disorder?

  Compulsive seeking and use
• Nicotine addiction involves relapse after periods of abstinence due to its effects on key areas of the brain responsible for reward and reinforcement
• Individuals with nicotine addiction develop tolerance, requiring higher doses for the same effect.
• Which brain region is connected to the ventral tegmental area (VTA) in the dopamine pathway?

  Nucleus accumbens
• Nicotine directly stimulates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on dopamine neurons in the VTA
• Nicotine's effect on dopamine release is more gradual and regulated compared to natural rewards.

  False
• What neurotransmitter typically activates acetylcholine receptors?

  Acetylcholine
• Nicotine's acute effects on acetylcholine receptors include enhanced alertness and cognitive function
• What neurotransmitter is affected by nicotine, leading to low mood during withdrawal?

  Serotonin
• Nicotine stimulates the release of acetylcholine, enhancing alertness and cognitive function.
• Nicotine increases the inhibitory effects of GABA, reducing neuronal excitability.

  False
• Match the neurotransmitter with its function in nicotine addiction:

  Dopamine ↔️ Euphoric effects and motivation

  Serotonin ↔️ Mood fluctuations during withdrawal

  Acetylcholine ↔️ Enhances alertness and cravings

  GABA ↔️ Regulates neuronal excitability
• Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the brain's reward pathway in nicotine addiction?

  Dopamine
• Low levels of serotonin during nicotine withdrawal can lead to anxiety and depression.
• Prolonged nicotine use leads to tolerance and cravings due to its effects on acetylcholine.
• What role does GABA play in nicotine addiction?

  Reduces neuronal excitability
• Nicotine stimulates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the VTA, causing a surge of dopamine release.
• What brain region connects the VTA to the nucleus accumbens in nicotine addiction?

  Dopamine pathway
• Nicotine causes a rapid and intense release of dopamine, which reinforces addictive behavior.
• How does nicotine's effect on dopamine release compare to natural rewards?

  Stronger reinforcement
• Chronic nicotine use leads to tolerance and reduced sensitivity of acetylcholine receptors.
• What are the primary roles of GABA and glutamate in nicotine dependence?

  Regulate neuronal excitability
• Nicotine reduces the release of GABA, which amplifies dopamine release and addictive behaviors.
• Match the neuroadaptation mechanism with its definition:

  Tolerance ↔️ Reduced response to a substance

  Sensitization ↔️ Enhanced response to a substance

  Homeostatic Regulation ↔️ Restoring normal neuronal balance
• Reinforcement learning in nicotine addiction involves both positive and negative reinforcement.
• What is an example of positive reinforcement in nicotine addiction?

  Euphoric feelings from dopamine
• What is an example of negative reinforcement in nicotine addiction?

  Avoiding withdrawal symptoms