Both GABAB receptor activation and blockade exacerbated anhedonic aspects of nicotine withdrawal in rats

Nicotine dependence is maintained by the aversive, depression-like effects of nicotine withdrawal and the rewarding effects of acute nicotine. GABAB receptor antagonists exhibit antidepressant-like effects in rodents, whereas GABAB receptor agonists attenuate the rewarding effects of nicotine. Recent studies with GABAB receptor positive modulators showed that these compounds represent potentially improved medications for the treatment of nicotine dependence because of fewer side-effects than GABAB receptor agonists. Thus, GABAB receptor agonists and antagonists, and GABAB receptor positive modulators may have efficacy as smoking cessation aids by targeting different aspects of nicotine dependence and withdrawal. The present study assessed the effects of the GABAB receptor agonist CGP44532, the GABAB receptor antagonist CGP56433A, and the GABAB receptor positive modulator BHF177 on the anhedonic aspects of nicotine withdrawal. Rats were prepared with stimulating electrodes in the posterior lateral hypothalamus. After establishing stable intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) thresholds, rats were prepared with subcutaneous osmotic minipumps delivering either nicotine or saline for 7 or 14 days. ICSS thresholds were assessed 6 h post-pump removal. Thirty hours after pump removal, CGP44532, CGP56433A, and BHF177 were administered 30 min prior to ICSS testing. Both GABAB receptor activation (CGP44532 and BHF177) and blockade (CGP56433A) elevated ICSS thresholds in all groups, resulting in exacerbated effects of nicotine withdrawal in the nicotine-treated groups. These similar effects of GABAB receptor activation and blockade on the anhedonic depression-like aspects of nicotine withdrawal were surprising and perhaps reflect differential efficacy of these compounds at presynaptic hetero- and autoreceptors, as well as postsynaptic, GABAB receptors.