Alterations in BDNF and phospho-CREB levels following chronic oral nicotine treatment and its withdrawal in dopaminergic brain areas of mice

▶ Withdrawal from chronic nicotine induces long-lasting increase in BDNF levels. ▶ Nicotine changed BDNF levels in the NAc, in the VTA, and in the substantia nigra. ▶ Nicotine and its withdrawal oppositely affected pCREB in the NAc and in the VTA. ▶ Withdrawal from nicotine reversed the effect on pCREB in the NAc and in the VTA.