Modulation of ventral tegmental area dopamine receptors inhibit nicotine-induced anxiogenic-like behavior in the central amygdala

► Elevated plus maze was used to test anxiety-like behavior. ► Central amygdala and ventral tegmental area were cannulated. ► Nicotine injected into the amygdala induced anxiogenic-like behavior. ► Administering dopamine receptors antagonists in the VTA inhibits nicotine response. ► Nicotine anxiogenic effect mediated by D1 and D2/3 receptors of VTA.