Neurochemical and behavioural interactions between ibogaine and nicotine in the rat

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Abstract
1 In vivo brain microdialysis has been employed to investigate the effects of ibogaine on nicotine-induced changes in dopamine overflow in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of freely moving rats. The effects of the compound on locomotor responses to nicotine and behaviour in the elevated plus-maze were also examined. 2 No changes were observed in the dopamine overflow or the locomotor activity of the animals following the administration of ibogaine (40 mg kg−1, i.p.). However, ibogaine, administered 22 h earlier, significantly (PPP−1, i.p.). The total activity was significantly (PPPPPPP<0.01) ratios were significantly increased in the mPFC for at least 7 days after a single treatment with ibogaine. 5 Ibogaine attenuates the nicotine-induced increases in dopamine overflow in the NAc and may, therefore, inhibit the rewarding effects of this drug. However, the long lasting anxiogenesis induced by ibogaine warrant further investigation before its use could be recommended for smokers.