Effects of nicotine on electrocortical activity and acetylcholine release from the cat cerebral cortex

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Abstract
1 The effects of small amounts of nicotine on electrocortical activity and central acetylcholine (ACh) release have been studied on anaesthetized cats. 2 The most common effect of nicotine given intravenously in a dose of 2 μg/kg every 30 sec for 20 min was to cause desynchronization of the electrocorticogram, indicating cortical activation, and an increase in the release of cortical ACh. 3 A larger dose given less frequently (4 μg/kg every min for 20 min) caused, in some experiments, an increase and in others a decrease in cortical activity. Such changes were accompanied respectively by an increase or decrease in cortical ACh output. 4 The amounts of nicotine that affected the electrocorticogram and ACh release are probably similar to those absorbed by the cigarette smoker who inhales. 5 The effects of nicotine on the electrocorticogram were transient, but the effects on ACh were prolonged. This suggests that at least two pathways are involved in the nicotine response.