Molecular Basis of Nicotine as a Gateway Drug

Research · September 04, 2014

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This study details the molecular mechanisms that allow nicotine to play a role as a gateway drug. The authors explain that, based on research on animal models, nicotine exerts a priming effect on cocaine through creating gene-expression environments in various areas of the brain that potentiate the effects of cocaine. The priming effect appears to occur only during simultaneous use of nicotine and cocaine, which is consistent with epidemiologic data that show most people who begin using cocaine do so during concurrent tobacco use.

The authors conclude that these findings suggest that smoking prevention and interventions may not only prevent negative health consequences of tobacco but also may decrease illicit drug use and addiction.

ABSTRACT

Epidemiologic studies have shown that nicotine use is a gateway to the use of marijuana and cocaine in human populations. What has not been clear is how nicotine accomplishes this. In this article, we describe how our personal collaboration allowed us to bring the techniques of molecular biology to bear on this question and to reveal the action of nicotine in the brain of mice. We then apply our conclusions to the public health concerns that are being raised as the popularity of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has soared. In the process, we show the potential benefits to society of translating epidemiologic findings into public health policy.

The New England Journal of Medicine