Nicotine's behavioral sensitization may be mediated by

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Upregulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the ventral tegmental area is associated with nicotine's behavioral sensitization, as it leads to increased dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens, which is believed to underlie the reinforcing effects of nicotine. Downregulation of dopamine receptors in the nucleus accumbens (choice B) may contribute to the development of tolerance to nicotine, but is not directly related to behavioral sensitization. Downregulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the cortex (choice A) is also associated with tolerance to nicotine, but not sensitization. Therefore, choice C is the most appropriate.

Nicotine's Behavioral Sensitization May Be Mediated by