FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERIZATION OF NICOTINIC ACETYLCHOLINE RECEPTOR SUBUNIT ALPHA 3 IN REGULATION OF BEHAVIOUR

Abstract

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) play an important role in the regulation of behaviours necessary for survival in animals and in the development of nicotine dependence (ND) in humans. This thesis work investigated nAChR alpha 3 subunit's function in several behaviours including self-administration of nicotine in a contingent assay utilizing two new zebrafish mutant lines. Mutants differed from wild-type fish transcriptionally and behaviourally. Mutants showed increased nicotine self-administration at doses aversive to wild-type fish, heightened anxiety, and altered circadian and feeding behaviours. My results suggest that the alpha 3 subunit mutants are useful tools to further understand the molecular mechanisms that lead to ND.