Iptakalim Preferentially Decreases Nicotine-induced Hyperlocomotion in Phencyclidine-sensitized Rats: A Potential Dual Action against Nicotine Addiction and Psychosis
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience December 1, 2012 N. Volf, G. Hu, Ming Li
In a rat model of schizophrenia and nicotine addiction combined, a drug called iptakalim reduced nicotine-induced hyperactivity in a dose-dependent manner. The effect was strongest in rats that had been previously sensitized to both nicotine and the schizophrenia-like drug phencyclidine (PCP), and weaker in rats sensitized to either drug alone or to saline. This suggests iptakalim may be a promising treatment for nicotine abuse in people with schizophrenia.