Withdrawal from chronic nicotine reduces thyroid hormone levels and levothyroxine treatment ameliorates nicotine withdrawal-induced deficits in hippocampus-dependent learning in C57BL/6J mice

Prescott T. Leach, Erica Holliday, Munir G. Kutlu, Thomas J. Gould

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: Cigarette smoking alters a variety of endocrine systems including thyroid hormones. Altered thyroid hormone signaling may lead to a subclinical or overt hypothyroid condition that could contribute to nicotine withdrawal-related symptoms, such as cognitive deficits. Thus, normalizing thyroid hormone levels may represent a novel therapeutic target for ameliorating nicotine withdrawal-associated cognitive deficits. Methods: The current studies conducted an analysis of serum thyroid hormone levels after chronic and withdrawal from chronic nicotine treatment in C57BL/6J mice using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The present studies also evaluated the effect of synthetic thyroid hormone (levothyroxine) on contextual and cued memory. Results: The current studies found that nicotine withdrawal reduces secreted thyroid hormone levels by 9% in C57BL/6J mice. Further, supplemental thyroid hormone not only enhanced memory in naïve animals, but also ameliorated deficits in hippocampus-dependent learning associated with nicotine withdrawal. Conclusions: These results suggest that smokers attempting to quit should be monitored closely for changes in thyroid function. If successfully treated, normalization of thyroid hormone levels may ameliorate some deficits associated with nicotine withdrawal and this may lead to higher rates of successful abstinence.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)690-696
Number of pages7
JournalNicotine and Tobacco Research
Volume17
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 30 2014
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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