Genetic differences in nicotine-induced conditioned taste aversion

Genetic differences in nicotine-induced conditioned taste aversion were examined using inbred mice. Adult male C57BL/6J, DBA/2J, BALB/cJ and C3H/heJ mice were adapted to a 2-h per day water access regimen. Subsequently, mice received nicotine injections (0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 mg/kg) immediately after 1-h access to a NaCl flavored solution. DBA and C3H mice developed dose-dependent aversions to the nicotine-paired flavor. BALB mice showed only minor reductions in intake with no difference between the nicotine dose groups. C57BL mice did not show development of nicotine-induced conditioned taste aversion. These results demonstrate that nicotine's aversion motivational effect is strongly influenced by genotype. Further, genetic sensitivity (DBA mice) or insensitivity (C57BL mice) to nicotine-induced conditioned taste aversion was similar to reports of genetic sensitivity to ethanol's aversive effect measured in this design.