The alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine-receptor partial agonist varenicline inhibits both nicotine self-administration following repeated dosing and reinstatement of nicotine seeking in rats.

Introduction: The alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor partial agonist varenicline has greater efficacy than other pharmacotherapeutic aids for smoking cessation. This presents an opportunity to evaluate the predictive validity of rat models of nicotine taking and relapse. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of varenicline to attenuate nicotine self-administration and relapse, as modelled by the reinstatement model of nicotine relapse in rats.