IV Nicotine Induced Changes in Hormone Function, Mood States and Behavior

Clinical studies are proposed to analyze the interactions between nicotine, alterations in endocrine hormones, mood and cardiovascular measures. The studies are designed to examine the contribution of gender and menstrual cycle phase. It is hypothesized that analysis of nicotine's rapid hormonal, cardiovascular and subjective effects will be important for developing novel biologic approaches to treatment for nicotine abuse and dependence as well as advancing understanding of the neurobiology of nicotine reinforcement.