A comprehensive investigation of changes in nAChR and non-nAChR protein expression resulting from (±)-menthol plus nicotine in the brain may establish biomarkers to better understand the effects of these drugs on addiction and addiction-related diseases.
In line with the genetic and pharmacological basis of addiction, many previous studies have revealed significant associations between variants in the nAChR subunit genes and various measures of ND in different ethnic samples.
Changes in the levels of nAChR protein and mRNA may have adaptive significance and be involved in the development of dependence, tolerance, and addiction to chronic ethanol and nicotine exposure.