Vasopressin Released by Nicotine in the Monkey

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of i.v. nicotine on plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP), plasma osmolality, and behavior in the conscious monkey. Adult, female, chronically prepared monkeys (Macaca mulatta) were studied with i.v. infusion of 5% dextrose and water in control experiments without change in parameters. Nicotine infusion (100 µg/kg/min) in 14 experiments produced a significant increase in plasma AVP from control levels of 0.6 ± 0.5 µU/ml to end-of-infusion levels of 35 ±17 µU/ml (p < 0.001). During the 15–20 min of nicotine infusion, a behavioral sequence of restlessness, yawning, retching, salivation and chewing accompanied AVP release. Plasma osmolality remained unchanged. Pretreatment of the monkeys with promethazine (Phenergan) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) at 1–5 mg/kg reduced both the plasma AVP increase and the behavioral effects. These results provide conclusive evidence that nicotine can release large amounts of AVP in the monkey.