Nasal spray behavior

Abstract Behavioral discrimination procedures clearly demonstrate that nicotine elicits interoceptive stimulus effects in humans that are malleable by various pharmacological manipulations as well as by some behavioral manipulations. The parameters of nicotine discrimination and both chronic and acute factors that may alter discrimination behavior are addressed in this chapter, which emphasizes research by the author involving nicotine delivered by nasal spray. Human discrimination of nicotine is centrally mediated, as the central and peripheral nicotine antagonist mecamylamine blocks discrimination but the peripheral antagonist trimethaphan does not. The threshold dose for discrimination of nicotine via spray appears to be very low in smokers as well as nonsmokers. Because smoked tobacco delivers nicotine more rapidly than spray, the threshold dose of nicotine via smoking is probably even lower. In terms of individual differences, smokers may become tolerant to the discriminative stimulus effects of higher nicotine doses but not of low doses. 

The pharmacokinetios of interferon is not well understood. Maximum levels in blood after intramuscular injection was obtained in 5 to 8 hours. Interferon does not penetrate well into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Oral administration of interferon does not indicate a detectable serum level, and as such, oral administration is olinioally ineffective. After intramuscular or suboutaneous injection, drug concentration in plasma is dose related. Clinioal use of interferon is limited to topioal administration (nasal sprays) for prophylaxis and treatment of rhinovirus infections. Adverse reaotions and toxioity include influenza-like syndrome of fever, ohills, headaohe, myalgias, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bone marrow suppression, mental confusion, and behavioral changes. Intranasal administration produoes mucosal friability, ulceration, and dryness. 

---