Handbook of Psychology

TABLE 7.1 Validity of Animal Models as Related to Human Tobacco Dependence

Predictive Validity

Face Validity

Construct Validity

Animal modelSelf-administration (SA)Place-conditioning (PC)

•Does the animal model providea valid measure of the reinforcingeffects of nicotine?ŽModerate-High:Animals will self-administernicotine,

however,

under limited

experimental conditions.Moderate-High:Nicotine can produce PC,

however,

nicotine PC has been dif“cult toestablish.

•Does the animal model have phenomenological similaritieswith human smoking behavior?ŽHigh:

Animals have control over nicotine delivery.SA paradigm provides a measure of compulsivenicotine-taking behavior.The intravenous route of SA is used, providing a routeallowing rapid absorption.

Moderate:

Unlike human nicotine consumption, nicotine delivery ispassive with the PC animal model.

But:

Intravenous route of administration can be used (rapidabsorption).Animals receive repeated injections of nicotine over manydays.Animals •seekŽ nicotine similar to humans.The environment paired with nicotine produces a conditionedresponse (similar to humans).

•Is the theoretical premise underlying the animal model similarto that for tobacco dependence in humans?Ž and •Is thereevidence for the role of dopamine in modulating the effects ofnicotine?ŽHigh:

SA provides a good measure of reinforcement sinceprimary reinforcers (such as food and water) are alsoself-administered.Studies have examined the importance of the dopaminesystem in mediating nicotine SA.

Moderate-High:

PC paradigm provides a valid measure of bothnicotine-induced reward and aversion (at higher doses).PC is a valid model of incentive motivation.Neurochemical evidence is sparse. Only one reported studyof the importance of dopamine in acquisition ofnicotine PC.

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