Gender Differences in Response to Nicotine Replacement Therapy and De-Nicotinized Cigarettes

Women smokers are less responsive to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and more responsive
to environmental cues associated with smoking behavior. This pilot study is designed to
increase understanding of the neural circuitry underlying these differences. In the proposed
study, adult male and female (10 per group) treatment-seeking nicotine-dependent individuals
will participate in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with the presentation of
smoking-related cues under three conditions during a seven day period: baseline, after NRT,
and after denicotinized cigarette facilitated-extinction. After baseline scanning, subjects
will receive three days of 21 mg nicotine patch. Scanning procedures will be repeated on day
3. Subjects will then receive denicotinized cigarettes for ad lib smoking on days three
through seven. Subjects will be asked to remain abstinent throughout the study period and
they will be assessed daily with self-report, Carbon Monoxide (CO) monitor and for nicotine
withdrawal.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 21 - 60.

2. Meet criteria for primary nicotine dependence, smoke at least 70% of days in the last
30 days prior to assessment.

3. Participants will have afternoon end-expired carbon monoxide levels of at least 15
p.p.m. to confirm smoke inhalation.

4. Moderate to high levels of nicotine dependence confirmed by Fagerstrom Test of
Nicotine Dependence score.

5. General good health confirmed by history & physical, serum chemistries, complete blood
count, urinalysis, and electrocardiogram.

6. Able to read and understand questionnaires and informed consent.

7. Right-handed.

8. Treatment seeking.

9. Demonstrate subjective response to cues in a laboratory cue reactivity session.

10. Able to maintain abstinence from nicotine during the study period.

11. Participants must have a negative rapid-screening Urine Drug Screen (UDS) and
pregnancy test prior to both imaging sessions and placement of the patch.

12. Female participants will use a reliable method of birth control throughout the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Currently meets Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)-IV criteria for any other
psychoactive substance dependence disorder except nicotine dependence.

2. Any psychoactive substance abuse within the last 30 days as evidenced by subject
report or urine drug screen.

3. Use of other tobacco products.

4. Current use of nicotine replacement therapy or other smoking cessation treatment.

5. Meets DSM-IV criteria for current axis I disorders of major depression, panic
disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress syndrome, bipolar
affective disorder, schizophrenia, or any other psychotic disorder or organic mental
disorder. The rationale for excluding them is that symptoms from these disorders may
affect dependent variables and complicate interpretation of the data.

6. Current suicidal ideation with plan or homicidal ideation.

7. Need for maintenance or acute treatment with any psychoactive medication including
antiseizure medications.

8. Clinically significant medical problems such as cardiovascular, renal, GI, or
endocrine problem that would impair participation or limit ability to participate in
scan.

9. Sexually active females of child-bearing potential who are pregnant (by urine HCG),
nursing, or who are not using a reliable form of birth control.

10. Has current charges pending for a violent crime (not including Drive Under Influence
(DUI) related offenses).

11. Persons with ferrous metal implants or pacemaker since fMRI will be used.

12. Persons who live with another smoker who is unwilling or unable to refrain from
smoking in the home or presence of the participant.