# Role of Cotinine in Nicotine Use Disorders

> **NIH NIH R01** · PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIV HERSHEY MED CTR · 2020 · $356,220

## Abstract

ABSTRACT/DESCRIPTION
 The major objective of the current project is to understand the reward-related actions of cotinine (COT),
the major metabolite of nicotine (NIC), and its potential role in the development of NIC use disorder. The long-
term goal is to provide a better understanding of COT-related mechanisms in NIC reinforcement and provide
rationale for research targeting the actions of COT for future development of new therapies for aiding smoking
cessation. The overarching hypothesis is that COT plays an important role in the development of NIC abuse
and addiction through a combination of mechanisms, including its own reinforcing and craving-/relapse-
like effects, unique mechanisms involved in these effects, its interactions with NIC to promote
reinforcing and craving-/relapse-like effects. A multidisciplinary approach encompassing behavioral
neuroscience and neurochemistry will be employed in this project. Thus, Aim 1 will determine the
reward-related behavioral and neurochemical effects of COT as compared to NIC. Aim2 will
determine potential similarities or differences in mechanisms involved in the reinforcing effects of
COT vs NIC. Aim 3 will examine potential interactions between COT and NIC in promote
reinforcement. And Aim 4 will investigate the craving-/relapse-like properties of COT and its
interactions with NIC to promote craving-/relapse-like effects using reinstatement models. Potential
sex differences in COT's actions will also be examined. This is a highly novel project. Information
attained will not only significantly increase our understanding of COT-related mechanisms underlying
NIC reinforcement and the development of NIC use disorders, but also highlight the importance of
targeting COT as a new strategy for treating NIC use disorders.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9743125
- **Project number:** 5R01DA044242-04
- **Recipient organization:** PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIV HERSHEY MED CTR
- **Principal Investigator:** Zheng-Ming Ding
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $356,220
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-09-01 → 2022-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9743125

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9743125, Role of Cotinine in Nicotine Use Disorders (5R01DA044242-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9743125. Licensed CC0.

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