Researchers examined the association of gray matter volume in initiating and sustaining smoking behavior among young adolescents.
By Neha MathurAug 21 2023Reviewed by Sophia Coveney In a recent article published in Nature Communications, researchers examined the distinct roles of left and right ventromedial prefrontal cortex gray matter volume in initiating and sustaining smoking behavior among young adolescents.
Several preclinical and in-human studies have shown that nicotine exposure during adolescence increases the risk of nicotine dependence by age 18, while teenage non-smokers are not likely to develop dependence. Quitting is notoriously difficult for adolescent smokers. Previous studies have implicated the prefrontal cortex to risk adjustment responses as it develops structurally and functionally during adolescence. Any disruption in the development of such critical neural networks, such as vmPFC, a key node in the cortico-mesolimbic dopaminergic system, could disturb some critical aspects of cognitive function, such as risk adjustment giving rise to maladaptive behaviors, such as addiction.
Related StoriesFirst, they assessed their neuroimaging and behavioral data at ages 14 , followed up with subsequent follow-ups at ages 19 and 23. Results The study results showed that reduced GMV in the left vmPFC was associated with increased rule-breaking about smoking. The reduced GMV in the right vmPFC further strengthened smoking behavior by heightening the hedonic aspect of the smoking experience. In other words, an accumulation of hedonic experiences led to the reinforcement of addictive behavior.
Based on these observations, the authors proposed a reinforcement loop underlying the sustenance of smoking, where smoking behavior could reduce GMV in the right vmPFC, leading to uninhibited, higher sensation seeking, thus, further promoting future smoking behavior.
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