Schematic representation of the structures and neurotransmitters involved in the regulation of the nicotine–serotonin interactive dopamine release in the prefrontal cortex (PFc). Serotonin (5-HT) from Raphe nuclei (Raphe), might be released by activation of presynaptic α7 nicotinic acetylcholine (nACh) receptor in the prefrontal cortex (Soria-Fregozo et al., in press). Pyramidal neurons (Pyr) of the prefrontal cortex innervate glutamatergic neurotransmission to the ventral tegmental area (VTA) via 5-HT1A receptor may be involved in the regulation of dopamine (DA) release (Wedzony et al., 2007). Norepinephrine transporter (NET) blockers also could be explained by alterations in dopaminergic neurotransmission produced by NET blockade in the prefrontal cortex activity (Arime et al., 2011). α7; α7 nACh receptor, 5-HT1A; Serotonin1A receptor, GluR; glutamate receptor, NE; norepinephrine, LC; locus coeruleus.