Summary
Introduction:
This text provides an in-depth analysis of a study investigating the impact of chemical flavorants in electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) on smoking-related behaviors. The study used a vaping-relevant vapor inhalation model to examine the effects of popular Ga e-liquids on behaviors associated with ENDS use.
Key Points:
* The study found that Ga flavorants alter midbrain Da and habenular neuron function through changes in naChR density and stoichiometry.
* The neurobiological changes were sex-specific, but the net result on VTa Da neuron function was the same between sexes and resulted in enhanced Da release in the Nac core.
* The study used a within-subjects design, with mice exposed to Ga-mix or PGVG for 10 daily 2h sessions, and analyzed naChR density using confocal microscopy.
* Patch-clamp electrophysiology was used to examine changes in function following exposure to Ga-mix.
* The study also used neuroblastoma-2a cells to examine naChR stoichiometry in transiently transfected cells using previously validated NFRET methods.
* a calcium accumulation assay was used with hEK293T cells transiently expressing a4b2 naChRs to assess agonist activity and antagonist assessment.
* Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism 9 software.
Main Message:
The study highlights the potential risks associated with the use of chemical flavorants in ENDS, as they can alter neurobiology and reinforce continued vaping-related behavior. The findings suggest that nonmenthol flavorants may enhance nicotine reward and reinforcement, indicating the need for further research and regulation in this area.
Citation
Cooper SY, Willis CV, Richardson MR, et al. Chemical Flavorants in Vaping Products alter Neurobiology in a Sex-Dependent Manner to Promote Vaping-Related Behaviors. The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience. 2023;43(8):1360-1374. doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0755-22.2022
