Summary
Introduction:
This article investigates the potential neurotoxicity of vape aerosol extracts (VaEs) on zebrafish embryos using the photomotor response (PMR) as a high-throughput translational behavioral model for prenatal exposure. The study aimed to determine the effects of nicotine and flavoring compounds on neurobehavioral outcomes.
Key Points:
* The study used six commercial vape e-liquids, including unflavored, cinnamon, and blue raspberry, with and without nicotine.
* VaEs were generated using a third-generation e-cigarette to vaporize 3 ml of e-liquids, and embryos were bathed in dilutions of VaEs collected in 0.8% NaCl.
* Zebrafish embryos were exposed to 0, 1, 5, and 10% dilutions of VaEs for 30 minutes prior to behavioral screening.
* The PMR trials were 30 seconds in duration and were carried out in total darkness except for one 57 295 lux light pulse at 10 seconds.
* The study found that flavored nicotine-free VaEs dulled sensory perception and caused hyperactivity in zebrafish embryos.
* Flavored VaEs without nicotine had similar neuroactive potency to nicotine.
* The combination of flavor and nicotine produced largely additive effects.
* Cinnamaldehyde, a common cinnamon flavourant used in vapes, reduced basal activity and dulled photosensitivity in zebrafish embryos.
Main Message:
The study findings suggest that e-cigarette flavorants that were screened elicit neurobehavioral effects worthy of further investigation for long-term neurotoxic potential. additionally, flavored VaEs without nicotine had similar neuroactive potency to nicotine, indicating that flavoring compounds may have significant neurobehavioral impacts. These results highlight the importance of considering neurodevelopmental consequences of using flavored e-cigarettes while pregnant. Overall, the study emphasizes the need for further research to understand the potential neurotoxicity and long-term developmental impacts of fetal exposure to vapes.
Citation
Gauthier PT, holloway aC, Vijayan MM. Vape flavourants dull sensory perception and cause hyperactivity in developing zebrafish embryos. Biology letters. 2020;16(9):20200361. doi:10.1098/rsbl.2020.0361
