Summary
Introduction:
This article reports a study that aimed to compare the abuse liability of electronic cigarette (EC) aerosol extracts and nicotine alone in adolescent rats using a behavioral economic analysis. The study used EC extracts prepared from Vuse Menthol and aroma E-Juice Whole Tobacco alkaloid (WTa) EC refill liquids and nicotine alone, and compared them in terms of acquisition, maintenance and elasticity of demand.
Key Points:
* The study used adolescent rats and prepared EC aerosol extracts using an ethanol (ETOh) solvent.
* EC extracts contained 4% ETOh after dilution to the 0.06 mg /kg nicotine unit dose used for self-administration (Sa).
* Nicotine concentrations in solutions of nicotine alone and extracts were measured by gas chromatography.
* Rats were implanted with a chronic catheter into the right jugular vein and allowed to recover for 4-6 days.
* Sa was conducted during 23-h sessions conducted seven days per week according to an FR 1 schedule.
* Demand curve analysis was conducted using the exponential equation logq =logq 0+k
ejquery0C1
* There were no differences in α or any other demand parameter between formulations, indicating no difference in reinforcing efficacy.
Main Message:
The study found that EC aerosol extracts did not have greater abuse liability than nicotine alone in adolescents. These data suggest that nicotine may be the primary determinant of the abuse liability of these ECs in youth, at least in terms of the primary reinforcing effects of ECs mediated within the central nervous system. The study provides important insights into the abuse liability of ECs and can help inform regulatory decisions regarding ECs.
Citation
harris aC, Smethells JR, Palumbo M, Goniewicz M, LeSage MG. Comparison of the Relative abuse Liability of Electronic Cigarette aerosol Extracts and Nicotine alone in adolescent Rats: a Behavioral Economic analysis. International journal of environmental research and public health. 2020;17(3). doi:10.3390/ijerph17030860
