Effects of electronic cigarette heating coil resistance and liquid nicotine concentration on user nicotine delivery, heart rate, subjective effects, puff topography, and liquid consumption.

Introduction:
This text discusses the results of a study examining the effects of electronic cigarette (ECIG) power, manipulated by coil resistance, and liquid nicotine concentration on nicotine delivery, heart rate, subjective effects, puff topography, and liquid consumption. The study aimed to provide a better understanding of how these factors can influence ECIG acute effects and contribute to nicotine dependence potential.

Key Points:

1. The study used a 2 × 2 factorial design with 32 experienced ECIG users.
2. Four conditions were tested: high power/low resistance (40.5W; 0.5 Ω) with high nicotine concentration (8 mg/ml), high power/low resistance (40.5W; 0.5 Ω) with low nicotine concentration (3 mg/ml), low power/high resistance (13.5W; 1.5 Ω) with high nicotine concentration (8 mg/ml), and low power/high resistance (13.5W; 1.5 Ω) with low nicotine concentration (3 mg/ml).
3. Participants used a Kangertech SUBOX ECIG battery with a Subtank mini tank, filled with 3.5 ml of ECIG liquid.
4. The study measured plasma nicotine concentrations, heart rate, subjective effects, puff topography, and ECIG liquid consumption.
5. Results showed that high power/low resistance ECIGs delivered higher nicotine concentrations, especially when combined with high nicotine concentration liquid.
6. Subjective effects, such as reductions in craving and withdrawal symptoms, were most pronounced in the high power/high nicotine concentration condition.
7. Puff topography and liquid consumption varied between conditions, with users taking longer, larger puffs and consuming more liquid in the low nicotine concentration conditions.

Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of considering both ECIG device characteristics and liquid nicotine concentration when evaluating the potential for nicotine dependence. Regulatory policies should take into account the combined effects of these factors to effectively control ECIG-associated nicotine delivery and dependence potential.

hiler M, Karaoghlanian N, Talih S, et al. Effects of electronic cigarette heating coil resistance and liquid nicotine concentration on user nicotine delivery, heart rate, subjective effects, puff topography, and liquid consumption. Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology. 2020;28(5):527-539. doi:10.1037/pha0000337