Effects of nicotine and ThC vapor inhalation administered by an electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) in male rats.

Introduction:
This text discusses a study that aimed to validate a rat model for investigating the health impacts of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), specifically examining the effects of nicotine and ThC vapor inhalation. The study used a specially adapted rodent version of an ENDS device to deliver the vapors and monitored the rats' temperature and activity levels. The key points of the study are summarized below.

Key Points:

* The study used male Sprague-Dawley rats and exposed them to nicotine and ThC vapor inhalation using a rodent version of an ENDS device.
* The rats were monitored for temperature and activity levels using radio telemetry devices.
* The nicotine inhalation increased spontaneous locomotion and decreased body temperature of rats, while pretreatment with mecamylamine, a nicotinic cholinergic receptor antagonist, prevented stimulant effects of nicotine vapor inhalation and attenuated the hypothermic response.
* Combined inhalation of nicotine and ThC resulted in apparently independent effects which were either additive (hypothermia) or opposed (activity).
* The study also measured plasma nicotine and cotinine levels and found that inhalation of nicotine vapor produced inhalation-duration-dependent effects.
* The plasma levels reached and the hypothermia responses after 0.8 mg/kg, nicotine, s.c., were similar to those after 30 minutes of nicotine vapor (30 mg/mL) inhalation.
* The study found that nicotine and ThC inhalation produced independent effects, rather than interactive effects.

Main Message:
The study provides evidence that ENDS delivery of nicotine via inhalation results in nicotine-typical effects on spontaneous locomotion and thermoregulation in male rats. The system used in the study will support additional studies of the contribution of atomizer/wick design, vehicle constituents and/or flavorants to the effects of nicotine administered by ENDS. The study also highlights the potential independent effects of nicotine and ThC inhalation, which can be useful for identifying independent or interactive effects of nicotine and ThC co-administration. Overall, the study provides valuable information for understanding the health impacts of ENDS and the potential risks associated with nicotine and ThC co-administration.

Javadi-Paydar M, Kerr TM, harvey EL, Cole M, Taffe Ma. Effects of nicotine and ThC vapor inhalation administered by an electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) in male rats. Drug and alcohol Dependence. 2019;198:54-62. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.01.027