E-Cigarette aerosol Deposition and Disposition of [11C]Nicotine Using Positron Emission Tomography: a Comparison of Nicotine Uptake in Lungs and Brain Using Two Different Nicotine Formulations.

Introduction:
This text provides an overview of a study investigating the distribution and deposition of inhaled [11C]nicotine using the mybluTMe-cigarette with two nicotine formulations, freebase and lactate salt. The study aims to assess the distribution and accumulation of [11C]nicotine in the respiratory pathways and brain.

Key Points:

* Fifteen healthy adult smokers participated in the two-part study.
* Time-activity data for the respiratory pathways, lungs, oesophagus, and brain were derived.
* 31-36% of both inhaled tracer formulations accumulated in the lung within 15-35 seconds.
* [11C]Nicotine freebase exhibited higher uptake and deposition in the upper respiratory pathways.
* For [11C]nicotine lactate, brain deposition peaked at 4-5%, with an earlier peak and a steeper decline.
* a different kinetic profile was obtained for [11C]nicotine lactate with lower tracer uptake and accumulation in the upper respiratory pathways and an earlier peak and a steeper decline in lung and brain.

Main Message:
The study suggests that using nicotine lactate formulations in e-cigarettes may contribute to greater adult smoker acceptance and satisfaction compared to freebase formulations. This could potentially aid a transition from combustible cigarettes and accelerate tobacco harm reduction initiatives.

Wall a, Roslin S, Borg B, et al. E-Cigarette aerosol Deposition and Disposition of [11C]Nicotine Using Positron Emission Tomography: a Comparison of Nicotine Uptake in Lungs and Brain Using Two Different Nicotine Formulations. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland). 2022;15(3). doi:10.3390/ph15030367