A novel self-inhaled nicotine exposure system in murine models reveals age-dependent metabolic effects of nicotine.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Nicotine is known to influence metabolism and body weight, yet existing murine models of nicotine exposure often fail to replicate human smoking behaviors accurately. To address this gap, we designed a cost-effective, self-administered nicotine inhalation system that allows mice to voluntarily inhale nicotine vapor generated from e-liquid.

Results

Using this system, we investigated the metabolic effects of nicotine exposure in adult and adolescent mice. Adult mice exposed to nicotine vapor for 10 days exhibited significant weight loss, which was rapidly regained upon cessation, paralleling human smoking patterns. In contrast, adolescent mice did not lose weight during nicotine exposure but experienced increased fat mass accumulation after cessation. These results

SUBMITTER: Xu X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12465302 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature