Validation of a nicotine vapor self-administration model in rats with relevance to electronic cigarette use.

ABSTRACT: The debate about electronic cigarettes is dividing healthcare professionals, policymakers, manufacturers, and communities. A key limitation in our understanding of the cause and consequences of vaping is the lack of animal models of nicotine vapor self-administration. Here, we developed a novel model of voluntary electronic cigarette use in rats using operant behavior. We found that rats voluntarily exposed themselves to nicotine vapor to the point of reaching blood nicotine levels that are similar to humans. The level of responding on the active (nicotine) lever was similar to the inactive (air) lever and lower than the active lever that was associated with vehicle (polypropylene glycol/glycerol) vapor, suggesting low positive reinforcing effects and low nicotine vapor discrimination. Lev

SUBMITTER: Smith LC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7608444 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature