Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Methods to Evaluate Cytotoxicity and Immunosuppression of Combustible Tobacco Product Preparations
09:25

Methods to Evaluate Cytotoxicity and Immunosuppression of Combustible Tobacco Product Preparations

Published on: January 10, 2015

Adolescent nicotine: deficits in immune function

H A Navarro1, P V Basta, F J Seidler

  • 1Center for Chemistry and Life Sciences, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.

Brain Research. Developmental Brain Research
|October 25, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Adolescent nicotine exposure disrupts T-cell function, leading to lasting immune deficiencies. This study highlights the adolescent immune system

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Maternal smoking during pregnancy alters offspring immune function.
  • Prenatal nicotine exposure causes lasting T-lymphocyte deficiencies via cholinergic stimulation.
  • Adolescence is a critical period for immune system development and the onset of smoking.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if adolescent nicotine exposure impacts T-cell immune responses.
  • To determine the vulnerability of the adolescent immune system to nicotine-induced mis-programming.

Main Methods:

  • Adolescent rats received nicotine infusions (25 ng/ml) from postnatal day 30 to 47.5.
  • Splenocyte mitogenic responses to Concanavalin A were assessed at PN45 and PN80.
  • Nicotine levels mimicked those in human smokers and transdermal nicotine users.

Main Results:

  • No immune deficiencies were observed immediately after nicotine exposure (PN45).
  • Significant decreases in T-cell mitogenic responses were evident one month post-exposure (PN80).
  • Deficits in T-cell function occurred at both suboptimal and optimal Concanavalin A concentrations.

Conclusions:

  • The adolescent immune system is vulnerable to nicotine-induced disruption of T-cell function.
  • Nicotine exposure during adolescence can lead to long-term immune system deficits.
  • These findings suggest adolescent smoking may have lasting consequences on immune health.

More Related Videos

Cigarette Smoke Exposure in Mice using a Whole-Body Inhalation System06:07

Cigarette Smoke Exposure in Mice using a Whole-Body Inhalation System

Published on: October 22, 2020

Using Nicotine in a Silica-Exposed Mouse Model to Promote Lung Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition06:12

Using Nicotine in a Silica-Exposed Mouse Model to Promote Lung Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

Published on: March 3, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants01:23

Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants


Ganglionic stimulants activate NM nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia, falling into two categories: nicotine mimetics [e.g., lobeline, dimethylpiperazine, tetramethylammonium] and muscarinic receptor agonists [e.g., muscarine, methacholine]. The first category's action is rapid and blocked by nicotinic receptor antagonists, while the second category's action is delayed and blocked by atropine-like agents. Nicotine, an alkaloid, affects the heart rate by stimulating sympathetic or...
CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine01:27

CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine

Ethanol, a clear colorless alcohol, has been consumed by humans for millennia, but its effects on the body are far from benign. At lower doses, it induces decreased inhibitions and loquaciousness, leading to its social appeal. However, it can cause severe consequences at higher doses, such as coma and respiratory depression, due to its zero-order elimination kinetics. Chronic ethanol abuse wreaks havoc on multiple organ systems, particularly the CNS and the liver. Abrupt cessation of ethanol...
Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity01:26

Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity

An antigen is any substance the immune system identifies as foreign and potentially harmful to the body, prompting an immune response. Antigens have two functional properties: immunogenicity and reactivity. Immunogenicity is the ability of an antigen to stimulate a specific immune response. At the same time, reactivity describes the antigen's ability to react with the cells and antibodies produced in response to it.
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
Development of Immunocompetence01:22

Development of Immunocompetence

The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens01:29

Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens

The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
Immunodeficiency Diseases01:25

Immunodeficiency Diseases

Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...