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Published on: January 10, 2015
Nicotine administration and withdrawal affect survival in systemic inflammation models
Alexandre A Steiner1, Daniela L Oliveira, Jennifer L Roberts
1Systemic Inflammation Laboratory, Trauma Research, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, 350 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|July 12, 2008
Summary
Nicotine administration and withdrawal significantly impact survival during systemic inflammation. Acute nicotine improved survival in aseptic inflammation, while withdrawal aided sepsis survival, depending on inflammation type.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
- Toxicology
Background:
- The impact of nicotine administration and withdrawal on systemic inflammation outcomes remains poorly understood.
- Nicotine's complex effects on the immune system necessitate investigation into its role during inflammatory conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how different nicotine administration and withdrawal regimens influence survival rates in both aseptic and septic systemic inflammation models.
- To differentiate the effects of chronic, acute, and withdrawal phases of nicotine exposure on inflammatory responses.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing male C57BL/6 mice, researchers administered nicotine via osmotic pumps and monitored temperature using telemetry probes.
- Aseptic inflammation was induced using lipopolysaccharide (LPS), while sepsis was modeled through cecal ligation and puncture (CLP).
- Four groups were studied: chronic nicotine, acute nicotine, nicotine withdrawal, and a no-nicotine control group.
Main Results:
- Chronic nicotine administration showed no significant effect on survival in either inflammation model, potentially due to tolerance.
- Acute nicotine administration increased survival in aseptic inflammation but worsened outcomes in septic inflammation.
- Nicotine withdrawal, conversely, enhanced survival rates in the septic inflammation model.
Conclusions:
- Acute nicotine administration and nicotine withdrawal differentially affect survival in systemic inflammation.
- The specific impact of nicotine regimens is highly dependent on the nature of the inflammation, distinguishing between aseptic and septic conditions.

