Discrimination of nicotine content in electronic cigarettes

Behavioral discrimination of nicotine has only recently been assessed in humans, administered mostly by nasal spray before the newly available Spectrum research cigarettes differing in nicotine content. Here we wanted to explore applicability of these procedures to assess discrimination of nicotine administered by e-cigarettes.

In this feasibility study, 16 adult smokers were tested on ability to discriminate e-cigarettes with nicotine concentrations of 36, 24, and 12 mg/ml, one per session (in that order), from a placebo (0 mg/ml), each identified only by letter code. Reliable discrimination was defined by accurately identifying which was which (i.e. nicotine vs placebo) on >85% of trials (i.e. ≥7 of 8; p < .05). Subjective perceptions were also assessed.

Discrimination from placebo was shown with 36 mg/ml and with 24 mg/ml nicotine in 15 of 16 subjects, but only 10 discriminated placebo from 12 mg/ml nicotine. Subjective items previously related to acute nicotine exposure ("how much nicotine", "head rush/buzzed" on 0-100 VAS) generally showed nicotine concentration-dependent effects, as expected, but so did "throat irritation".

Preliminary results confirm feasibility of using our behavioral procedure to assess ability to discriminate nicotine administered via these e-cigarettes, broadening generalizability of this procedure beyond nicotine via nasal spray and smoked tobacco cigarettes. Findings also suggest its applicability with testing discrimination of nicotine via other methods of rapid dosing (e.g., hookah, novel products), including the newer e-cigarette products. Further study with larger samples may identify individual difference and other factors influencing nicotine discrimination administered via e-cigarettes and other products.