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Comparing the Effects of Electronic Cigarette Vapor and Cigarette Smoke in a Novel In Vivo Exposure System
Published on: May 24, 2017
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OpenVape: An Open-Source E-Cigarette Vapor Exposure Device for Rodents
Jude A Frie1, Jacob Underhill1, Bin Zhao2
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1G 2W1.
Eneuro
|August 30, 2020
Summary
Adolescent rats show heightened sensitivity to nicotine vapor rewards compared to adults. The new OpenVape (OV) system offers an affordable, versatile tool for studying vaping's effects in preclinical research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Vaping prevalence is rising, particularly among adolescents, yet its behavioral effects are understudied.
- Existing rodent vapor inhalation devices are costly and lack versatility.
- The OpenVape (OV) system presents an accessible, open-source alternative for research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and validate the OpenVape (OV) apparatus for preclinical vaping research.
- To investigate developmental differences in the rewarding effects of nicotine vapor.
- To assess the OV system's utility with JUUL e-cigarettes and various vaporizers.
Main Methods:
- Developed an Arduino-operated vacuum pump system (OV) for controlled vapor delivery to exposure chambers.
- Combined OV with JUUL e-cigarettes for nicotine vapor exposure in adolescent and adult rats.
- Conducted biochemical analysis for nicotine and cotinine levels and conditioned place preference (CPP) behavioral tests.
Main Results:
- Pharmacologically relevant nicotine and cotinine levels were detected in plasma after brief vapor exposure.
- Significant conditioned place preference (CPP) was observed in both adolescent and adult rats.
- Adolescent rats exhibited CPP at lower nicotine doses (shorter puff durations) compared to adults, indicating heightened sensitivity.
Conclusions:
- The OpenVape (OV) system is a cost-effective, customizable, and versatile tool for preclinical vaping research.
- Nicotine vapor exposure leads to measurable systemic levels and rewarding effects, particularly in adolescents.
- Findings highlight developmental disparities in adolescent responses to nicotine vapor, informing public health strategies.
