New experimental model of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.

PURPOSE To describe a new model to passive smoking for rodents. METHODS Twenty rats were distributed into two study groups (N=10): control group (CG), that was not exposed to tobacco smoke and used as normal standard for biochemical and histological analysis; Experimental Group (EG), that Animals were exposed to the passive smoking; Euthanasia was performed after 14 days of exposure. The serum level of nicotine and histological analysis were performed. RESULTS There was a statistical difference on the nicotine serum levels between Experimental and Control group, with level of 286 ± 23 nanograma/mL in the EG and undetectable on CG (p<0.01). The histological study suggested the model efficacy producing alveolar destruction and emphysema in the EG compared with the insignificant lesions in the CG's lung. CONCLUSION The model of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke for rodents induced easily the changes related to secondhand smoke.