BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that tincture of benzoin (TOB) facilitates immediate transmucosal nicotine absorption while simultaneously promoting a safe and sustained delivery of the nicotine. METHODS In combination with TOB, nicotine toxicity and diffusion across human mucosal cells were measured using a 3-D human mucosal tissue model. RESULTS N...

The influx of Ca(2+) through calcium-permeable nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) leads to activation of various downstream processes that may be relevant to nicotine-mediated behaviors. The calcium activated protein, calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CaMKIV) phosphorylates the downstream transcription factor cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB), which mediat...

INTRODUCTION Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use is increasing dramatically in developed countries, but little is known about these rapidly evolving products. This study analyzed and evaluated the chemical composition including nicotine, tobacco alkaloids, pH, and flavors in 36 e-liquids brands from 4 manufacturers. METHODS We determined the concentrations of nicotine, alkaloids, and selec...

INTRODUCTION We evaluated the accuracy of nicotine concentration labeling on electronic cigarette refill products. METHODS The nicotine concentration of 71 electronic cigarette refill fluid products and 1 related do-it-yourself (DIY) product was quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. Quantified data were compared with manufacturers labeled concentrations. Duplicate refill fl...

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are the molecular target of nicotine. nAChRs in the medial habenula (MHb) have recently been shown to play a role in nicotine dependence, but it is not clear which nAChR subtypes or MHb neuron types are most important. To identify MHb nAChRs and/or cell types that play a role in nicotine dependence, we studied these receptors and cells with brain slice...

Background: Reproductive function and fertility are thought to be compromised by behaviors such as cigarette smoking, substance abuse, and caffeine consumption; however, the strength of these associations are uncertain. Many studies have examined whether caffeine and nicotine containing these affect fertility in men and women. Materials and Methods: In this study we evaluate the literature conc...

The nicotine withdrawal syndrome was validated and characterized in the mouse using both somatic and affective measures after infusion with nicotine daily via subcutaneous minipumps. The influence of dose, duration of infusion, and repeated withdrawal as well as the contribution of genetic factors were investigated. We then characterized the contribution of nicotinic receptor and site mechanism...

BACKGROUND Determination of nicotine metabolism/pharmacokinetics provides a useful tool for estimating uptake of nicotine and tobacco-related toxicants, for understanding the pharmacologic effects of nicotine and nicotine addiction, and for optimizing nicotine dependency treatment. METHODS We developed a sensitive method for analysis of nicotine and five major nicotine metabolites, including ...

conclusions low onset age of smoking cigarettes, high novelty seeking and low cooperativeness in opiate dependents are among the important personality traits in future use of drugs that can predict the subsequent onset of using opiate drugs. results opiate addicts had higher scores in novelty seeking dimension and lower scores in cooperativeness compared to nicotine addicts. the onset age of sm...

BACKGROUND Addiction to nicotine gum has never been described in never smokers or in never users of tobacco. METHODS Internet questionnaire in 2004-2006 in a self-selected sample of 434 daily users of nicotine gum. To assess dependence on nicotine gum, we used modified versions of the Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale (NDSS), the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence and the Cigarette Depe...