Secondhand Smoke in the Brain

Secondhand smoke has measurable and detrimental behavioral and neurobiological effects.

Imaging studies of cigarette smoking show 50% occupancy of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtype α₄β₂* nAChR (plasma nicotine levels, 0.87 ng/mL). But what are the effects of exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS)? These researchers exposed 13 nonsmokers and 11 dependent smokers (mean age, 32) abstinent for 2 days (verified via exhaled carbon monoxide) to 1 hour of SHS inside a closed car. Pre- and postexposure, participants underwent positron emission tomography with a α₄β₂* nAChR ligand and provided plasma for testing of nicotine levels. Participants rated their SHS-related symptoms (e.g., running nose) and tobacco urges on analog scales.

Postexposure occupancy of α₄β₂* nAChRs across thalamus, brainstem, and cerebellum was statistically…

Reviewing Author

Barbara Geller, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Barbara Geller, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Secondhand Smoke in the Brain

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Reviewing Author