The Effect of Nicotine Vapors on the Behavior and Health of Sprague Dawley Rats
Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Secondary School
Major
-
Minor
-
Institution
Project Lead The Way - Kentucky
KY House District #
78
KY Senate District #
17
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Dr. Julye Adams
Abstract
In a study conducted on three outbred male albino Sprague Dawley rats, the effects of vaporized nicotine, as administered by a series of tubing, syringe, and electronic cigarette, were recorded qualitatively and quantitatively over a period of two weeks. The rats were placed inside a vapor box and given approximately 7.5 mL of vapor, which was allowed to dissipate over five minutes. After roughly a week of receiving the doses, the rats grew accustomed to the vapor, and all responded by approaching the hole the vapor came out of and became excited for the "vapor box". The rats were weighed twice during the experiment, and a urinalysis was conducted at the end of the experimental period. The test data returned with lower specific gravity, which could point to mild dehydration, and proteins were present in the urine, signifying a breakdown of muscle tissue. The rats were dissected, and the lungs were weighed and examined for abnormalities. Any physical health changes were minute, considering the short-term research, and the fact that the rats were euthanized with carbon dioxide may have contributed to the results. Perhaps more striking is that behavioral changes developed quickly during the project, suggesting detrimental psychological effects of addiction even in such a short time.
The Effect of Nicotine Vapors on the Behavior and Health of Sprague Dawley Rats
In a study conducted on three outbred male albino Sprague Dawley rats, the effects of vaporized nicotine, as administered by a series of tubing, syringe, and electronic cigarette, were recorded qualitatively and quantitatively over a period of two weeks. The rats were placed inside a vapor box and given approximately 7.5 mL of vapor, which was allowed to dissipate over five minutes. After roughly a week of receiving the doses, the rats grew accustomed to the vapor, and all responded by approaching the hole the vapor came out of and became excited for the "vapor box". The rats were weighed twice during the experiment, and a urinalysis was conducted at the end of the experimental period. The test data returned with lower specific gravity, which could point to mild dehydration, and proteins were present in the urine, signifying a breakdown of muscle tissue. The rats were dissected, and the lungs were weighed and examined for abnormalities. Any physical health changes were minute, considering the short-term research, and the fact that the rats were euthanized with carbon dioxide may have contributed to the results. Perhaps more striking is that behavioral changes developed quickly during the project, suggesting detrimental psychological effects of addiction even in such a short time.