Influences of exposure to cigarette smoke on concentration of nicorandil in plasma of rats.

Influences of acute exposure to cigarette smoke on plasma concentrations of nicorandil administered orally and parenterally were investigated in rats by HPLC. The animals were exposed to tobacco smoke of two kinds of cigarettes using a smoking machine (i.e., the cigarette smoke contained either low or high nicotine and tar). The plasma concentration of nicorandil administered orally at a dose of 10 mg/kg had a lower absorption phase in two cigarette smoke-exposed groups, particularly in the high nicotine and tar-containing cigarette smoke-exposed group, compared with the nonsmoking control group. The AUC and MRT values in a high nicotine and tar-containing cigarette smoke-exposed group were lower and higher, respectively, than in the nonsmoking control group. However, there was no marked difference in nicorandil plasma concentrations between the cigarette smoke-exposed group and the nonsmoking control group when nicorandil was administered ip or iv at a dose of 5 mg/kg. These results suggest that cigarette smoke exposure causes the suppression or delay of absorption of nicorandil from the gastrointestinal tract.     

Effect of cigarette smoke on pharmacokinetics of oral,intrarectal, or intravenous indomethacin in rats

Summary The effect of cigarette smoke exposure on the pharmacokinetics of indomethacin administered orally, intravenously or intrarectally was investigated in rats. When cirgarette smoke exposure was performed for 10 min using a Hamburg II smoking machine immediately after the oral administration of indomethacin (5 mg/kg), the plasma indomethacin concentration was significantly lowered during the first 2 h after administration. However, there was no significant difference in plasma indomethacin concentration between the cigarette smoke-exposed and nonexposed control rats thereafter. Cigarette smoke exposure caused a significant decrease in the area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 4 h (AUC_0–4) and a prolongation of the time to reach the maximum concentration (t_max). The plasma level of O-desmethyl-indomethacin (a major metabolite) was not significantly changed by cigarette smoke. When indomethacin (5 mg/kg) was administered to rats intravenously or intrarectally, cigarette smoke exposure did not have any influence on the pharmacokinetics of indomethacin or 0-desmethyl-indomethacin. The pharmacokinetic effect of cigarette smoke on orally administered indomethacin was mimicked by the subcutaneous injection of nicotine at 0.3 mg/kg but not at 0.1 mg/kg. These results suggest that acute exposure to cigarette smoke decreases the plasma concentration of indomethacin when it is administered orally but not intrarectally or intravenously. Send offprint requests to R. Oishi at the above address     

Effect of cigarette smoking on theophylline pharmacokinetics in rats.

The effect of acute cigarette smoke inhalation on the plasma levels of theophylline administered orally and parenterally to rats has been studied. The animals were exposed to smoke containing low- or high-nicotine/tar concentration for 10 min immediately after oral, intraperitoneal (i.p.) or intravenous (i.v.) administration of theophylline. The plasma levels of theophylline when administered orally (20 mg kg-1) were lower in the two cigarette smoke-inhaling groups than in the non-smoking restrained control group, with the lowest values in the high-nicotine/tar group. The plasma levels (8 and 12 h after administration) in the high-nicotine/tar group when theophylline was administered i.p. (10 mg kg-1), were also slightly lower than in the non-smoking restrained control group but this was not significant. When theophylline was administered i.v. (5 mg kg-1), there was no difference between the high-nicotine/tar group and the non-smoking restrained control group. These data indicate that cigarette smoke inhalation causes suppression or delay of theophylline absorption from the gastrointestinal tract.     

The effect of cigarette smoke on the plasma piroxicam concentrations in rats

The plasma concentration of unchanged piroxicam has been determined at 15, 30, 60 and 90 min after 10 mg kg-1 oral administration of the drug to rats exposed to cigarette smoke or pretreated with phenobarbitone, 3,4-benzpyrene or ethanol. Plasma piroxicam concentrations decreased in rats pretreated with phenobarbitone, 3,4-benzpyrene and ethanol and in rats 24 h after exposure to cigarette smoke.     

Effects of standard cigarette smoke and nicotine-reduced cigarette smoke on plasma concentrations of indomethacin administered orally to rats.

The influence of acute exposures to standard (ST) and nicotine-reduced (NR) cigarette smokes on the plasma concentration of orally administered indomethacin (IM, 5 mg/kg) was investigated in rats. IM plasma concentrations in the ST- and NR-groups were lower than those in the non-smoking control group, while the lowered effect in the NR-group was slightly weaker than in the ST-group. These results suggest that the plasma concentrations of IM administered orally are lowered by the acute exposure of cigarette smoke, and this influence may be attributed largely to constituents other than nicotine in the cigarette smoke as well as slightly attributable to nicotine.     

Comparison of the behavioral effects of cigarette smoke and pure nicotine in rats

Animal models of tobacco dependence typically rely on parenteral administration of pure nicotine. Models using cigarette smoke inhalation might more accurately simulate nicotine exposure in smokers. The primary goal of this study was to validate methods for administering cigarette smoke to rats using exposure conditions that were clinically relevant and also produced brain nicotine levels similar to those produced by behaviorally active doses of pure nicotine. A secondary goal was to begin examining the behavioral effects of smoke. Nose-only exposure (NOE) to smoke for 10-45 min or whole-body exposure (WBE) to smoke for 1-4 h produced serum nicotine concentrations similar to those in smokers (14-55 ng/ml), without excessive carbon monoxide exposure. Daily nicotine (0.1 mg/kg, s.c.) induced locomotor sensitization whereas 45-min NOE producing brain nicotine levels within the same range did not. Nicotine 0.125 mg/kg s.c. reversed withdrawal from a chronic nicotine infusion as measured by elevations in intracranial self-stimulation thresholds whereas 4-h WBE producing similar brain nicotine levels did not. These data demonstrate the feasibility of delivering cigarette smoke to rats at clinically relevant doses, and provide preliminary evidence that the behavioral effects of nicotine delivered in smoke may differ from those of pure nicotine.     

Pharmacokinetics of triflusal and its main metabolite in rats and dogs.

The methods for determining plasma concentrations of triflusal (2-acetoxy-4-trifluoromethyl benzoic acid) that have been described, do not distinguish between the drug and its main metabolite HTB (2-hydroxy-4-trifluoromethyl benzoic acid). In the present study, we have developed a new analytical technique based on HPLC that enabled us to carry out a pharmacokinetic study of the drug and its metabolite in animals. An intravenous or oral dose of 50 mg/kg was administered to male Sprague-Dawley rats, and 15 mg/kg was administered to beagle dogs. Plasma levels of triflusal and HTB were determined. In rats, triflusal was quickly eliminated from plasma with a biological half-life (t1/2) of 2.7 min and a clearance (Cl) of 73.4 (ml/kg)/min. The elimination of HTB was much slower with a t1/2 of 21.5 h and a Cl of 5.1 (mg/kg)/h. The maximum concentration (Cmax) of triflusal in rats after an oral administration was 8.1 +/- 2.0 micrograms/ml reached between 2.5 and 10 min. The Cmax of HTB was 237.7 micrograms/ml and was achieved at 0.7 h. The bioavailability of triflusal in rats was only 10.6% while the bioavailability of HTB was more than 100% indicating an important first pass effect. In dogs the t1/2 of triflusal was 14.4 +/- 5.9 min and the Cl was 25.1 +/- 4.7 (ml/kg)/min. HTB was also eliminated very slowly with a t1/2 of 71.1 +/- 12.5 h and a Cl of 2.4 +/- 0.3 (ml/kg)/h. The Cmax of triflusal in dogs was 13.3 +/- 2.9 micrograms/ml and was reached after 19.2 +/- 6.1 min (tmax).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Evidence for carbon monoxide as the major factor contributing to lower fetal weights in rats exposed to cigarette smoke.

One of the major effects of cigarette smoking during pregnancy is bearing a child with lower birth weight. It has previously been demonstrated under experimental conditions in rats that exposure to reference cigarette smoke results in reduced birth weight (E. L. Carmines et al., 2003, Toxicol. Sci. 75, 134-147; C. L. Gaworski et al., 2004, Toxicol. Sci. 79, 157-169). The role of various smoke constituents on lower birth weight was evaluated by exposing time-pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats at the concentrations found in cigarette smoke. The rats were exposed for 2 h/day 7 days/week by nose-only inhalation. The target concentrations were designed to produce the same plasma levels of biomarkers as exposure to 2R4F reference cigarette smoke at a concentration of 600 mg/m(3) total particulate matter. The smoke constituents evaluated included carbon monoxide (CO), nicotine, and a mixture of aldehydes (acrolein, acetaldehyde, and formaldehyde). The smoke constituents were tested individually as well as in mixtures to evaluate potential interactions. Exposure to cigarette smoke during gestation produced a reduction in both maternal body weight gain and fetal weights. Exposure to nicotine reduced maternal body weight gain but had no effect on fetal weight. Exposure to CO had no effect on maternal body weight gain but reduced fetal weight to a degree comparable to cigarette smoke. Exposure to a mixture of aldehydes (acrolein, acetaldehyde, and formaldehyde) had no effect on either maternal body weight gain or fetal weight. Exposure to mixtures of nicotine and CO or nicotine, CO, and aldehydes did not demonstrate any interactions. The results of this study suggest that the observed reduction in fetal weight after exposure to cigarette smoke in rats is due to CO toxicity and not nicotine toxicity.     

Interrelationship of Cardiovascular Effects,Plasma Levels of Nicorandil,and Vascular cGMP Formation in Conscious Rats

The relationship between the dual activity of nicorandil (K_ATP channel-opening activity and nitrate-like action), plasma levels, and changes in vascular cGMP levels and cardiovascular parameters was investigated in conscious rats. Nicorandil (3 mg kg^?1, p.o.) was rapidly absorbed and caused a significant reduction in blood pressure, lasting for at least 1 h, increases in heart rate and femoral blood flow, and decreases in femoral vascular resistance. These were entirely abolished by intravenous glibenclamide (20 mg kg^?1). The plasma concentration of nicorandil reached a maximum 30 min after dosing. After administration of nicorandil, a correlation was observed between blood pressure and plasma nicorandil level or femoral vascular resistance. A significant increase (P < 0.05) in the cGMP content of the thoracic aorta occurred 15 min after administration of nicorandil, and persisted for at least 2 h. These results imply that nicorandil induces vasodilatation by opening K_ATP channels in peripheral resistance vessels, leading to overt reduction of blood pressure, but acts on conductance vessels mainly through nitrate-like activity.     

Absorption of nicotine from a cigarette that does not burn tobacco

Ten smokers participated in a study to compare the absorption of nicotine from the smoke aerosol of a new cigarette that heats, but does not burn tobacco (test) with a cigarette that burns tobacco (reference). The average plasma nicotine concentrations obtained by the 7th test cigarette (13 ng/ml) and 7th reference cigarette (24 ng/ml) were proportional to the nicotine yielded by the two cigarettes as determined under Federal Trade Commission machine-smoking conditions. These data demonstrate that the smoke aerosol obtained by smoking a cigarette which heats tobacco produces plasma profiles of nicotine that are similar to the profiles obtained from smoking a cigarette that burns tobacco.     

Influences of cigarette smoke inhalation on pharmacokinetics of cimetidine in rats.

The influences of cigarette smoke inhalation on the pharmacokinetics of cimetidine administered orally and parenterally were investigated in rats using a smoking machine. The animals were exposed to two kinds of cigarette smoke, low- or high-nicotine.tar, inhaled for 10 min immediately after oral (50 mg/kg), intraperitoneal (25 mg/kg) or intravenous (10 mg/kg) administration of cimetidine. The plasma level after cimetidine was administered orally was lower in the absorption phase in the two cigarette smoke inhaling groups than in the non-smoking control group, and was particularly marked in the high-nicotine.tar cigarette smoke inhaling group. In contrast, no significant difference was found in cimetidine plasma level between the cigarette smoke inhaling groups and the non-smoking control group when administered intraperitoneally or intravenously. These results suggest that cigarette smoke inhalation may cause a suppression or a delay in cimetidine absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, and that the degree of influence is dependent upon the content of nicotine.tar in the cigarette smoke.     

Metabolic fate of the new Ca++-channel blocking agent (+)-(2S,3S)-3-acetoxy-8-chloro-(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl)-2,3-dihydro- 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2,5-benzothiazepin-4-(5H)-one maleate. Distribution, excretion and protein binding in rats and dogs

Distribution, excretion and protein binding of (+)-(2S,3S)-3-acetoxy-8-chloro-(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl)-2,3-dihydro- 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2,5-benzothiazepin-4-(5H)-one maleate (TA-3090) in rats and dogs were investigated after oral (30 mg/kg (rats), 2 mg/kg(dogs] and intravenous (3 mg/kg (rats), 0.2 mg/kg (dogs) administration of 14C-TA-3090. Plasma level of radioactivity in rats reached plateau (6.04 micrograms equiv. of TA-3090 free base/ml) 1 h after oral administration. The plateau level continued at least up to 6 h. The plasma concentration of the unchanged drug (free base) reached the maximum (425 ng/ml) at 45 min after oral administration, and then decreased with a half-life of 1.16 h. Plasma level of radioactivity after intravenous administration to rats rose gradually up to 1 h and thereafter it was kept constant for 6 h. Plasma concentration of the unchanged drug decreased with half-lives of 0.43 h (alpha phase) and 1.33 h (beta phase) after intravenous administration. In dogs, the peak level of plasma radioactivity after oral administration was 227 ng/ml at 1 h. The Cmax, Tmax and t1/2 of unchanged drug were 31 ng/ml, 1.34 h and 4.13 h, respectively. The plasma levels of total radioactivity and unchanged drug after intravenous administration to dogs were 146 and 142 ng/ml at 1 min, respectively. The t1/2 of the plasma radioactivity were 0.02 h (alpha) and 4.02 h (beta). Those of unchanged drug were 0.03 h (alpha) and 1.66 h (beta).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Metabolic fate of the new cardiotonic denopamine in animals. 1st communication: absorption, distribution and excretion in the rat, rabbit and dog

Absorption, distribution and excretion of (-)-(R)-1-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-[(3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl)amino] ethanol (denopamine, TA-064) a new positive inotropic agent, were studied after oral and intravenous administration of 3H- or 14C-denopamine (5 mg/kg) to different animal species. After oral administration to rats, rabbits and dogs, the time to attain the peak and the maximum concentration of the plasma levels of radioactivity were about 15 min, 4 micrograms eq./ml in rats, 15-45 min, 8 micrograms eq./ml in rabbits and 2-4 h, 2 micrograms eq./ml in dogs, respectively. The plasma denopamine levels in dogs reached the peak (0.34 microgram/ml) at 0.5-3 h after administration, and thereafter gradually decreased with half-lives of 1.6-3.1 h. Following oral administration to rats, the amounts remaining of the parent compound in the digestive tract at 0.5 and 3 h after administration were about 27 and 2% of the dose administered, respectively. This indicated that the compound was rapidly and almost completely absorbed from the intestinal tract. When 3H-denopamine was orally administered to rats, cumulative excretion of radioactivity in the urine and feces within 24 h were about 60 and 32% of the dose, respectively. Almost 100% of the dose were recovered from the urine and feces within 120 h. About 50% of the dose administered were excreted in the bile within 24 h. The occurrence of enterohepatic circulation was indicated in rats. Distribution of radioactivity was investigated in rats by means of whole body autoradiography and the tracer technique.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Vaccination against nicotine alters the distribution of nicotine delivered via cigarette smoke inhalation to rats

Preclinical models of nicotine vaccine pharmacology have relied on i.v. or s.c. administration of nicotine. Models using cigarette smoke inhalation might more accurately simulate nicotine exposure in smokers. Nicotine vaccine effects were examined in rats using two cigarette smoke exposure models: a 10 min nose-only exposure (NSE) producing serum nicotine levels equivalent to the nicotine boost from 1 cigarette in a smoker, and a 2 h whole-body exposure (WBE) producing serum nicotine levels similar to those associated with regular mid-day smoking. Vaccination prior to 10 min smoke NSE reduced nicotine distribution to brain by 90%, comparable to its effect on nicotine administered i.v. Vaccination prior to 2 h smoke WBE reduced nicotine distribution to brain by 35%. The nicotine concentration in broncheoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid obtained after 2 h WBE was increased by 230% in vaccinated rats but was also increased in rats passively immunized with a nicotine-specific monoclonal antibody, and so was likely due to transfer of antibody from serum rather than local production at the pulmonary mucosa. Nicotine-specific IgA was not detectable in BAL fluid, but titers in serum were appreciable at 21–25% of the IgG titer and could contribute to vaccine efficacy. Both vaccination and passive immunization are effective in reducing nicotine distribution to brain in rats when nicotine is delivered via inhaled cigarette smoke. These data validate results previously obtained in rodents for nicotine vaccines using i.v. or s.c. nicotine dosing and provide a quantitative method for studying aspects of nicotine exposure which are unique to cigarette smoke inhalation.     

Effects of low- and high-nicotine cigarette smoking on mood states and the HPA axis in men.

The acute effects of smoking a low- or high-nicotine cigarette on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) hormones, subjective responses, and cardiovascular measures were studied in 20 healthy men who met American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV criteria for nicotine dependence. Within four puffs (or 2 min) after cigarette smoking began, plasma nicotine levels and heart rate increased significantly (P<0.01), and peak ratings of 'high' and 'rush' on a Visual Analogue Scale were reported. Reports of 'high', 'rush', and 'liking' and reduction of 'craving' were significantly greater after smoking a high-nicotine cigarette than a low-nicotine cigarette (P<0.05). Peak plasma nicotine levels after high-nicotine cigarette smoking (23.9+/-2.6 ng/ml) were significantly greater than after low-nicotine cigarette smoking (3.63+/-0.59 ng/ml) (P<0.001). After smoking a low-nicotine cigarette, adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and epinephrine did not change significantly from baseline. After high-nicotine cigarette smoking began, plasma ACTH levels increased significantly above baseline within 12 min and reached peak levels of 21.88+/-5.34 pmol/l within 20 min. ACTH increases were significantly correlated with increases in plasma nicotine (r=0.85; P<0.0001), DHEA (r=0.66; P=0.002), and epinephrine (r=0.86; P<0.0001). Cortisol and DHEA increased significantly within 20 min (P<0.05) and reached peak levels of 424+/-48 and 21.13+/-2.55 ng/ml within 60 and 30 min, respectively. Thus cigarette smoking produced nicotine dose-related effects on HPA hormones and subjective and cardiovascular measures. These data suggest that activation of the HPA axis may contribute to the abuse-related effects of cigarette smoking.     

The effect of a single treatment with cigarette smoke on the blood levels and hemodynamic effects of propranolol in rats

The effect of a single treatment with cigarette smoke on the blood levels and hemodynamic effects of propranolol in rats was studied. Pentobarbital sleep time was not affected whereas zoxazolamine paralysis time was shortened 72% in rats, 24 h after the cigarette smoke exposure. The beta-adrenoceptor blocking effect of propranolol observed at 10 and 20 min time intervals was abolished in rats exposed to cigarette smoke 24 h after the exposure. The blood propranolol concentrations were decreased in rats pretreated with phenobarbital, 3,4-benzpyrene and ethanol as well as in cigarette smoke exposed rats. Among several factors that could influence propranolol metabolism, in this study, enzyme induction is suggested to be dominant.     

Subchronic inhalation by rats of mainstream smoke from a cigarette that primarily heats tobacco compared to a cigarette that burns tobacco

A subchronic, nose-only inhalation study comparing the potential biological activity of mainstream smoke from a cigarette that primarily heats tobacco (Eclipse) to mainstream smoke from a 1R4F reference cigarette was conducted using Sprague-Dawley rats of each gender. Smoke exposures were for 1 h/day, 5 days/wk for 13 wk, at concentrations of 0, 0.16, 0.32, or 0.64 mg wet total particulate matter (WTPM)/L air. Smoke was generated at the Federal Trade Commission standard of a 2-s puff of 35 ml, taken once per minute. Clinical signs, body and organ weights, clinical chemistry, hematology, carboxyhemoglobin, serum nicotine, plethysmography, gross pathology, and histopathology were determined. Plethysmography indicated that respiratory rate was decreased at all concentrations of 1R4F smoke, but only at the high concentration of Eclipse smoke. Tidal volume was depressed and minute volume was lower for all smoke-exposed rats. Rats exposed to Eclipse smoke inhaled more smoke at the low and mid-concentration exposures than rats exposed to equivalent concentrations 1R4F smoke. Carboxyhemoglobin and serum nicotine were directly related to the exposure concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) and nicotine in an exposure-dependent manner. Body weights were slightly lower in smoke-exposed rats, while no treatment-related effects were seen in clinical signs, clinical chemistry, hematology, or gross changes at necropsy. The only treatment-related effect seen in organ weights was an increase in heart weight in females in the Eclipse high-concentration exposure group, attributed to higher CO in the Eclipse exposure atmosphere. Higher CO resulted from the lower dilution of Eclipse smoke required to maintain WTPM concentrations equal to those of the 1R4F smoke, and not from a higher CO yield from Eclipse cigarettes. Nasal epithelial hyperplasia and ventral laryngeal squamous metaplasia were noted after exposure to either the 1R4F or Eclipse smoke. The degree of change was less in Eclipse smoke-exposed rats. Lung macrophages were increased to a similar extent in the Eclipse and 1R4F smoke-exposed groups. Brown/gold pigmented macrophages were detected in the lungs of rats exposed to 1R4F smoke, but not those exposed to Eclipse smoke. Subsets of rats from each group were maintained for an additional 13 wk without smoke exposures. Most of the changes noted at the end of the smoke exposures had disappeared, while those that remained were regressing toward normal. Evaluation of these findings indicated the overall biological activity of Eclipse smoke was less than 1R4F smoke at comparable exposure concentrations.     

The bioavailability of doxycycline

The bioavailability of doxycycline (Doxy-Diolan 100 tablets, test, active substances: 100 mg doxycyclin per tablet) was compared with that of another commercially available tablet-formulation containing the same active substance (reference). In a cross-over study, 16 young healthy male volunteers were administered in fasting state orally by one tablet containing 100 mg active substance. The concentrations of doxycycline were determined in plasma and saliva by a high-performance liquid chromatographic assay. Mean maximum plasma concentration (cmax +/- standard deviation) of doxycycline were 1.57 +/- 0.40 micrograms/ml (test) and 1.59 +/- 0.38 micrograms/ml (reference), respectively, and were reached 1.47 +/- 0.55 h and 1.66 +/- 0.57 h after administration. Plasma half-lives were 16.6 +/- 2.9 h and 16.8 +/- 3.0 h, the areas under the plasma concentration-time curves (AUC0-00) 29.3 +/- 4.5 mg/l.h and 29.7 +/- 4.4 mg/l.h. The concentration of doxycycline in saliva were low, median maximum concentrations of 50 ng/ml were measured 1-2 h after administration. The statistical evaluation revealed bioequivalence between both drugs.     

Changes of brain endothelin levels and peripheral endothelin receptors by chronic cigarette smoke in spontaneously hypertensive rats

The present study was conducted to evaluate the contribution of endothelin (ET) to the pharmacodynamic response to chronic cigarette smoke in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The contribution of ET was studied consequent to the hemodynamic response following 8 weeks of cigarette smoke by determining the changes in tissue ET-1 content and ET receptors. The blood pressure (BP) at the early phase of smoking and the heart rate (HR) 24 h later were apparently reduced in SHR, while the HR at the early phase was transiently elevated in normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats. Tissue ET-1 levels in the hypothalamus, striatum, and cortex of SHR were higher than those in WKY rats, and these higher levels in SHR were reduced by exposure to chronic cigarette smoke. The ET-1 contents in the medulla oblongata and midbrain of both strains were clearly increased by smoke exposure, although the levels of SHR and WKY rats were not different. In addition, the immunoreactivity of the ET type A receptor in the adrenal glands and type B receptor in the kidneys of SHR showed a different response to smoke exposure as compared to WKY rats. Our present findings suggest that the changes of ETs may relate to the pharmacodynamic effects of chronic cigarette smoke.     

Effects of exposure to cigarette smoke at different dose levels on extensor digitorum longus muscle fibres in Wistar-Kyoto and spontaneously hypertensive rats

1. The fibre type distributions, cross-sectional areas (CSA) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activities in the deep (EDLd) and superficial (EDLs) regions of the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle in normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were determined after exposure to cigarette smoke at three different dose levels using a smoking machine. 2. Rats were exposed to cigarette smoke at a rate of 15 puffs/min for 20 min/day with 23 cigarettes (low-dose level), 26 cigarettes (medium-dose level) or 30 cigarettes (high-dose level) for 8 weeks. 3. No changes in fibre type distribution, CSA or SDH activity were observed after exposure to cigarette smoke at the low- and medium-dose levels, irrespective of the muscle region or strain. 4. No change in fibre type distribution was observed after exposure to cigarette smoke at the high-dose level, irrespective of the muscle region or strain. A decreased CSA of type IIA and type IIB fibres in EDLd and increased SDH activity of all types of fibres in EDLd and EDLs were observed in WKY rats after exposure to cigarette smoke at the high-dose level. In addition, a decreased CSA of type IIB fibres in EDLd and type IIA and type IIB fibres in EDLs and increased SDH activity of type IIB fibres in EDLd were observed in SHR after exposure to cigarette smoke at the high-dose level. 5. The smaller CSA and higher SDH activity of fibres in EDL observed in WKY rats and SHR after exposure to cigarette smoke at the high-dose level, but not at the low- and medium-dose levels, are adaptive responses, indicating that heavy cigarette smoke affects the morphological and metabolic properties of fibres in skeletal muscle.