The Effects of Changes in Cigarette Menthol Content on Acute Nicotine Pharmacology and Smoking Topography.

Abstract

Menthol influences the appeal and addictiveness of cigarette smoking, however the data regarding menthol's effects on nicotine pharmacokinetics (PK) and smoking topography are inconsistent. This study investigated the impact of different cigarette menthol levels on nicotine pharmacology and smoking topography in current menthol smokers. The study was a double-blind, randomized, four-period, crossover study to investigate the effects of smoking cigarettes with varying menthol content (0, 3, 6, and 12mg menthol) on nicotine PK, smoking topography, and subjective effects in current menthol smokers. Each experimental session consisted of a prescribed use session, followed by 145min of no smoking and a 1-h ad libitum smoking session. Serial blood samples were collected; smoking topography was recorded using CReSS Lab topography device. There was no significant effect of menthol on nicotine PK after prescribed smoking of cigarettes with varying menthol contents. During ad libitum smoking, there was significantly smaller total puff volume and puff duration in the 12mg menthol condition compared to other menthol conditions. Subjective and sensory measures indicated significantly higher overall positive ratings for the 3mg and 6mg menthol cigarettes compared to the 0mg menthol cigarette; the 12mg menthol cigarette was less liked and harsher than the 3mg condition. These findings suggest that menthol, at concentrations reflecting the marketplace (3-6mg), contributes to positive subjective smoking experiences among menthol smokers, but does not have a significant effect on nicotine PK or smoking topography in an acute laboratory setting. While our data indicate that varying menthol content does not have a significant impact on nicotine's pharmacological effects under acute exposure conditions, these data highlight the contribution of menthol's flavor and sensory effects to product preference and positive smoking experiences, which facilitate repeated experimentation, progression to regular use, and subsequent dependence.