The Effects of Second‐ and Third‐Hand Cigarette Smoke Exposure on the Adrenal Activity in Swiss Webster Mice

Abstract

Cigarette smoke is a mixture of chemicals, the majority of which have detrimental effect on the body at the physiological and cellular levels. The effects of chronic cigarette smoke exposure on hormone secretions are mediated by the pharmacological action of nicotine and other toxins found in cigarette smoke. Exposure to cigarette smoke can be first‐, second‐, or third‐hand smoke. Firsthand cigarette smoke (FHS) is the inhaled smoke from a burning cigarette. Second‐hand cigarette smoke (SHS) is exhaled smoke from a burning cigarette and smoke from the filter or mouthpiece end of a cigarette. Third‐hand cigarette smoke (THS) is often smelled but not seen after tobacco has been smoked. THS encompasses the environment in which smoking has occurred as well as the chemical residues that coat all indoor surfaces such as walls, carpet, and furniture. The specific aim of this study is to investigate the effects of SHS and THS exposure on cortisol levels. Cortisol is a type of corticosteroid that is secreted in response to stress. Long term increased cortisol levels have been shown to have a large impact on glucose metabolism (Targher, 2005) and may also contribute to diabetes. We hypothesize that SHS and THS exposure will have an increase in cortisol levels. Mice were randomly divided into experimental (SHS and THS) and control groups. The experimental mice were exposed to either second‐ or third‐ hand cigarette smoke once a day, five days a week, for 37 weeks. Fecal pellets were collected for cortisol extraction. The levels of cortisol were determined using ELISA (Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay). The resting cortisol levels were significantly lower after seven months of cigarette smoke exposure. However, immediately following smoke exposure, there was an increase in cortisol levels. This result parallels the effects in humans (Winternitz & Quillen, 1977; Wilkins et al., 1982; Seyler et al., 1984).