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. 2016;2(2):94-105.
doi: 10.18001/TRS.2.2.1.

Characterization of SPECTRUM Variable Nicotine Research Cigarettes

Patricia Richter  1 , Pappas R Steven  1 , Roberto Bravo  1 , Joseph G Lisko  1 , Maria Damian  2 , Nathalie Gonzalez-Jimenez  3 , Naudia Gray  1 , Lisa M Keong  2 , Jacob B Kimbrell  3 , Peter Kuklenyik  4 , Tameka S Lawler  1 , Grace E Lee  1 , Magaly Mendez  1 , Jose Perez  1 , Shakia Smith  3 , Hang Tran  1 , Robert Tyx  1 , Clifford H Watson  1
Affiliations

Characterization of SPECTRUM Variable Nicotine Research Cigarettes

Patricia Richter et al. Tob Regul Sci. 2016.

Abstract

Objective: To provide researchers an extensive characterization of the SPECTRUM variable nicotine research cigarettes.

Methods: Data on cigarette physical properties, nicotine content, harmful and potentially harmful constituents in the tobacco filler was compiled.

Results: Data on physical properties, concentrations of menthol, nicotine and minor alkaloids, tobacco-specific nitrosamines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, ammonia, and toxic metals in the filler tobacco for all available varieties of Spectrum research cigarettes are provided. The similarity in the chemistry and physical properties of SPECTRUM cigarettes to commercial cigarettes renders them acceptable for use in behavioral studies. Baseline information on harmful and potentially harmful constituents in research tobacco products, particularly constituent levels such as minor alkaloids that fall outside typical ranges reported for commercial, provide researchers with the opportunity to monitor smoking behavior and to identify biomarkers that will inform efforts to understand the role of nicotine in creating and sustaining addiction.

Conclusions: Well characterized research cigarettes suitable for human consumption are an important tool in clinical studies for investigating the physiological impacts of cigarettes delivering various levels of nicotine, the impact of reduced nicotine cigarettes on nicotine addiction, and the relationship between nicotine dose and smoking behavior.

Keywords: PAH; alkaloids; cigarettes; metals; nicotine; spectrum; tobacco.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors affirm no conflicts of interest.

References

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    1. Hatsukami DK, Heishman SJ, Vogel RI, et al. Dose-response effects of spectrum research cigarettes. Nicotine Tob Res. 2013;15(6):1113–1121. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Tobacco Products. Science and Research. [Accessed May 11, 2015]; Available at: http://www.fda.gov/TobaccoProducts/PublicHealthScienceResearch/default.htm.
    1. National Institutes of Health (NIH) Tobacco Regulatory Science Program (TRSP) [Accessed May 11, 2015]; Available at: https://prevention.nih.gov/tobacco-regulatory-science-program.

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