Olfactory thresholds for nicotine and menthol in smokers (abstinent and nonabstinent) and nonsmokers.
Nonsmokers and smokers were compared for olfactory sensitivity to two odors associated with cigarettes: nicotine and menthol. Smokers were tested twice--while nonabstinent, and after 16-20 h of smoking abstinence. Smokers showed a higher olfactory threshold for nicotine than did nonsmokers, but the same threshold for menthol. Furthermore, when the smokers were abstinent, they showed a lower olfactory threshold for nicotine than when they were nonabstinent, but again, the same threshold for menthol. These results suggest a nicotine specific olfactory deficit in smokers that is reduced during abstinence.
Rosenblatt
M R
MR
School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles 90024, USA.
Olmstead
R E
RE
Iwamoto-Schaap
P N
PN
Jarvik
M E
ME
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000328:Adult; D002248:Carbon Monoxide / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008610:Menthol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009538:Nicotine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012684:Sensory Thresholds / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D012903:Smell / Q000502:physiology*; D012907:Smoking / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016540:Smoking Cessation
D008610:Menthol; D009538:Nicotine; D002248:Carbon Monoxide