Differences in smoking-related variables based on phenylthiocarbamide "taster" status.
Test strips impregnated with phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) have been used to identify genetic differences based on whether a bitter taste is perceived. To determine whether smokers who perceive PTC as bitter tasting ("tasters") would differ from those who describe it as tasteless ("non-tasters") on smoking-related variables, we studied 464 current smokers (70% female, 79% White; mean age 30.5+/-9 years) recruited to participate in laboratory experiments and clinical trials. Of these, 217 (47%) reported the PTC strips as tasteless and 154 (33%) as tasting bitter. The remaining 93 (20%) described the taste as salty, sweet, or other and were excluded from further analyses. Comparing tasters with non-tasters, we found significant differences in mean (S.D.) total years smoked (14.5 [9.2] for non-tasters, vs. 12.6 [8.4] for tasters, p<.05), Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire scores (6.4 [2.1] vs. 5.8 [2.1], p<.01), and scores on the Positive Reinforcement scale of the Michigan-Nicotine Reinforcement Questionnaire (8.1 [2.9] vs. 6.8 [3.1], p<.05). Results suggest that among smokers, ability to taste PTC may confer some protection from development of nicotine dependence and positive reinforcement from smoking.
Nicotine Research Laboratory, University of Michigan Department of Psychiatry, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA. bonhomme@umich.edu
Sandy M
SM
Snedecor
Cynthia S
CS
Pomerleau
Ann M
AM
Mehringer
Raphaela
R
Ninowski
Ovide F
OF
Pomerleau
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010670:Phenylthiourea; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D012907:Smoking / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013649:Taste / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology
D010670:Phenylthiourea