ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Develop a model for the study of Electronic Nicotine Device (ENDS) exposure on craniofacial development. DESIGN: Experimental preclinical design followed as pregnant murine dams were randomized and exposed to filtered air exposure, carrier exposure consisting of 50% volume of propylene glycol and vegetable glycine (ENDS Carrier) respectively, or carrier exposure with 20â mg/ml of nicotine added to the liquid vaporizer (ENDS carrier with nicotine). SETTING: Preclinical murine model exposure using the SciReq exposure system. PARTICIPANTS: C57BL6 adult 8 week old female pregnant mice and exposed in utero litters. INTERVENTIONS: Exposure to control filtered air, ENDS carrier or ENDS carrier with nicotine added throughout gestation at 1 puff/minute, 4 h/day, five days a week. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cephalometric measures of post-natal day 15 pups born as exposed litters. RESULTS: Data suggests alterations to several facial morphology parameters in the developing offspring, suggesting electronic nicotine device systems may alter facial growth if used during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Future research should concentrate on varied formulations and exposure regimens of ENDS to determine timing windows of exposures and ENDS formulations that may be harmful to craniofacial development.