EFFECT OF CIGARETTE-SMOKING ON PREPULSE INHIBITION OF THE ACOUSTIC STARTLE REFLEX IN HEALTHY MALE SMOKERS

The present study investigated the effects of cigarette smoking on pre pulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle reflex in healthy men. Cigarette smoking in a group of overnight smoking-deprived smokers inc reased PPI as compared to the smoking-deprived condition. This finding is consistent with previous animal studies showing that nicotine incr eases PPI of the acoustic startle reflex. In addition, cigarette smoki ng also reduced startle amplitude during the first 6-7 min of the post -smoking session.