Electroencephalographic effects of intravenous nicotine - a dose-response study

Rationale: It has often been demonstrated that both tobacco abstinence and nicotine have effects on the EEG power spectrum and components of the event -related potentials. In contrast, few attempts have been made to establish the dose-response relationship between nicotine and EEG parameters. Objecti ves: The aim of this study was to investigate the dose-response relationshi p for EEG and auditory oddball P300 parameters over a wide range of intrave nously infused nicotine doses. Method: Fourteen regular smokers who had abs tained from nicotine for at least 12 h were given intravenous infusions of 0, 3.5, 7, 14 and 28 mu g/kg nicotine over 10 min in a single-blind randomi sed cross-over design. Parallel recordings of spontaneous EEG, auditory P30 0 and heart rate, as well as venous blood sampling were made before, during and after nicotine administration. Results: Linear dose-related decreases of delta and theta power were found, along with increases in alpha(2) power and alpha peak frequency. Alpha(1), beta and P300 parameters were unaffect ed. Conclusion: Our results are consistent with nicotine-dependent changes in EEG measures indicative of arousal.