Effects of cigarettes on saliva cortisol levels

Abstract

We determined the effects of cigarette deprivation and smoking on saliva cortisol levels in the presence and absence of an operant, monetarily reinforced work task. Subjects were randomly exposed to the following four experimental conditions over successive sessions: no smoking, smoking, no smoking + work, and smoking + work. Measurements of cortisol levels in saliva were determined before and after each daily session. Saliva cortisol levels declined from the beginning to the end of sessions and the end-of-session saliva cortisol levels were not affected by any of the four experimental conditions. Increased cigarette smoking in the presence of the work task also did not affect saliva cortisol levels. Our data do not support: reports of increased cortisol levels as a consequence of smoking or theories relating cortisol and endorphin release to nicotine habituation.

Salivary Cortisol in Psychobiological Research: An Overview

“…As for the influence of nicotine, it is generally believed that smoking induces an increase in total plasma cortisol levels [for reviews see Fuxe et al, 1989: Pomerleau andRosecrans. 1989], Although Cherek et al [1982] failed to find any alteration in sali vary cortisol levels in 4 healthy smokers, these data do not indicate an absent cortisol response in saliva follow ing nicotine exposure. In line with findings on total plasma cortisol we found a dose-dependent increase in salivary cortisol in approximately 50% of smokers inves tigated (unpublished data).…”

The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis in habitual smokers

“…Some studies also reported finding no increases of salivary cortisol after smoking (Cherek et al, 1982). Since in this study several cigarettes were smoked during a longer experimental session, it is unclear whether the time period between single cigarettes was short enough to reach a threshold level of nicotine for HPA activation.…”

The Relationship between Smoking Status and Cortisol Secretion

“…Activation of the HPA axis is reported to require acute nicotine exposure (consumption of two high-strength cigarettes in quick succession), and some studies have shown a dose response action (8 -10). It is believed the HPA axis is altered in smokers (11); however, the reported effects of habitual smoking on cortisol levels in everyday life are mixed with some studies indicating no relationship (12)(13)(14), whereas others report that smoking is associated with increased cortisol secretion (15)(16)(17)(18)(19). The differences in the findings of these studies may be attributed to small study sample (19), differences in sample design (measurement of cortisol in urine or plasma), and differences in timing of the sample collection (15).…”