Effects of E-cigarette Vapor on Zebrafish Cell Regeneration and Wound Healing

In regards to wound healing, smoking traditional tobacco cigarettes is known to have negative effects on wound healing (Akoz, 2002). An increased risk of skin necrosis has been observed in patients who smoke throughout the surgical process (Akoz, 2002). It is known that nicotine, whether introduced through inhalation or intravenously, leads to peripheral skin vasoconstriction (Akoz, 2002). The full physiological effects of e-cigarettes are not known and research is being done to improve our understanding on the effects that these products may have on our bodies. This research is intended for that purpose. Zebrafish have recently been used as a model organism for studying the effects of cutaneous wound healing (Richardson, 2013). They have an adaptive immune system as adults which gives them an advantage for research over other vertebrates for immune system and healing studies (Novoa, 2011). This research is aimed at answering the scientific question of how the chemicals in e-cigarettes may affect wound healing and regeneration of the caudal fin of adult zebrafish after prolonged use