Changes in dopamine, serotonin and their metabolites in discrete brain areas of rat offspring after in utero exposure to cocaine or related drugs

Life-long impairment of glucose homeostasis upon prenatal exposure to psychostimulants

Maternal drug abuse during pregnancy is a rapidly escalating societal problem. Psychostimulants, including amphetamine, cocaine, and methamphetamine, are amongst the illicit drugs most commonly consumed by pregnant women. Neuropharmacology concepts posit that psychostimulants affect monoamine signaling in the nervous system by their affinities to neurotransmitter reuptake and vesicular transporters to heighten neurotransmitter availability extracellularly. Exacerbated dopamine signaling is particularly considered as a key determinant of psychostimulant action. Much less is known about possible adverse effects of these drugs on peripheral organs, and if in utero exposure induces lifelong pathologies. Here, we addressed this question by combining human RNA-seq data with cellular and mouse models of neuroendocrine development. We show that episodic maternal exposure to psychostimulants during pregnancy coincident with the intrauterine specification of pancreatic β cells permanently impairs their ability of insulin production, leading to glucose intolerance in adult female but not male offspring. We link psychostimulant action specifically to serotonin signaling and implicate the sex-specific epigenetic reprogramming of serotonin-related gene regulatory networks upstream from the transcription factor Pet1/Fev as determinants of reduced insulin production.

Cocaine-induced neurodevelopmental deficits and underlying mechanisms

Exposure to drugs early in life has complex and long-lasting implications for brain structure and function. This review summarizes work to date on the immediate and long-term effects of prenatal exposure to cocaine. In utero cocaine exposure produces disruptions in brain monoamines, particularly dopamine, during sensitive periods of brain development, and leads to permanent changes in specific brain circuits, molecules, and behavior. Here, we integrate clinical studies and significance with mechanistic preclinical studies, to define our current knowledge base and identify gaps for future investigation. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 108:147-173, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Prenatal antidepressant exposure: clinical and preclinical findings

Pharmacological treatment of any maternal illness during pregnancy warrants consideration of the consequences of the illness and/or medication for both the mother and unborn child. In the case of major depressive disorder, which affects up to 10-20% of pregnant women, the deleterious effects of untreated depression on the offspring can be profound and long lasting. Progress has been made in our understanding of the mechanism(s) of action of antidepressants, fetal exposure to these medications, and serotonin's role in development. New technologies and careful study designs have enabled the accurate sampling of maternal serum, breast milk, umbilical cord serum, and infant serum psychotropic medication concentrations to characterize the magnitude of placental transfer and exposure through human breast milk. Despite this progress, the extant clinical literature is largely composed of case series, population-based patient registry data that are reliant on nonobjective means and retrospective recall to determine both medication and maternal depression exposure, and limited inclusion of suitable control groups for maternal depression. Conclusions drawn from such studies often fail to incorporate embryology/neurotransmitter ontogeny, appropriate gestational windows, or a critical discussion of statistically versus clinically significant. Similarly, preclinical studies have predominantly relied on dosing models, leading to exposures that may not be clinically relevant. The elucidation of a defined teratological effect or mechanism, if any, has yet to be conclusively demonstrated. The extant literature indicates that, in many cases, the benefits of antidepressant use during pregnancy for a depressed pregnant woman may outweigh potential risks.

Psychostimulants and brain dysfunction: a review of the relevant neurotoxic effects

Psychostimulants abuse is a major public concern because is associated with serious health complications, including devastating consequences on the central nervous system (CNS). The neurotoxic effects of these drugs have been extensively studied. Nevertheless, numerous questions and uncertainties remain in our understanding of these toxic events. Thus, the purpose of the present manuscript is to review cellular and molecular mechanisms that might be responsible for brain dysfunction induced by psychostimulants. Topics reviewed include some classical aspects of neurotoxicity, such as monoaminergic system and mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity and hyperthermia. Moreover, recent literature has suggested new phenomena regarding the toxic effects of psychostimulants. Thus, we also reviewed the impact of these drugs on neuroinflammatory response, blood-brain barrier (BBB) function and neurogenesis. Assessing the relative importance of these mechanisms on psychostimulants-induced brain dysfunction presents an exciting challenge for future research efforts. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'CNS Stimulants'.

Prenatal exposure to escitalopram and/or stress in rats produces limited effects on endocrine, behavioral, or gene expression measures in adult male rats

Stress and/or antidepressants during pregnancy have been implicated in a wide range of long-term effects in the offspring. We investigated the long-term effects of prenatal stress and/or clinically relevant antidepressant exposure on male adult offspring in a model of the pharmacotherapy of maternal depression. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were implanted with osmotic minipumps that delivered clinically relevant exposure to the antidepressant escitalopram throughout gestation. Subsequently, pregnant females were exposed on gestational days 10-20 to a chronic unpredictable mild stress paradigm. The male offspring were analyzed in adulthood. Baseline physiological measurements were largely unaltered by prenatal manipulations. Behavioral characterization of the male offspring, with or without pre-exposure to an acute stressor, did not reveal any group differences. Prenatal stress exposure resulted in a faster return towards baseline following the peak response to an acute restraint stressor, but not an airpuff startle stressor, in adulthood. Microarray analysis of the hippocampus and hypothalamus comparing all treatment groups revealed no significantly-altered transcripts. Real time PCR of the hippocampus confirmed that several transcripts in the CRFergic, serotonergic, and neural plasticity pathways were unaffected by prenatal exposures. This stress model of maternal depression and its treatment indicate that escitalopram use and/or stress during pregnancy produced no alterations in our measures of male adult behavior or the transcriptome, however prenatal stress exposure resulted in some evidence for increased glucocorticoid negative feedback following an acute restraint stress. Study design should be carefully considered before implications for human health are ascribed to prenatal exposure to stress or antidepressant medication.

Prenatal exposure to escitalopram and/or stress in rats: a prenatal stress model of maternal depression and its treatment

RATIONALE

A rigorously investigated model of stress and antidepressant administration during pregnancy is needed to evaluate possible effects on the mother.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to develop a model of clinically relevant prenatal exposure to an antidepressant and stress during pregnancy to evaluate the effects on maternal care behavior.

RESULTS

Female rats implanted with 28-day osmotic minipumps delivering the SSRI escitalopram throughout pregnancy had serum escitalopram concentrations in a clinically observed range (17-65 ng/ml). A separate cohort of pregnant females exposed to a chronic unpredictable mild stress paradigm on gestational days 10-20 showed elevated baseline (305 ng/ml), and acute stress-induced (463 ng/ml), plasma corticosterone concentrations compared to unstressed controls (109 ng/ml). A final cohort of pregnant dams were exposed to saline (control), escitalopram, stress, or stress and escitalopram to determine the effects on maternal care. Maternal behavior was continuously monitored over the first 10 days after parturition. A reduction of 35 % in maternal contact and 11 % in nursing behavior was observed due to stress during the light cycle. Licking and grooming behavior was unaffected by stress or drug exposure in either the light or dark cycle.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that: (1) clinically relevant antidepressant treatment during human pregnancy can be modeled in rats using escitalopram; (2) chronic mild stress can be delivered in a manner that does not compromise fetal viability; and (3) neither of these prenatal treatments substantially altered maternal care post parturition.

Expression of 5HT-related genes after perinatal treatment with 5HT agonists

Serotonin (5HT) is a biologically active amine with diverse roles in the mammalian organism. Developmental alterations in 5HT homeostasis could lead to exposure of the developing brain to non-optimal serotonin concentrations that may result in developmental and behavioral deficits. In order to explore the molecular basis of the effects of developmental disturbances on 5HT metabolism on adult central 5HT homeostasis, observed in our previous studies, we measured changes in gene expression of the neuronal 5HT-regulating proteins in adult animals after perinatal treatment with the immediate 5HT precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan (5HTP, 25 mg/kg), or monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor tranylcypromine (TCP 2 mg/kg), during the period of the most intensive development of 5HT neurons — from gestational day 12 until postnatal day 21. Adult animals were sacrificed and the relative mRNA levels for tryptophan hydroxylase 2, MAO A, MAO B, receptors 5HT1A and 5HT2A, 5HT transporter (5HTT) and vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT) were determined in the raphe nuclei region and prefrontal cortex using Real-Time Relative qRT-PCR. In comparison to the saline treated animals, treatment with 5HTP caused mild but significant increase in MAO A and MAO B mRNA abundance. TCP-treated animals, besides an increase in mRNA abundance for both MAO genes, displayed significantly increased 5HTT and VMAT2 mRNA levels and significantly decreased 5HT1A receptor mRNA levels. Our results suggest that perinatal exposure of rats to 5HTP, and especially TCP, induces long-lasting/permanent changes in the expression of 5HT-regulating genes, that presumably underlie 5HT-related neurochemical and behavioral changes in adult animals.

Prenatal Cocaine Disrupts Serotonin Signaling-Dependent Behaviors: Implications for Sex Differences, Early Stress and Prenatal SSRI Exposure

Prenatal cocaine (PC) exposure negatively impacts the developing nervous system, including numerous changes in serotonergic signaling. Cocaine, a competitive antagonist of the serotonin transporter, similar to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), also blocks dopamine and norepinephrine transporters, leaving the direct mechanism through which cocaine disrupts the developing serotonin system unclear. In order to understand the role of the serotonin transporter in cocaine's effect on the serotonergic system, we compare reports concerning PC and prenatal antidepressant exposure and conclude that PC exposure affects many facets of serotonergic signaling (serotonin levels, receptors, transporters) and that these effects differ significantly from what is observed following prenatal SSRI exposure. Alterations in serotonergic signaling are dependent on timing of exposure, test regimens, and sex. Following PC exposure, behavioral disturbances are observed in attention, emotional behavior and stress response, aggression, social behavior, communication, and like changes in serotonergic signaling, these effects depend on sex, age and developmental exposure. Vulnerability to the effects of PC exposure can be mediated by several factors, including allelic variance in serotonergic signaling genes, being male (although fewer studies have investigated female offspring), and experiencing the adverse early environments that are commonly coincident with maternal drug use. Early environmental stress results in disruptions in serotonergic signaling analogous to those observed with PC exposure and these may interact to produce greater behavioral effects observed in children of drug-abusing mothers. We conclude that based on past evidence, future studies should put a greater emphasis on including females and monitoring environmental factors when studying the impact of PC exposure.

Teens with heavy prenatal cocaine exposure respond to experimental social provocation with escape not aggression

Preclinical data show that, compared to no exposure, prenatal cocaine exposure (PCE) has age-dependent effects on social interaction and aggression. The aim of this clinical study was to determine how heavy/persistent PCE--after controlling for other prenatal drug exposures, sex and postnatal factors--predicts behavioral sensitivity to provocation (i.e., reactive aggression) using a well-validated human laboratory model of aggression. African American teens (mean=14.2 years old) with histories of heavy/persistent PCE (maternal cocaine use ≥ 2 times/week during pregnancy, or positive maternal or infant urine/meconium test at delivery; n=86) or none/some exposure (NON: maternal cocaine use < 2 times/week during pregnancy; n=330) completed the Point Subtraction Aggression Paradigm. In this task, teens competed in a computer game against a fictitious opponent. There were three possible responses: (a) earn points, to exchange for money later; or (b) "aggress" against the fictitious opponent by subtracting their points; or (c) escape temporarily from point subtraction perpetrated by the fictitious opponent. The PCE group responded significantly more frequently on the escape option than the NON group, but did not differ in aggressive or money-earning responses. These data indicate that PCE-teens provoked with a social stressor exhibit a behavioral preference for escape (negative reinforcement) than for aggressive (retaliatory) or appetitive (point- or money-reinforced) responses. These findings are consistent with preclinical data showing that social provocation of adolescent or young adult offspring after PCE is associated with greater escape behavior, inferring greater submission, social withdrawal, or anxiety, as opposed to aggressive behavior.

Impact of gestational cocaine treatment or prenatal cocaine exposure on early postpartum oxytocin mRNA levels and receptor binding in the rat

Prior research reported decreased oxytocin levels in specific brain regions correlated with disruptions in maternal care following gestational cocaine treatment in rats. Similarly, prenatal exposure to cocaine impaired subsequent maternal behavior in adulthood, but behavioral alterations were not associated with decreases in oxytocin levels in the same brain regions as were found in their cocaine-treated rat dams. To determine if other aspects of the oxytocin system are disrupted by cocaine treatment or prenatal exposure to cocaine during critical time points associated with maternal care, oxytocin mRNA transcription and receptor binding were examined on postpartum day two in relevant brain regions following gestational treatment with, or prenatal exposure to, either cocaine or saline. We hypothesized that oxytocin mRNA levels and receptor binding would be differentially affected by cocaine in the early postpartum period of dams and their offspring. Our findings indicate that gestational cocaine treatment resulted in significant increases in oxytocin mRNA levels in only the paraventricular nucleus of cocaine-treated dams, with almost significant increases in both generations in the supraoptic nucleus, but no significant effects of cocaine on receptor binding in either generation of dams. These findings indicate that in addition to oxytocin levels, cocaine treatment or prenatal exposure primarily affects oxytocin mRNA synthesis, with little effect on receptor binding in specific brain regions associated with maternal behavior in the early postpartum period of the rat.

Prenatal cocaine exposure alters spontaneous and cocaine-induced motor and social behaviors

The abuse of cocaine in pregnant women could affect emotional behaviors in their descendents. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on spontaneous and cocaine-induced motor and social behaviors in mice. Three kinds of prenatal treatment were used: non-treated animals; mice treated daily with physiological saline during the last week of pregnancy; and finally, those treated with cocaine (25 mg/kg) during the same period. Behavioral studies took place on adult males, which were housed in two different conditions: grouped (non-aggressive), or isolated (aggressive). Cocaine-pretreated animals exhibited slight differences in spontaneous motor activity, but alterations in their social relationship with conspecifics were presented, with decreases in isolated but increases in grouped mice. The cocaine challenge increased aggression specifically in grouped prenatally cocaine-treated mice, but increases in motor activity or avoidance and flee behavior were presented in those animals pretreated with either saline or cocaine. Isolated saline-or cocaine-treated animals exhibited greater concentrations of DA and DOPAC than those grouped. A decrease in 5-HIAA concentrations was presented in pretreated animals, irrespective of their housing conditions. In conclusion, cocaine administration during pregnancy induces long lasting effects on the offspring, for both behavioral abnormalities and cocaine response, which last to adult life.

Prenatal cocaine exposure: effects on locomotor activity in rat offspring

This study examines the developmental effects of prenatal exposure to cocaine in the rat, evaluated during the first month of life through open-field behavior. The offspring of Wistar dams that received 60mg/kg of cocaine, from gestational day 8 to 22, were examined in the open-field during the second, third and fourth weeks of postnatal life in three consecutive 15-min daily sessions, starting on postnatal day (PND) 14, (PND 14-16), PND 21 (PND 21-23) and PND 28 (PND 28-30). Results show that prenatal exposure to cocaine increased total activity and rearing behavior on PND 22 and PND 29. Also, on PND 14, cocaine-exposed animals reared significantly more than control rats. There were no significant differences in the frequency of center and peripheral ambulation, nor in the defecation rate. The present results evidence alterations in the emotional behavior of rats prenatally exposed to cocaine. The delayed onset of exploration in the open-field observed in cocaine-exposed animals suggests that they take more time to become habituated to a novel and open environment.

Clozapine protection against gestational cocaine-induced neurochemical abnormalities

Clozapine was found to be effective in attenuating cocaine-induced neurochemical effects. We investigate whether clozapine influences in utero cocaine exposure-induced changes in striatal dopamine levels and cortical N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor density in mouse and rat brains. Pregnant mice or rats were injected with cocaine (5 or 10 mg/kg intraperitoneally) or saline every 24 h throughout gestation and continued for 6 weeks following the delivery. Striatal dopamine levels measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography were found to decrease 24 to 33% in gestational cocaine exposed between the ages of 3 to 15 days, but not in 42-day-old pups. The cortical NMDA receptor densities assessed either in the presence of 100 microM glutamate or 30 microM glycine were significantly increased in 15-day-old gestational cocaine-exposed rats. Simultaneous daily administration of 3 mg/kg clozapine with 5 mg/kg cocaine to pregnant mice protected against the decrease in striatal dopamine levels or an increase in the concentration of NMDA receptor measured in the presence of 100 microM glutamate in 15-day-old pups. Clozapine did not affect striatal dopamine levels by itself or when coadministered with cocaine in 42-day-old pups. The results show gestational cocaine may induce neurochemical abnormalities in brain exhibited as an increased glutamate NMDA receptor density together with a decreased striatal dopamine level. These effects of gestational cocaine exposure may be prevented by simultaneous administration of clozapine. Thus clozapine, which is a partial agonist at the NMDA receptor, may be of value in protecting against gestational cocaine-induced adverse effects in the brain.

Prenatal amphetamine exposure alters behavioral reactivity to amphetamine in rats

In utero exposure to psychostimulants produces neurobehavioral alterations in the offspring of laboratory animals. Most amphetamine-related behavioral changes have been related to changes in the monoamine transmission levels, where monoamines may act as developmental regulatory substances for maturation of neuronal population. This study investigates the effect of prenatal-amphetamine exposure on the offspring's behavioral responses under amphetamine conditioning settings. Pregnant female rats were injected (subcutaneous) with amphetamine or saline during the pregnancy [gestation day (GD) 8 until parturition day]. The prenatal amphetamine exposure resulted in significantly decreased birth weights. The offspring from the saline group displayed a significantly lower number of stereotyped behaviors across the four challenge doses of amphetamine injections. Offspring from the amphetamine-treated prenatal group displayed significantly increased average startle amplitude compared to the controlled offspring. Moreover, offspring from amphetamine-treated prenatal group showed significantly less inhibition for the prepulse startle trials compared to those of the offspring from saline group. These results, taken together, indicate that the prenatally exposed rats displayed a significantly different profile of behavioral reactivity upon amphetamine challenges.

Prenatal cocaine and/or nicotine exposure produces depression and anxiety in aging rats

The adult use of cocaine and nicotine has been linked to depression and/or anxiety. Changes in emotional behavior were assessed using behavioral paradigms developed as animal analogs of psychiatric disorders in 12-14 month old Sprague-Dawley rats exposed daily on gestational days 8-20 to cocaine and nicotine, either alone or in combination. Results from the elevated plus maze (EPM), used to assess anxiety-related behaviors, indicated that offspring prenatally exposed to either high-dose cocaine (40 mg/kg/day) or high-dose nicotine (5.0 mg/kg/day) were less timid/more impulsive. Animals from these two groups spent the most time on the open arms, and had the highest percentage of entries into the open arms of the EPM. Combined in utero exposure to cocaine and nicotine nullified these effects. Cocaine challenge (20 mg/kg) did not interact with prenatal treatment, but increased activity on all arms of the EPM in all groups. Sucrose preference was used as a measure of anhedonia, a cardinal symptom of depressive illness. Reduced sucrose preference was seen only in the group of offspring prenatally exposed to high-dose cocaine (40 mg/kg) plus low-dose nicotine (2.5 mg/kg/day). Exposure to a water-deprivation stress normalized sucrose preference in this group, without altering preference or intake in the other prenatal treatment groups. Transient hyperactivity was seen in the offspring of dams treated with high-dose nicotine, an effect that was again reversed in combined drug groups. Traditional gender differences in activity levels and sucrose intake, that is, females greater than males, were still evident in this population of aging rats. These data indicate that prenatal exposure to cocaine and/or nicotine has long-term effects on emotional behavior. Combined drug exposure contributed to the development of depressive symptoms, but not anxiety-like behavior, in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, exposure to high doses of either drug alone reduced cautionary behavior. Data from this line of research could provide insight into the pathogenesis of emotional disorders, especially during the aging process.

Developmental effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on 5-HT1A receptors in male and female rat offspring

Prenatal cocaine exposure results in behavioral abnormalities throughout development in rats, but little is known regarding the biological mechanisms underlying these abnormalities. Pregnant rats received subcutaneous twice-daily injections (1 ml/kg) of normal saline or 15 mg/kg of cocaine hydrochloride throughout gestation (gestation days 1-20). Following delivery, pups were placed with untreated surrogates. Male and female pups were killed on postnatal days 30, 60 or 120 for assessment of 5-HT(1A) receptor development in the forebrain, diencephalon, midbrain and pons using radiolabel immunocytochemistry. Findings revealed gender and age differences in developmental regulation of 5-HT(1A) receptors, indicating that male rats are more susceptible to long-term consequences of prenatal cocaine exposure in comparison to females. This study also demonstrates gender-specific development of serotonin (5-HT(1A)) receptors across postnatal ages, demonstrating a fundamentally different pattern of development of 5-HT(1A) receptors between males and females.

Effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on dopamine system development: a meta-analysis

Several studies have investigated the effects of prenatal cocaine (PCOC) exposure on the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system in animal models of maternal drug abuse, yet independent examinations of striatal dopamine (DA) receptors and tissue DA levels have produced equivocal results. The current meta-analysis provides a quantitative review of the literature on these topics, and analyzes potential moderators of the effects of PCOC exposure on these variables. The results indicate that the effects of PCOC exposure on striatal DA levels, D1 and D2 receptor-binding densities, and D2 receptor-binding affinity are negligible when collapsed over age, sex, species, and several other methodological variables. However, effects of PCOC exposure on some dopaminergic measures were significantly influenced by factors such as age and sex. As expected, and as suggested by the selectivity and specificity of PCOC-induced changes reported in the published literature, the direction and magnitude of differences between genders or age groups in this study were not systematic across all dependent measures. Generally, PCOC exposure was more often linked to decreases, rather than increases, in the selected dependent measures. These findings indicate that PCOC exposure produces selective alterations in striatal dopaminergic system function which do not appear under all experimental circumstances, but which may be important factors in behavioral alterations seen in selected groups after PCOC exposure.

Neurochemical changes in brain serotonin neurons in immature and adult offspring prenatally exposed to cocaine

The present study investigates the age-dependent effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on changes in the neurochemical and functional status of brain serotonin neurons. Pregnant rats were administered either saline or (-)cocaine HCl (15 mg/kg, subcutaneously), twice daily from gestational days 13 through 20. Neurochemical changes in frontal cortex, hypothalamus, hippocampus, striatum and midbrain of prepubescent and adult offspring were determined by measuring: (1) the content of serotonin (5-HT) and its major metabolite 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-HIAA), and (2) the ability of the serotonin releasing drug p-chloroamphetamine (PCA) to reduce brain serotonin levels. Brain catecholamine content was determined in progeny for comparative purposes. Prior to maturation, prenatal exposure to cocaine did not alter basal levels of brain 5-HT or 5-HIAA in any brain region examined. However, in adult progeny prenatally exposed to cocaine, basal 5-HT content was significantly reduced in the frontal cortex (-32%) and hippocampus (-40%), suggesting maturation-dependent effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on brain 5-HT neurons. Consistent with the maturational onset of changes in 5-HT, striatal dopamine was significantly reduced (-10%) by prenatal exposure to cocaine only in adult offspring. Reductions in 5-HT in most brain regions, produced by pharmacological challenge with p-chloroamphetamine (PCA), were comparable in prenatal saline versus cocaine offspring. One notable exception was the markedly greater reduction (-40%) in 5-HT in the midbrain of immature offspring prenatally exposed to cocaine, suggesting alterations in midbrain 5-HT neurons prior to maturation. Overall, these data demonstrate prenatal cocaine exposure produces region-specific changes in 5-HT neurons in offspring with some deficits occurring only following maturation.

Enduring effects of prenatal cocaine administration on emotional behavior in rats

The present studies sought to determine whether prenatal cocaine administration (15 mg/kg b.i.d. between gestational ages 1-20) had enduring effects on emotional behavior of rats. Rats prenatally treated with cocaine interacted less with other rats in the social interaction test of anxiety at both 30 and 120 days of age. However, there were no differences in the elevated plus maze test of anxiety. Rats prenatally treated with cocaine were significantly more immobile in the forced-swim test at 60 and 120 days of age. In addition, animals exposed to prenatal cocaine were more sensitive to the enhancing effect of phencyclidine (2.0 mg/kg) on startle responses to an acoustic stimulus. The cocaine-treated animals tested at 50 to 60 days of age showed higher levels of prepulse inhibition, in comparison to the saline group, after vehicle pretreatment, but not after phencyclidine. Although there were gender differences in the expression of some of these behavioral tasks, there were no gender differences in the effects of cocaine. These findings indicate that when emotional behavior is altered by prenatal cocaine administration, the effects are enduring.

Prenatal cocaine exposure alters behavioral and neurochemical sensitization to amphetamine in adult rats

This study examined the neurochemical correlates of amphetamine (AMPH)-induced behavioral effects in prenatally saline (PSAL)-exposed or cocaine (PCOC)-exposed male rats. Pregnant Long-Evans rats received saline or saline containing cocaine hydrochloride (20 mg/kg s.c., b.i.d.) from gestational days 15-21. Animals were left with their biological mothers. Adult offspring were exposed to daily saline or AMPH (0.5, 1.5, or 5 mg/kg, i.p.) injections for 7 days. Behaviors were recorded in an open field during the first hour post-injection. PCOC rats did not exhibit behavioral anomalies during habituation to injection-stress or placement in the open field. PCOC rats displayed significant alterations in stereotyped responses to acute or intermittent exposure to various doses of AMPH. Within 48 h of the final testing day, striatal tissue was obtained from these animals and electrically-evoked [3H]acetylcholine (ACh) release was measured from striatal slices. Superfusion of tissue slices with various concentrations of AMPH (1-1000 nM) produced dose-dependent inhibition of ACh release in both PSAL and PCOC rats repeatedly injected with saline as adults. However, AMPH-induced inhibition of ACh release was decreased in PCOC rats repeatedly injected with AMPH as adults. At 5 mg/kg AMPH, PCOC rats exhibited increased mortality compared to PSAL rats. These data suggest that PCOC exposure produces long-lasting alterations in nigrostriatal transmission and behaviors mediated by this system.

Behavioral alterations induced in rats by a pre- and postnatal exposure to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the behavioral development pattern was altered by a pre- and postnatal exposure to 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Pregnant rats were daily orally exposed to 70 mg/kg/day of 2,4-D from gestation day (GD) 16 to postnatal day (PND) 23. After weaning, the pups were assigned to one of the two subgroups: T1 (fed with untreated diet until PND 90) and T2 (maintained with 2,4-D diet until PND 90). Effects on offsprings were evaluated with a neurotoxicological test battery. Neuromotor reflexes, spontaneous motor activity, serotonin syndrome, circling, and catalepsy were analyzed during various postnatal ages. 2,4-D neonatal exposure induced delay of the ontogeny of righting reflex and negative geotaxis accompanied by motor abnormalities, stereotypic behaviors (excessive grooming and vertical head movements), and hyperactivity in the open field. Adult rats of both sexes (T2 group) showed a diminution of ambulation and rearing, while excessive grooming responses were only observed in T2 males. Besides, these animals manifested serotonin syndrome behaviors, catalepsy, and right-turning preference. Some behaviors were reversible, but others were permanent, and some were only expressed after pharmacological challenges.

The effects of neonatal cocaine exposure on a play-rewarded spatial discrimination task in juvenile rats

This study examined the effects of neonatal cocaine exposure on the rewarding properties of play in a modified T-maze. Animals were artificially reared from postnatal day (PND) 4-9 with drug concentrated in four daily feeds. There were four treatment groups, 40 mg/kg/day cocaine, 20 mg/kg/day cocaine, an artificially reared control and a surgery control. From PND 38-42, subjects were tested with a food reward (EXP 1) or a play reward (EXP 2). No deficits in learning were seen when the reward was food. The 20 mg/kg/day cocaine group, however, showed impaired learning and altered play behavior when the reward was access to a play partner. Neonatal cocaine exposure thus appears to differentially affect learning based on the type of reward presented.

Effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on embryonic expression of sonic hedgehog

Cocaine use by pregnant women may adversely affect development and behavior in the exposed infants. Sonic hedgehog (shh) is a secreted protein that induces development of many structures in the embryo, including dopaminergic cells in the ventral midbrain, the limb buds, and eyes. Because prenatal cocaine exposure has been shown to adversely affect the morphogenesis of these and other systems, the present study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that maternal cocaine treatment would alter shh mRNA expression. Cocaine HCl (60 mg/kg i.p.) was administered to pregnant mice on gestational days 6-8, the time that immediately precedes the appearance of shh. Control dams received i.p. saline. Embryos from gestational days 9-11 were examined by in situ hybridization. The temporal and spatial patterns of shh expression were indistinguishable between embryos from cocaine- and saline-treated dams. Examination of forebrain, midbrain, and midbody spinal cord coronal sections failed to reveal any differences in the dorsoventral and mediolateral localization of shh. The distribution of mRNA for patched (ptc), the membrane receptor for shh, was also indistinguishable between both groups. Chick embryos were next used to examine the direct application of cocaine into the developing brain. Shh distribution was similarly unaffected in these chick embryos. These data show that maternal cocaine treatment during early neural tube development does not significantly alter the expression patterns of shh or ptc mRNA. Thus, congenital defects and behavioral abnormalities associated with maternal cocaine use do not appear to result from altered expression of the shh-ptc pathway.

Dopaminergic and serotonergic alterations in the rat brain during ethanol withdrawal: association with behavioral signs

Changes in dopaminergic and serotonergic levels and metabolites in cerebral cortex, corpus striatum and hippocampus were investigated during the first 6-h of withdrawal in ethanol-dependent Wistar rats. Ethanol was given by a liquid diet for 21 days. The concentration of ethanol was 7.2% (v/v) for the last 15 days of the exposure. After 2, 4 and 6 h of ethanol withdrawal, and after audiogenic stimulus (100 dB for 60 s) at 6 h of ethanol withdrawal, various brain regions were assayed for levels of dopamine (DA), DOPAC, HVA, serotonin (5-HT) and 5-HIAA. Behavioral signs of ethanol withdrawal and blood ethanol levels were also evaluated in other parallel groups of ethanol-dependent rats. Significant decreases in 5-HT levels and significant increases in HVA levels in striatum were found during the first 6 h of ethanol withdrawal and after the audiogenic seizures. In hippocampus, 5-HIAA levels were significantly reduced after 2 h of ethanol withdrawal and after the audiogenic seizures. 5-HIAA levels significantly increased after 2 h of ethanol withdrawal in cerebral cortex. Significant increases in both DA and 5-HT levels were also found in cerebral cortex after the audiogenic seizures. The results suggest that the levels of DA, 5-HT and their metabolites are altered by ethanol withdrawal. Furthermore, this may suggest that DA and 5-HT may be involved in the first 6 h of ethanol withdrawal syndrome in rats.

Relationships between midembryonic 5-HT2 agonist and/or antagonist exposure and detour learning by chickens

The importance of serotonin (5-HT) as both a transmitter and a regulatory signal during development of many species is well established. The availability of 5-HT receptor subtype agonists and antagonists will enable pharmacological dissection of the importance of one or more of the 5-HT receptors for their involvement in the mediation of developmental insults by drugs that are less selective but include actions upon serotonergic function. Such insults include exposure to cocaine or opiate withdrawal, both of which are blocked or attenuated by 5-HT2 antagonists. The 5-HT2 receptor agonist dimethoxyiodophenylaminopropane (DOI), like cocaine, causes vasoconstriction during embryogenesis, herniated umbilici in hatchlings, and altered detour learning by young chickens after injection into eggs at late stages of embryogenesis. The 5-HT2 antagonist ritanserin (RIT) blocks or significantly attenuates these effects. This study describes an effect of DOI on posthatch detour learning when injected earlier during embryogenesis (i.e., on embryonic day 12, E12) which is opposite its effect when injected later (i.e., on E15). Both effects are blocked by an inactive dose of RIT (0.3 mg/kg egg) and by a higher dose of RIT (0.9 mg/kg egg), which itself retards posthatch detour learning following E12 injection. Thus, excessive stimulation or blockade of 5-HT2 receptors around midembryogenesis can cause a similar behavioral teratogenic outcome. The data are discussed in relation to the likelihood that potential use of 5-HT2 antagonists for treating pregnant women and their fetuses who are not at risk is nil.

I. Serotonin (5-HT) within dopamine reward circuits signals open-field behavior. II. Basis for 5-HT--DA interaction in cocaine dysfunctional behavior

Light microscopic immunocytochemical studies, using a sensitive silver intensification procedure, show that dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) axons terminate on neurons in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) (A10) terminals and also in dorsal striatum (DSTr) (A9) terminals. The data demonstrate a prominent endogenous anatomic interaction at these distal presynaptic sites between the neurotransmitters 5-HT and DA; the pattern of the 5-HT-DA interaction differs between A10 and A9 terminals. Moreover, in distinction to the variance shown anatomically between 5-HT--DA interactions at distal A9 and A10 sites, the 5-HT--DA interactions at the level of DA somatodendrites, the proximal site, are similar, i.e. 5-HT terminals in the midbrain tegmentum are profuse and have a massive overlap with DA neurons in both ventral tegmental area (VTA) and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). We suggest with reference to the DA neurons of A10 and A9 pathways, inclusive of somatodendrites (sites of proximal presynaptic interactions in the midbrain) and axons (sites of distal presynaptic interactions), that 5-HT--DA interactions in A10 terminals are more likely to exceed those in the DStr arrangement. Furthermore, our neuroanatomic data show that axonally released DA at A10 terminals may originate from proximal 5-HT somatodendrites, i.e. dorsal raphe (DR) or the proximal DA somatodendrites, VTA. In vivo microvoltammetric studies were done with highly sensitive temporal and spatial resolution; the studies demonstrate basal (endogenous) real time 5-HT release at distal A10 and distal A9 terminal fields and real time 5-HT release at proximal A10 VTA somatodendrites. In vivo microvoltammetric studies were performed concurrently and on line with studies of DA release, also at distal A10 and distal A9 terminal fields and at proximal A10 somatodendrites. Serotonin release was detected in a separate voltammetric peak from the DA voltammetric peak. The electrochemical signal for 5-HT release was detected within 10-12 s and that for DA release within 12-15 s, after each biogenic amine diffused through the synaptic environment onto the microelectrode surface. The electrochemical signal for 5-HT and a separate electrochemical signal for DA are detected on the same voltammogram within 22-27 s; each electrochemical signal represents current changes in picoamperes, within seconds of detection time. The amplitude of each electrochemical signal reflects the changes in diffusion of each biogenic amine to the microelectrode surface. Each neurotransmitter has a distinct potential at which oxidation occurs; this results in a recording which has a distinct peak for a specific neurotransmitter. The concentration of each neurotransmitter within the synaptic environment is directly related to the electrochemical signal detected via the Cottrell equation. Voltammograms were recorded every 5 min. At the time that basal 5-HT release and basal DA release were recorded within same animal control, open-field behavioral studies were performed, also concurrently, by infrared photocell beams. The frequency of each behavioral parameter was monitored every 100 ms; the number of behavioral events, were summated every 5 min during the time course of study. Thus, the detection of neurotransmitters occurs in real time, while simultaneously monitoring the animal's behavior by infrared photocell beams. The results from the in vivo microvoltammetric and behavioral data from this study show that basal 5-HT release at distal A10 and A9 terminals dramatically increased with DA release. Moreover, each increase in basal 5-HT release, at both A10 and at A9 terminal fields occurred consistently and at the same time as each increase in open-field locomotion and stereotypy occurred naturally during the animal's exploration in a novel chamber. Thus, the terminology 'synchronous and simultaneous' describes aptly the correlation between 5-HT release at distal A10 and A9 terminal fields and open-field locomo

Differential effects of prenatal cocaine and retinoic acid on activity level throughout day and night

Prenatal cocaine exposure is associated with disrupted state control and lowered activity levels. Prenatal retinoic acid excess also influences activity levels in laboratory rats. Activity level is usually monitored during a brief period in young offspring. The effects of these drugs on pup activity levels throughout the day is unknown. There is also little information on the long-lasting effects of these teratogens in adult animals. We compared the daily activity of rats which were prenatally exposed to cocaine or retinoic acid (RA). Appropriate control groups were also used. The offspring were evaluated for activity levels in a neophobic situation and for a 22-h period in same-sex groups of 3 littermates. As both pups and adults, the cocaine groups were hypoactive while the RA group was hyperactive when first placed into the testing cage (neophobic situation). Similarly, during the remainder of the 22-h testing period, the pup and adult cocaine animals exhibited reduced activity levels while the RA animals exhibited elevated activity levels. Thus, prenatal cocaine and retinoic acid exposures affected offspring activity levels differently, both drugs have long-lasting neurobehavioral effects that persist into adulthood, and effects are influenced by time-of-day. Strain-dependent differences and mechanisms of action are discussed.

Differential effects of prenatal exposure to cocaine and amphetamine on growth parameters and morphometry of the prefrontal cortex in the rat

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differential effects of prenatal exposure to psychostimulants, e.g., cocaine or amphetamine, on basic growth parameters and morphometry of the medial prefrontal cortex of the rat. A group of pregnant Wistar rats was given 60 mg/kg body weight/day of cocaine hydrochloride and another group 10 mg/kg body weight/day of d-amphetamine sulfate, subcutaneously, from gestational days 8 to 22. Control groups of pregnant rats were pair-fed; litters were culled to eight pups (4 males and 4 females) weighed every other day until postnatal day 30 and every week until day 90. The body weight growth patterns modelled by a Gompertz curve were different in rats prenatally exposed to the two psychostimulants. Rats exposed to amphetamine had on average a slower growth than those exposed to cocaine, reaching an identical estimated adult weight. Allometric relationships between forebrain and body weight and cerebellum and body weight were described by two distinct postnatal growth phases that are different among the experimental groups. In the comparison of the two psychostimulants the relative cerebellum/body growth is lower in the offspring of the cocaine group than in the amphetamine group between PND14-PND30; between PND30-PND90 the relative growth rate is considerably higher in the offspring of the cocaine dams compared to that of the amphetamine dams. Groups of perfused animals were selected at postnatal days 14 and 30 to analyze the morphometric organization of the medial prefrontal cortex. In serial celloidin sections the volumes of the prefrontal cortex were determined; the number of neurons per unit volume of reference area was calculated using the stereological technique of the disector. The changes found in the morphometric parameters show a catch-up at postnatal day 30 of the "increased" density of neurons of the medial prefrontal cortex found at postnatal day 14. These data show differential growth patterns of offspring from cocaine- and amphetamine-exposed rats; a delayed development in the achievement of normal morphometric parameters of neurons in the prelimbic subarea of the medial prefrontal cortex occurs in the prenatally amphetamine-exposed offspring at early ages, and a catch-up is found after the first month of life. Complementary studies are needed to assess whether these changes have functional implications in the rats exposed prenatally to psychostimulants.

Effect of prenatal cocaine on dopamine receptor-G protein coupling in mesocortical regions of the rabbit brain

The effects of in utero exposure to cocaine on dopamine receptors in the frontal and cingulate areas of the developing rabbit cortex were assessed by examining receptor-mediated stimulations in GTP binding to alpha-subunits of G proteins. Pregnant Dutch-belted rabbits received intravenous injections of 4 mg/kg of cocaine HCl twice a day on gestational days 8-29, cortical membranes were prepared from their progenies on postnatal days 10-100 and dopamine-stimulated [35S] guanosine-5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP gamma S) binding to membrane G alpha proteins was measured. Dopamine increased [35S]GTP gamma S binding to G alpha s and G alpha i. These increases in [35S]GTP gamma S binding reflect the stimulation of D1- and D2-dopamine receptors, respectively. The ability of dopamine to stimulate the binding of [35S]GTP gamma S to G alpha s but not to G alpha i was reduced in both frontal and cingulate cortices obtained from cocaine-exposed animals when examined at 10, 50 or 100 days of age. Prenatal cocaine exposure was also shown to reduce dopamine-stimulated [alpha-32P]GTP binding to G alpha s without influencing binding to G alpha i. The muscarinic cholinergic receptor-evoked increases in [35S]GTP gamma S binding to G alpha i and G alpha o were not altered. Immunoblot analyses revealed no differences in the levels of these alpha subunits in membranes from cocaine-exposed animals vs controls. Furthermore, prenatal cocaine did not affect [3H]8-chloro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-3-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-3-benzazepin-7- olhemimaleate binding to cortical D1 dopamine receptors. The results suggest that prenatal exposure of rabbits to cocaine selectively uncouples the D1 dopamine receptor from its G protein in mesocortical brain areas and that this change persists through postnatal day 100.

Selective neuronal toxicity of cocaine in embryonic mouse brain cocultures

Cocaine exposure in utero causes severe alterations in the development of the central nervous system. To study the basis of these teratogenic effects in vitro, we have used cocultures of neurons and glial cells from mouse embryonic brain. Cocaine selectively affected embryonic neuronal cells, causing first a dramatic reduction of both number and length of neurites and then extensive neuronal death. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated a shift from a multipolar neuronal pattern towards bi- and unipolarity prior to the rounding up and eventual disappearance of the neurons. Selective toxicity of cocaine on neurons was paralleled by a concomitant decrease of the culture content in microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2), a neuronal marker measured by solid-phase immunoassay. These effects on neurons were reversible when cocaine was removed from the culture medium. In contrast, cocaine did not affect astroglial cells and their glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) content. Thus, in embryonic neuronal-glial cell cocultures, cocaine induces major neurite perturbations followed by neuronal death without affecting the survival of glial cells. Provided similar neuronal alterations are produced in the developing human brain, they could account for the qualitative or quantitative defects in neuronal pathways that cause a major handicap in brain function following in utero exposure to cocaine.

Effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on haloperidol-induced increases in prolactin release and dopamine turnover in weanling, periadolescent, and adult offspring

Offspring of dams given 40 mg/kg cocaine SC on gestational days (GD) 8-20 (E8-20) (C40), dams given 0.9% saline SC on E8-20 that were pair fed and watered to C40 dams (PF), and untreated control dams given ad lib access to food and water (LC) were challenged with haloperidol (0.0, 0.05, 0.10, or 0.50 mg/kg) at either 21, 35, or 60 days postnatally (P21, 35, 60). One hour postinjection, animals were sacrificed, trunk blood collected for assay of prolactin, and the striatum (ST) and nucleus accumbens (NAc) removed. The ratio of the dopamine metabolites 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid to dopamine (DA) as well as the ratio of the serotonin metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) to serotonin (5-HT) were determined in these brain regions as an index of DA and 5-HT turnover, respectively. Assessment of 5-HIAA/5-HT ratios did not indicate any reliable dose or prenatal treatment effects. Reminiscent of previous findings obtained in C40 offspring at P11 (35), P21 C40 offspring exhibited a slightly reduced sensitivity to haloperidol relative to LC controls both in terms of DA ratios in the NAc as well as plasma prolactin levels. These findings were also evident in PF controls suggesting that they may be the result of prenatal undernutrition. Furthermore, this reduced sensitivity was not evident at the older test ages. At P60, planned comparisons revealed haloperidol-induced increases in prolactin levels in C40 males but not PF or LC males; these findings could potentially reflect feminization in males following prenatal cocaine exposure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Prenatal exposure to cocaine. II: Effects on open-field activity and cognitive behavior in Sprague-Dawley rats

Pregnant rats received subcutaneous injections of 15 mg/kg of cocaine twice daily (Cocaine-D), twice daily for two consecutive days at 5-day intervals (Cocaine-I), 0.9% saline (Saline) twice daily, or 1.5 mg/kg amfonelic acid (AFA) daily from gestational days 1-20. Offspring were tested for: rates of spontaneous alteration at postnatal days (PND) 32, 35, 40, and 45; acquisition and retention performance on a water maze task beginning at PND 30 and 60; entrance into and activity in an open-field apparatus at PND 60 and 180. The Cocaine-D offspring were less likely than Control offspring to enter the open field when tested at PND 60. The Cocaine-I offspring were hyperactive in the open-field apparatus when tested at PND 60. The drug treated offspring did not differ from the Saline control animals on all other measures. The failure of the Cocaine-D animals to enter the open field is consistent with neophobic behavior that we have observed before in rats exposed in utero to cocaine.