Neurodevelopmental consequences of early exposure to phencyclidine and related drugs

Citation
Si. Deutsch et al., Neurodevelopmental consequences of early exposure to phencyclidine and related drugs, CLIN NEUROP, 21(6), 1998, pp. 320-332
Citations number
29
Categorie Soggetti
Neurosciences & Behavoir
Journal title
CLINICAL NEUROPHARMACOLOGY
ISSN journal
03625664 → ACNP
Volume
21
Issue
6
Year of publication
1998
Pages
320 - 332
Database
ISI
SICI code
0362-5664(199811/12)21:6<320:NCOEET>2.0.ZU;2-V
Abstract
In the early development of the central nervous system, stimulation of N-me thyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors may be critical for neuronal cell surviva l and differentiation, as well as the establishment of neural networks resu lting from ''experience-dependent plasticity." The trophic influence of NMD A receptor stimulation may be present only during a certain critical period of development. There are, therefore, major concerns associated with the a dministration of noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonists (such as MK-801 [ dizocilpine]) as neuroprotective and anticonvulsant agents to pregnant wome n, neonates, infants, and young children. Several studies showing disruptiv e effects of noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonists on normal neurobehavi oral development are reviewed in this article. This research has important public health implications because phencyclidine (PCP), a noncompetitive NM DA receptor antagonist, is a frequently-abused drug that may disrupt brain development in utero when abused by pregnant women. The article also review s studies of neonatal blockade of the NMDA receptor complex in animals; stu dies that may lead to useful models of human neurodevelopmental disorders. These models may even mimic the relevant neurodevelopmental aspects of at l east some forms of schizophrenia, especially the early developmental discon nection of circuits between the hippocampus and frontal cortex.