Nicotine exposure during pregnancy is a factor which influences serotonin transporter density in the rat brain

Authors
Muneoka, K Ogawa, T Kamei, K Mimura, Y Kato, H Takigawa, M
Citation
K. Muneoka et al., Nicotine exposure during pregnancy is a factor which influences serotonin transporter density in the rat brain, EUR J PHARM, 411(3), 2001, pp. 279-282
Citations number
24
Categorie Soggetti
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Journal title
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
ISSN journal
00142999 → ACNP
Volume
411
Issue
3
Year of publication
2001
Pages
279 - 282
Database
ISI
SICI code
0014-2999(20010112)411:3<279:NEDPIA>2.0.ZU;2-Y
Abstract
We examined the effects of nicotine exposure during pregnancy on serotonin transporter (SERT) expression in the brain. Nicotine (6 mg/kg/day) was admi nistered to pregnant rats via subcutaneous injections or infusion pumps. ir respective of the route of administration, nicotine increased SERT density in the forebrain on postnatal day 22, but not in the other brain regions. O ur results suggest that nicotine use by pregnant women might be an environm ental factor influencing SERT expression in their children. (C) 2001 Elsevi er Science B.V. All rights reserved.