Elevation of fetal dopamine following exposure to methamphetamine in utero

The effect of methamphetamine on fetal dopaminergic function was examined f ollowing treatment of pregnant mice twice daily with 40 mg/kg methamphetami ne from either gestational day (GD) 7-13 or from GD 7-15. Dopamine levels w ere elevated in fetal GD 16 corpus striatum and rostral mesencephalon follo wing both treatment regimens. This increase in fetal dopamine is consistent with our findings that exposure to methamphetamine in utero results in adu lt dopaminergic neurons which are more responsive in terms of methamphetami ne induced release of the neurotransmitter and more sensitive to the neurot oxic effects of the drug. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserve d.