Convergent control of serotonin transporter expression by glucocorticoids and cocaine in fetal and neonatal rat brain.

Published

Journal Article

Serotonin plays a trophic role in brain cell differentiation. In this study, expression of the serotonin presynaptic transporter protein, which regulates the extracellular serotonin concentration, was measured with [3H]paroxetine in rats exposed to dexamethasone or cocaine prenatally. Within 24 h of a single dose of dexamethasone, significant increases were seen in fetal brain, and the effect persisted into the postnatal period. Chronic prenatal cocaine exposure elicited similar changes. These data indicate that exposures to apparently disparate drugs can elicit similar endpoints that may lead to behavioral teratogenesis.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • McGrath, KE; Seidler, FJ; Slotkin, TA

Published Date

  • December 19, 1997

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 104 / 1-2

Start / End Page

  • 209 - 213

PubMed ID

  • 9466725

Pubmed Central ID

  • 9466725

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0165-3806

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/s0165-3806(97)00144-2

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • Netherlands