The effects of prenatal nicotine and ThC E-cigarette exposure on motor development in rats.

Introduction:
This text presents a study examining the effects of prenatal exposure to nicotine, ThC, and the combination of both via e-cigarettes on the motor development of offspring in rats. The study aims to contribute to the understanding of the teratogenic effects of these drugs consumed via e-cigarettes.

Key Points:

* The study used a rodent model to expose pregnant rats to nicotine, ThC, the combination, or vehicle via e-cigarette inhalation from gestational days 5-20.
* Offspring were tested on early sensorimotor development tasks (postnatal days 12-20) and a parallel bar motor coordination task (postnatal days 30-32).
* Combined prenatal exposure to nicotine and ThC delayed sensorimotor development, while prenatal exposure to either nicotine or ThC impaired motor coordination.
* The combination of nicotine and ThC exacerbated these effects, particularly among females.
* The nicotine dose used in the study (36 mg/mL) produced maternal plasma levels of ~20 ng/mL, reflecting nicotine concentrations used by moderate-heavy smokers.
* Prenatal nicotine exposure may affect neural circuity development in both the central and peripheral nervous systems by directly affecting nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (naChRs) in motor areas of the brain.
* Prenatal ThC exposure may lead to long-lasting deficits in motor coordination, with the impact depending on timing, type, dose, and route of administration.
* The combination of nicotine and ThC produced more severe motor impairments than either drug alone, and these effects were more robust among female offspring.

Main Message:
The study emphasizes the potential risks associated with prenatal exposure to nicotine, ThC, and the combination of both via e-cigarettes. The findings suggest that co-consumption of nicotine and cannabis via e-cigarettes may not be as safe as assumed and may lead to long-lasting alterations in motor-related domains among offspring. These results have important implications for pregnant women, public health, and public policy decisions regarding prenatal e-cigarette use.

hussain S, Breit KR, Thomas JD. The effects of prenatal nicotine and ThC E-cigarette exposure on motor development in rats. Psychopharmacology. 2022;239(5):1579-1591. doi:10.1007/s00213-022-06095-8