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Behavioral changes in developing mice after prenatal exposure to paroxetine (Paxil)
F H Coleman1, H D Christensen, C L Gonzalez
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City 73190, USA.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|November 16, 1999
Summary
Prenatal exposure to paroxetine (Paxil) in mice did not cause major behavioral changes. However, it increased infant separation vocalizations and adult male aggression, suggesting subtle impacts on offspring behavior.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like paroxetine are commonly prescribed during pregnancy.
- Understanding the long-term behavioral effects of prenatal SSRI exposure on offspring is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the behavioral outcomes in mice offspring following prenatal exposure to paroxetine.
- To assess potential alterations in development, motor activity, anxiety, depression, and reproduction.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, placebo-controlled study involving CD-1 mice exposed to paroxetine or placebo before and during gestation.
- Offspring underwent comprehensive behavioral testing from early development through juvenile and adult stages.
- Dose equivalence to human therapeutic levels was established using rat models.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in early development tasks, locomotor activity, or reproductive behaviors.
- Prenatal paroxetine exposure led to a 15-25% increase in separation vocalization in infant offspring.
- Adult male offspring exhibited a significant increase in aggressive behavior.
Conclusions:
- Clinically relevant prenatal paroxetine exposure in mice did not induce widespread behavioral deficits.
- Subtle behavioral effects were noted, including heightened anxiety-related vocalizations in infants and increased aggression in adult males.
- These findings highlight the need for careful consideration of SSRI use during pregnancy.