Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 1, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Nicotine exposure during pregnancy is a factor which influences serotonin transporter density in the rat brain
1Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Kagoshima University, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8520, Japan. muneoka@med4.kufm.kagoshima-u.ac.jp
Abstract:
We examined the effects of nicotine exposure during pregnancy on serotonin transporter (SERT) expression in the brain. Nicotine (6 mg/kg/day) was administered to pregnant rats via subcutaneous injections or infusion pumps. Irrespective of the route of administration, nicotine increased SERT density in the forebrain on postnatal day 22, but not in the other brain regions. Our results suggest that nicotine use by pregnant women might be an environmental factor influencing SERT expression in their children.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants
Ganglionic stimulants activate NM nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia, falling into two categories: nicotine mimetics [e.g., lobeline, dimethylpiperazine, tetramethylammonium] and muscarinic receptor agonists [e.g., muscarine, methacholine]. The first category's action is rapid and blocked by nicotinic receptor antagonists, while the second category's action is delayed and blocked by atropine-like agents. Nicotine, an alkaloid, affects the heart rate by stimulating sympathetic or...
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake
CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine

