Sensory processing disorder in a primate model: evidence from a longitudinal study of prenatal alcohol and prenatal...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Disrupted sensory processing is common in developmental disabilities.
• Prenatal exposures can impact neurodevelopment and behavior.
• The striatal dopamine system plays a role in sensory processing and habituation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of prenatal stress and alcohol exposure on tactile sensitivity in young rhesus monkeys.
• To examine the relationship between striatal dopamine D(2) receptor binding and tactile responses.
• To determine if prenatal stress exacerbates tactile processing deficits.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-eight 5- to 7-year-old rhesus monkeys were used, divided into four groups: prenatal alcohol exposure, prenatal stress, combined exposure, and controls.
• Tactile sensitivity was assessed using repetitive tactile stimuli.
• Striatal dopamine D(2) receptor binding was measured using positron emission tomography (PET) neuroimaging.

Main Results:

• Increased dopamine D(2) receptor binding in the striatum correlated with greater withdrawal responses to tactile stimuli.
• Reduced habituation to repetitive tactile stimuli was observed with higher D(2) receptor binding.
• Prenatal stress significantly increased overall withdrawal responses compared to controls.

Conclusions:

• Prenatal stress and alcohol exposure can disrupt tactile sensory processing in non-human primates.
• Striatal dopamine D(2) receptor function is associated with altered responses to tactile stimuli.
• Findings suggest potential neurobiological mechanisms underlying sensory processing deficits in early development.