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Amphetamine treatment during early postnatal development transiently restricts somatic growth
Andrew M Smith1, Wei-Jung A Chen
1Department of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA. andrewsmith@uky.edu
Life Sciences
|February 16, 2010
Summary
Developmental exposure to amphetamine (AMPH) transiently restricted somatic growth in rats but did not affect brain weight. This suggests AMPH differentially impacts growth, potentially increasing risks for adult diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Restricted early growth can predict later neurodevelopmental and behavioral issues.
- The impact of early d-amphetamine sulfate (AMPH) exposure on this growth indicator is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of d-amphetamine sulfate (AMPH) exposure during the brain growth spurt period on somatic growth.
- To determine if early AMPH exposure alters neuroanatomical development.
Main Methods:
- Rats received varying doses of AMPH (0-25mg/kg/day) from postnatal day (PD) 4-9.
- Body weight was monitored from PD1 to PD59.
- Brain region weights (cortex, cerebellum, brainstem) were measured on PD9 and PD68.
Main Results:
- AMPH exposure dose-dependently reduced body weight, but this effect was transient, resolving by weaning (PD21).
- No significant differences in brain weight were observed at either measured time point (PD9 or PD68).
Conclusions:
- Developmental AMPH exposure transiently restricts somatic growth but not brain growth.
- AMPH differentially affects somatic and brain development, suggesting potential long-term health risks.
- Early AMPH exposure may alter growth rates and increase the risk for adult weight-related diseases.
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