Postnatal effects of maternal nicotine exposure on the striatal dopaminergic system in rats

The biochemical effects of continuous prenatal exposure to nicotine (1.5 mg kg-1 day-1) have been examined in 14 day old male and female rat pups. The ability of striatal tissue slices from the nicotine-exposed pups to synthesize [3H]dopamine from [3H]tyrosine was enhanced. However, the ability of (+)-amphetamine to stimulate formation and release of [3H]dopamine from [3H]tyrosine was not affected. Furthermore, prenatal exposure to nicotine increased the rate of striatal dopamine turnover in the male, but not the female nicotine-exposed pups.