Postnatal behavioural effects of maternal nicotine exposure in rats

The effects of nicotine on locomotor activity have been studied in neonate rats exposed to nicotine (1.5 mg kg-1 day-1) throughout the gestational period. Both 14 day old male and female offspring demonstrated an increase in spontaneous locomotor activity when compared with saline-exposed controls. However, systemic administration of (+)-amphetamine was effective in attenuating the hyperactivity of these nicotine-exposed pups.