Ontogenetic Oxycodone Exposure Affects Early Life Communicative Behaviors, Sensorimotor Reflexes, and Weight...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Opioid misuse in pregnant women has significantly increased, leading to a rise in Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS).
• Current NAS treatments involving continued opioid exposure may negatively affect neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and utilize a novel animal model to assess the effects of in utero and prolonged postnatal oxycodone exposure on early behavior and development.
• To characterize the neurodevelopmental impact of different opioid exposure durations and timings.

Main Methods:

• C57BL/6J dams received oxycodone (Oxy) via osmotic pumps from conception through pup weaning.
• Offspring were either cross-fostered to model opioid abstinence or reared by dams receiving continued oxycodone exposure.
• Control groups received vehicle infusions.

Main Results:

• In utero oxycodone exposure caused sex-dependent weight reductions and altered ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs).
• Prolonged oxycodone exposure led to reduced weight, delayed righting reflex (particularly in females), and decreased/altered USVs.
• Ontogenetic oxycodone exposure impaired sensorimotor milestones and altered communication and affective behaviors.

Conclusions:

• Prenatal and postnatal oxycodone exposure significantly impacts neurodevelopment, affecting motor skills, communication, and behavior.
• The developed model provides a valuable tool for studying opioid withdrawal and the mechanisms behind opioid-induced neurodevelopmental deficits.
• Findings highlight the need for therapeutic interventions to mitigate long-term effects of opioid exposure on infant development.