Prenatal Exposure to Methamphetamine Causes Vascular Dysfunction in Adult Male Rat Offspring

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Developmental Toxicology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Prenatal methamphetamine exposure is linked to adverse offspring outcomes, primarily behavioral and neurological.
• Limited research exists on the long-term cardiovascular effects of fetal methamphetamine exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of chronic fetal methamphetamine exposure on adult offspring vascular function.
• To determine if prenatal methamphetamine exposure sex-dependently affects vascular responses in adult rats.

Main Methods:

• Pregnant rats received daily methamphetamine or saline injections throughout gestation.
• Vascular function, including relaxation and contraction, was assessed in 5-month-old offspring aortas and mesenteric arteries.
• Responses to acetylcholine, nitroprusside, angiotensin II, serotonin, and phenylephrine were evaluated with and without perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT).

Main Results:

• Prenatal methamphetamine impaired acetylcholine-induced relaxation in male aortas with intact PVAT, an effect absent in females or when PVAT was removed.
• Angiotensin II-induced contractions were potentiated in male aortas regardless of PVAT, an effect reversed by L-NAME.
• No significant effects were observed on nitroprusside-induced relaxation, serotonin/phenylephrine contractions, mesenteric artery function, or basal blood pressure.

Conclusions:

• Prenatal methamphetamine exposure sex-dependently alters adult vascular function, specifically affecting vasodilation and vasoconstriction mechanisms.
• These alterations may contribute to an increased risk of developing adult vascular disorders following prenatal methamphetamine exposure.