Effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on estrous cycle, and behavior and expression of estrogen receptor alpha and oxytocin during estrus and diestrus in mice offspring

Yanghui Zheng ¹, Guangchao Cheng , Xikai Lin

⁰College of Biological Sciences and Engineering, North Minzu University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China.

Behavioural Pharmacology +

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September 4, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Prenatal cocaine exposure alters female offspring

Area Of Science

Neuroscience
Developmental Biology
Reproductive Science

Background

Prenatal cocaine exposure (PCE) is linked to long-term neurological and behavioral deficits.
Female behaviors are influenced by the estrous cycle, with estrogen receptors and oxytocin playing key roles in social behavior regulation.
The impact of PCE on the estrous cycle and subsequent neurobehavioral outcomes in female offspring remains largely unexplored.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate whether PCE induces changes in the estrous cycle of female offspring.
To compare neurobehavioral changes (locomotion, anxiety, social behavior) in PCE offspring during different estrous cycle phases (estrus vs. diestrus).
To examine the expression of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and oxytocin in the brains of PCE offspring.

Main Methods

Mice received daily cocaine administration during gestation (gestational day 12 for 7 days).
Adult female offspring underwent estrous cycle assessment.
Locomotion, anxiety, social behaviors, and ERα/oxytocin neuron expression were evaluated, comparing estrus and diestrus phases.

Main Results

PCE shortened the proestrus and estrus phases of the estrous cycle.
PCE offspring exhibited increased anxiety and altered social behaviors during both estrus and diestrus.
Motility was unaffected in estrus but reduced in diestrus; ERα and oxytocin expression decreased in specific brain regions.

Conclusions

PCE disrupts the estrous cycle and alters ERα and oxytocin expression in a region-specific manner.
PCE and the estrous cycle interact to influence offspring motility and social behaviors.
ERα and oxytocin signaling pathways are implicated in mediating PCE's effects on female offspring neurobehavior.