Long-term alterations in brain function following cocaine administration during the preweanling period

This report examines the long-term effects of cocaine exposure during postnatal days (P) 11-20 on the metabolic function of major central neuronal systems. Cocaine (50mg/kg) or vehicle was administered subcutaneously to rat pups during P 11-20. At 60-64 days of age, the rats were examined for cerebral glucose metabolic patterns. In cocaine-treated females 18 of the 46 structures evaluated showed increased metabolic rates including 5 of 6 structures within the motor system and 7 of 17 limbic structures. No decreased rates were seen. In males, cocaine had no effects in the motor structures or hypothalamus while 2 of 17 structures within the limbic system showed decreased rates of glucose utilization and 2 of 11 structures within the sensory systems showed increased rates. These results indicate that female rats show greater long-term metabolic effects than males and that cocaine exposure during P 11-20 produces different metabolic effects than cocaine exposure during P 1-10 which we previously reported.