Prenatal nicotine sex-dependently alters agonist-induced locomotion and stereotypy

This study examined the effects of prenatal nicotine exposure (2 mg/kg/day) via s.c. osmotic minipumps, gestational days 7-22, on nicotine- and lobeline-induced locomotor activity and stereotypy in 14-day-old rat pups. Prenatal nicotine exposure increased fetal mortality and produced decreases in weight gain apparent after weaning, but did not affect acquisition of developmental milestones. Compared to male pups prenatally exposed to saline, those prenatally exposed to nicotine and challenged with nicotine (1 mg/kg, i.p.) exhibited significantly greater locomotor activity, whereas a lobeline challenge (1 mg/kg, s.c.) produced significantly greater stereotypy. No effects of prenatal exposure were observed on locomotor activity or stereotypy in females. Results suggest that 1) central control of motor function may be more vulnerable to prenatal nicotine in males, and 2) nicotine and lobeline possess distinct pharmacological profiles.