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Related Experiment Videos

Opioid receptor blockade during prenatal life modifies postnatal behavioral development

P J McLaughlin1, S W Tobias, C M Lang

  • 1Department of Neuroscience and Anatomy, The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, The Pennsylvania State University, 17033-0850, USA.

Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|January 4, 1998
PubMed
Summary

Prenatal exposure to naltrexone (NTX) accelerated development and increased weight in rat pups. However, it also led to reduced ambulation and grooming, suggesting opioid system involvement in early development.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The role of endogenous opioid systems in prenatal development is not fully understood.
  • Opioid antagonists like naltrexone can cross the placenta and affect fetal development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of prenatal naltrexone exposure on the ontogeny of physical and behavioral development in rats.
  • To determine if maternal administration of naltrexone during gestation impacts offspring development.

Main Methods:

  • Pregnant rats were administered naltrexone (50 mg/kg) or saline daily during gestation.
  • Offspring were cross-fostered to untreated mothers at birth.
  • Physical characteristics, spontaneous motor activity, sensorimotor behaviors, ambulation, and emotionality were assessed.

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  • Morphine challenge tests and nociceptive measures confirmed naltrexone's opioid receptor blockade.

    • Main Results:

    • Naltrexone-exposed offspring exhibited accelerated physical maturation and increased birth and weaning weights.
    • The onset of various physical characteristics, reflexes, and behaviors was hastened in the naltrexone group.
    • Ambulation frequency was reduced, while rearing, grooming, wet-dog shakes, and defecation were decreased in naltrexone-exposed rats.

    Conclusions:

    • Prenatal exposure to naltrexone alters somatic, physical, and behavioral development in rats.
    • Endogenous opioid system interactions during embryogenesis are critical determinants of postnatal development.
    • Opioid signaling pathways play a significant role in neurodevelopmental trajectories.