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Review
. 2016 Jun;108(2):147-73.
doi: 10.1002/bdrc.21132.

Cocaine-induced neurodevelopmental deficits and underlying mechanisms

Melissa M Martin  1 , Devon L Graham  1 , Deirdre M McCarthy  1 , Pradeep G Bhide  1 , Gregg D Stanwood  1
Affiliations
Review

Cocaine-induced neurodevelopmental deficits and underlying mechanisms

Melissa M Martin et al. Birth Defects Res C Embryo Today. 2016 Jun.

Abstract

Exposure to drugs early in life has complex and long-lasting implications for brain structure and function. This review summarizes work to date on the immediate and long-term effects of prenatal exposure to cocaine. In utero cocaine exposure produces disruptions in brain monoamines, particularly dopamine, during sensitive periods of brain development, and leads to permanent changes in specific brain circuits, molecules, and behavior. Here, we integrate clinical studies and significance with mechanistic preclinical studies, to define our current knowledge base and identify gaps for future investigation. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 108:147-173, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Keywords: brain; dopamine; in utero; prenatal; psychostimulant.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Summary of neurobehavioral findings in children exposed to cocaine prenatally
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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