The long-term goals of our research program are to determine how gestational cocaine exposure changes the course of development of neural circuits that mediate cognitive, emotional and reward systems. Intravenous, low dose cocaine administration to pregnant rabbits results in enhanced dendritic growth by cortical projection neurons and increased expression of a Ca++-binding protein by interneurons. There is a striking reduction in DA D1 receptor coupling to its respective G-protein, resulting in a permanent loss of D1 receptor-mediated responses. Defects occur predominantly in regions of dense dopamine (DA) innervation, such as anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and striatum. The onset of changes occurs embryonically and persists in the adult, in many ways mimicking receptor loss. Our preliminary studies in the D1 receptor knockout mouse reveal similar abnormalities in ACC neuron development. The data suggest that changes in D1 receptor signaling initiate a cascade of alterations that results in abnormal development of forebrain circuits. Thus, the prenatal drug exposure and genetic models each provide unique opportunities for understanding the impact of substance abuse on forebrain development. Studies will probe mechanisms underlying the cellular and molecular adaptations. In addition, we will test how these adaptations alter future CNS responsiveness to cocaine and specific stressors, such as glutamate excitotoxicity. Experiments in three specific aims will use biochemical. neuroanatomical and molecular approaches to address the hypotheses.
In Aim 1, we will investigate changes in cell signaling through which in utero cocaine exposure alters dendritic growth. We will analyze alterations in the phosphorylation state of proteins comprising the converging DA and glutamate signaling systems. D1 receptor uncoupling could be caused by changes in receptor trafficking. Experiments will examine aberrant cytoplasmic sequestration of DA receptors. To more specifically link DA receptor dysfunction to developmental abnormalities changes will be examined in the D1 -I- mouse and in rabbits treated gestationally with a direct D1 agonist.
In Aim 2 experiments will investigate the mechanisms through which in utero cocaine exposure disrupts the development of interneurons. Neuroanatomical analysis will establish whether D1 receptor co-expression by specific subpopulations of interneurons defines the cells most susceptible to gestational cocaine. Intracellular dye labeling of interneurons will be used to analyze dendritic development under circumstances of DA receptor dysfunction.
In Aim 3, two experimental approaches will be used to investigate how the CNS, first exposed to cocaine prenatally, responds to later cocaine exposure or excitotoxic insults. First, using gene microarrays, we will determine differences in transcriptional responses that are induced by cocaine challenges in normal and experimental rabbits. Second, the excitotoxic responsiveness o isolated neurons from normal and cocaine-exposed animals will be investigated in cell-based assays. The interdisciplinary approaches will define alterations in brain structure and molecular adaptations due to prenatal cocaine exposure, with a goal ultimately to design interventions that may ameliorate the long-term behavioral consequences o drug exposure.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
2R01DA011165-07
Application #
6395363
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-MDCN-5 (01))
Program Officer
Thadani, Pushpa
Project Start
1996-09-30
Project End
2002-05-31
Budget Start
2001-08-01
Budget End
2002-05-31
Support Year
7
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$337,500
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Pittsburgh
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
053785812
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
15213
Thompson, Barbara L; Stanwood, Gregg D; Levitt, Pat (2010) Specificity of prenatal cocaine exposure effects on cortical interneurons is independent from dopamine D1 receptor co-localization. J Chem Neuroanat 39:228-34
Thompson, Barbara L; Levitt, Pat; Stanwood, Gregg D (2009) Prenatal exposure to drugs: effects on brain development and implications for policy and education. Nat Rev Neurosci 10:303-12
Parlaman, Joshua P; Thompson, Barbara L; Levitt, Pat et al. (2007) Pharmacokinetic profile of cocaine following intravenous administration in the female rabbit. Eur J Pharmacol 563:124-9
Stanwood, Gregg D; Levitt, Pat (2007) Prenatal exposure to cocaine produces unique developmental and long-term adaptive changes in dopamine D1 receptor activity and subcellular distribution. J Neurosci 27:152-7
Stanwood, Gregg D; Levitt, Pat (2007) Waved-1 mutant mice are hypersensitive to the locomotor actions of cocaine. Synapse 61:259-62
Stanwood, Gregg D; Parlaman, Joshua P; Levitt, Pat (2006) Genetic or pharmacological inactivation of the dopamine D1 receptor differentially alters the expression of regulator of G-protein signalling (Rgs) transcripts. Eur J Neurosci 24:806-18
Thompson, Barbara L; Levitt, Pat; Stanwood, Gregg D (2005) Prenatal cocaine exposure specifically alters spontaneous alternation behavior. Behav Brain Res 164:107-16
Stanwood, Gregg D; Levitt, Pat (2004) Drug exposure early in life: functional repercussions of changing neuropharmacology during sensitive periods of brain development. Curr Opin Pharmacol 4:65-71
Stanwood, G D; Levitt, P (2003) Repeated i.v. cocaine exposure produces long-lasting behavioral sensitization in pregnant adults, but behavioral tolerance in their offspring. Neuroscience 122:579-83
Levitt, Pat (2003) Structural and functional maturation of the developing primate brain. J Pediatr 143:S35-45

Showing the most recent 10 out of 14 publications