Exposure to methamphetamine during gestation can affect the developing fetus, producing physical and neurobehavioral anomalies in the child. Clinical reports and experimental research with animal models have demonstrated that prenatal methamphetamine exposure may damage the central nervous system, resulting in behavioral alterations that include changes in activity, learning and memory. Using an animal model, this project assesses the development of a wide range of behaviors following methamphetamine exposure during the third trimester equivalent """"""""brain growth spurt."""""""" This period of brain development has proven extremely sensitive to other drugs of abuse and is marked by rapid development of brain systems known to be affected by adult methamphetamine exposure. Moreover, by utilizing an artificial rearing technique, this study controls nutrition and maternal/pup variables. Several behavioral domains are evaluated at different developmental stages. Although methamphetamine use is usually associated with polydrug abuse and undernutrition, the identification of the pure effects of this drug in the developing organism is a crucial step to elucidate the mechanisms of action and possible interventions. ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Small Research Grants (R03)
Project #
1R03DA018279-01A2
Application #
7029977
Study Section
Biobehavioral Regulation, Learning and Ethology Study Section (BRLE)
Program Officer
Wetherington, Cora Lee
Project Start
2007-05-01
Project End
2009-04-30
Budget Start
2007-05-01
Budget End
2008-04-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2007
Total Cost
$74,750
Indirect Cost
Name
San Diego State University
Department
Psychology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
073371346
City
San Diego
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
92182