| Abstract: | Changes in motor behavior and sensory responsiveness were characterized in rat fetuses on Gestational Day 21 after acute administration of various doses of cocaine. An increase in fetal motor activity was evident in the 3 highest doses (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg). Cocaine-exposed Ss showed reduced facial wiping in behavioral bioassays of cutaneous sensitivity (10 and 20 mg/kg) and chemosensory responsiveness (20 mg/kg). Changes in other behavioral measures indicated that fetuses detected and responded to these stimuli, suggesting that reduced facial wiping was due to a disruption of sensorimotor integration or motor coordination. Study of the fetus in vivo can provide insights into the mechanisms of cocaine's deleterious effects on CNS and behavioral development. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
