Nicotine and the developing brain: Insights from preclinical models

Use of tobacco products during pregnancy is associated with increased risk for neurodevelopmental disorders in the offspring. Preclinical models of developmental nicotine exposure have offered valuable insights into the neurobiology of nicotine's effects on the developing brain and demonstrated lasting effects of developmental nicotine exposure on brain structure, neurotransmitter signaling and behavior. These models have facilitated discovery of novel compounds as candidate treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with prenatal nicotine exposure. Using these models the significance of heritability of behavioral phenotypes from the nicotine-exposed pregnant female or adult male to multiple generations of descendants has been demonstrated. Finally, research using the preclinical models has demonstrated synergistic interactions between developmental nicotine exposure and repetitive mild traumatic brain injury that contribute to worse outcomes from the injury in individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder associated with developmental nicotine exposure.

Automated summary

The use of tobacco products during pregnancy increases the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring. Preclinical models have provided insights into the effects of developmental nicotine exposure on the brain, showing lasting effects on brain structure, neurotransmitter signaling, and behavior. These models have also contributed to the discovery of potential treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and demonstrated the heritability of behavioral phenotypes from nicotine-exposed parents to multiple generations. Additionally, research using these models has shown synergistic interactions between developmental nicotine exposure and repetitive mild traumatic brain injury in individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.