Présentation
This edition of the Paris Postdoc Seminars at Institut Pasteur will take place Tuesday, 21 May 2024, at 11:00 in the François Jacob Auditorium (Jacob Building). Teams link available.
Chair: Nastaran Savar
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of concurrent nicotine and THC use among pregnant women is influenced by the widespread availability of e-cigarettes marketed as a ‘safer’ alternative and the growing accessibility of THC-infused edibles. Nicotine and cannabinoids affect dopaminergic signaling through distinct receptors within overlapping cellular groups, suggesting potential diverse consequences from their combined consumption. This complex interplay during prenatal development raises questions about their cumulative impact on embryonic growth, neurodevelopment, and overall well-being.
To mirror human usage patterns, female Wistar rats underwent pre-exposure before mating and were then administered daily doses of nicotine vape and oral THC throughout pregnancy. Maternal blood samples were collected to quantify nicotine and cannabinoid metabolites, ensuring accurate assessment of drug exposure. Offspring from the first cohort underwent cognitive behavioral tests during adolescence and drug intake assessments during adulthood. For the second cohort, placental issue and fetal brains were collected on gestational day (GD) 18 for RT-qPCR analysis of mRNA expression levels of nicotinic subunits, cannabinoid receptors (nAChRs and CBR), dopamine receptors and transporters (D3 and DAT), and sex-specific markers.
We first confirmed the presence of cotinine, nicotine’s principal metabolite, and THC in maternal blood, placenta, and fetal brain. Our initial findings demonstrate differential effects of prenatal exposure to e-cigarette nicotine vape and/or edible THC on cognitive function, with varying impacts within male and female groups. Additionally, our results reveal a specific distribution of nAChRs across various placental regions, with fetal sex-dependent influences on these expression patterns following drug exposure. RNA scope analysis further revealed a distinct distribution of CBR, primarily localized within the junctional zone and decidua, with notable absence in the labyrinth zone.
This research unveils the intricate relationship between maternal e-cigarette usage, drug exposure, and developmental outcomes in rats, offering potential insights to enhance public health strategies and interventions for the benefit of future generations.
Localisation
Bâtiment: Jacob
Salle: Auditorium François Jacob
Adresse: 28 Rue du Docteur Roux, Paris, France