[ effects of prenatal morphine exposure on spatial learning]

ABSTRACT

Drug abuse during pregnancy is a growing problem in all developed countries worldwide. Maternal drug abuse affects the developing systems and the associated long-term effects can persist untill adulthood, decreasing the rate of their maturation. To determine the effects of prenatal morphine exposure on spatial learning Eighteen pregnant rats were divided into morphine, saline, and control groups. Morphine or saline was administrated [S.C] to female rats twice a day [at 12-hr intervals] during the days 11-18 of their gestational period [5 mg/kg morphine for the first 3 days and 10 mg/kg for further 5 days]. Pups [P90, n=6] were trained in an 8-arm radial maze apparatus.The data were analyzed statistically using Chi-square test. The results indicated that prenatal morphine exposure causes a reduction in the time needed to learn these trials however, they needed more time to complete regular trials. Prenatal morphine exposure impairs normal spatial learning