Maternal methamphetamine and impact on the developing brain

Abstract This chapter summarizes the results of experimental studies investigating the effect of methamphetamine on mothers and their offspring. It focuses on a description of the mechanism of action of methamphetamine especially that linked to its impact on the offspring of drug-dependent mothers. There are many factors that can significantly affect the development of the progeny of methamphetamine-dependent mothers. This chapter pays special attention to how the drug affects maternal care and if the genetic and epigenetic factors may play a role. Additionally, it looks at critical developmental periods when methamphetamine is most damaging, and lastly, the development of sensitization to drug addiction induced by prenatal methamphetamine exposure discussed. Due to the limitations of clinical trials, further experimental research is still badly needed.