Nicotine exposure during pregnancy is a factor which influences serotonin transporter density in the rat brain

Abstract We examined the effects of nicotine exposure during pregnancy on serotonin transporter (SERT) expression in the brain. Nicotine (6 mg/kg/day) was administered to pregnant rats via subcutaneous injections or infusion pumps. Irrespective of the route of administration, nicotine increased SERT density in the forebrain on postnatal day 22, but not in the other brain regions. Our results suggest that nicotine use by pregnant women might be an environmental factor influencing SERT expression in their children.