Cardiovascular Effects of Cocaine in Infant and Juvenile Piglets

Biological mechanisms and perinatal exposure to abused drugs

“…On the other hand, repeated exposure to cocaine in neonatal piglets produced increases in heart rate and blood pressure (BP); however, the pattern of HR and BP responses differed from that observed in juvenile pigs (Scalzo, unpublished observations). In preweaning rats, results revealed ontogenetic and dose-dependent changes in the cardiovascular responses to cocaine that parallel the maturation of autonomic regulation of cardiovascular function (Scalzo and Burge, 1993). These observations suggested that exposure to cocaine during the neonatal period can modify the maturation of the cardiovascular system.…”