Maternal Substance Abuse and the Developing Nervous System

This book reviews the latest information on the effects of maternal drug consumption on fetal, neonatal, infant, and subsequent adult nervous systems. It emphasizes the cellular and molecular mechanisms of drug action and the clinical implications of impaired nervous system development. The book includes chapters on cocaine, opioids, nicotine, alcohol, and marijuana, emphasizing the transfer of substances from mother to fetus. Animal and tissue culture models used to study the effects of maternal substance abuse on offspring are also addressed. Key Features * Shows how abused substances act directly or indirectly to mimic or influence the action of neurotrophic factors * Explains that the transient expression of peptides, neurotransmitters, and receptors can be markedly disturbed by drugs * Demonstrates that animal and tissue culture studies are consistent with clinical observations and important in understanding and ameliorating adverse actions of drugs in early lifeZagon, Ian S. is the author of 'Maternal Substance Abuse and the Developing Nervous System' with ISBN 9780127752259 and ISBN 0127752250.