Human placental monoamine transporters as targets for amphetamines

Article Abstract:

Amphetamine abuse could cause the blood vessels in the placenta to constrict by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the placenta. Serotonin and norepinephrine are both natural vasoconstrictors that are transported by receptors in placental tissue. Researchers tested the effect of amphetamine and methamphetamine on the activity of the serotonin and norepinephrine transporters in placental tissue samples. Both amphetamines inhibited both transporters and they also inhibited the binding of the antidepressant nisoxetine to the norepinephrine transporter. Blocking the transporters would increase the concentrations of serotonin and norepinephrine in the placenta, which would raise the blood pressure in the placenta. This could account for the increase in maternal hypertension, fetal growth retardation, and premature labor seen in pregnant women who abuse amphetamines.

Pregnant women, Drug use, Placenta, Methamphetamine, Amphetamines

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Effects of follicular-phase cocaine administration on menstrual and ovarian cyclicity in rhesus monkeys

Article Abstract:

Cocaine disrupts the menstrual cycle and may inhibit ovulation. Researchers gave 13 rhesus monkeys daily injections of cocaine or saline solution. Vaginal swabs were analyzed to determine when the menstrual cycle began and laparoscopy determined ovulation. Only one of the seven monkeys who received cocaine had a normal menstrual cycle compared to five of the six who received saline solution. All six monkeys who received saline solution ovulated compared to only one of the monkeys who received cocaine. Cocaine also suppressed estrogen production.

Menstrual cycle, Cocaine, Ovulation

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