The Long-Term Neurophysiological Effects of Prenatal Nicotine Exposure on Executive Functioning: An fMRI Study of Young Adults

Abstract

Maternal smoking during pregnancy has often been associated with numerous adverse outcomes for the offspring. However, its long-term effects are not well established. Given the high prevalence of maternal smoking during pregnancy, an understanding of these effects is essential. Therefore, the aim of the present dissertation was to shed light on the long-term neurophysiological effects of prenatal nicotine exposure on three different executive functioning processes by assessing participants in young adulthood, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Participants imaged were members of the Ottawa Prenatal Prospective Study, a longitudinal study that collected a unique body of information on participants from infancy to young adulthood, which allowed for the measurement of an unprecedented number of potentially confounding drug exposure variables. The dissertation consists of three separate original manuscripts. In manuscript 1, participants completed a response inhibition task, in manuscript 2 participants completed a verbal working memory task and in manuscript 3 participants completed a visuospatial working memory task. Taken together, results from all three manuscripts showed that prenatal nicotine exposure leads to altered neural functioning during executive functioning processing that continues into young adulthood. These significant results highlight the need for education about the repercussions of women smoking during pregnancy. Prenatal Nicotine Exposure 4 Statement of Co-Authorship The three manuscripts included in this dissertation were prepared in collaboration with my dissertation supervisor. Included as co-authors are Dr. Peter Fried, as his original participants were recruited in the study and Dr. Ian Cameron, who helped with MRI settings. As the primary author on all manuscripts, I was responsible for the conceptualization of the research question and methods, planning and execution of statistical analyses, and preparation of manuscripts. Dr. Smith provided guidance and assistance in all aspects of the project. Prenatal Nicotine Exposure 5