Effect of electronic cigarette aerosol exposure during gestation and lactation on learning and memory of adult male offspring rats

Introduction: Electronic cigarette (ECIG) use has increased worldwide, including among pregnant and breastfeeding women. In this study, we examined the effect of ECIG aerosol exposure during gestation and lactation on learning and memory of adult male offspring rats. Methods: Rats were exposed to either fresh air or ECIG aerosol for one hour daily during gestational period as well as days 4-21 of lactation. Male offspring were followed through 19 weeks and then spatial learning and memory were tested by radial arm water maze (RAWM). The hippocampus was examined for biomarkers of harm, including oxidative stress, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Results: Relative to exposure to fresh air, exposure to ECIG aerosol during gestation/lactation impaired long-term memory in adult offspring (P < 0.05). This impairment was associated with increased activity of superoxide dismutase in the hippocampus (P < 0.05). BDNF and the other tested oxidative stress biomarkers were not affected by ECIG aerosol exposure (p > 0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, ECIG aerosol exposure during gestation and lactation impaired long-term memory and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase in the hippocampus of offspring adult rats. These results support the development of strategies to enhance ECIG cessation during pregnancy and breastfeeding.