Description:
<jats:p>Our previous investigation demonstrated that an existing underlying vulnerability in rat neonates (i.e. brainstem 5‐HT deficiency) in combination with a stressor (i.e. pre‐ and early post‐natal nicotine exposure) exacerbates autoresuscitation failure from an anoxic event at a critical developmental period (P10 rats). During this critical period, we hypothesize that caffeine, a respiratory stimulant, will improve successful autoresuscitation rates in the 5‐HT deficient, nicotine exposed P10 neonates and reduce mortality. Preliminary data demonstrate that an intraperitoneal injection of 10mg kg<jats:sup>−1</jats:sup> caffeine prior to anoxic challenge improves autoresuscitation rates (survival rate approximately 40%) in the 5‐HT deficient, nicotine exposed P10 rats in comparison to the rats who received IP saline vehicle injections (survival rate of 25%). Prior investigation suggests that eupnea and heart rate recovery following an anoxic event (which elicits an apnea accompanied by a bradycardia) is significantly delayed in 5‐HT deficient rats treated with nicotine, making them more susceptible to failure of autoresuscitation (p<0.05). Presence of caffeine is likely facilitating successful autoresuscitation by shortening apnea duration and promoting an early onset of gasping post‐apnea for a faster eupnea and heart rate recovery.</jats:p><jats:p><jats:bold>Support or Funding Information</jats:bold></jats:p><jats:p>Research is supported by the NIH Program Project Grant HD036379 (NICHD, PI, Dymecki, S. M.; Project PI, Nattie, E. E.). The authors would also like to acknowledge the generous support of the Tenney Fund and the Ryan Fellowship (awarded to S. Lee).</jats:p>