Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) block the serotonin (5-HT) reuptake transporter (SERT) and increase synaptic 5-HT. 5-HT is also important in brain development; hence when SSRIs are taken during pregnancy there exists the potential for these drugs to affect CNS ontogeny. Prenatal SSRI exposure has been associated with an increased prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and peripheral 5-HT is elevated in some ASD patients. Perinatal SSRI exposure in rodents has been associated with increased depression and anxiety-like behavior, decreased sociability, and impaired learning in the offspring, behaviors often seen in ASD. The present study investigated whether perinatal exposure to citalopram causes persistent neurobehavioral effects. Gravid Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to two groups and subcutaneously injected twice per day with citalopram (10mg/kg; Cit) or saline (Sal) 6h apart on embryonic day (E)6-21, and then drug was given directly to the pups after delivery from postnatal day (P)1-20. Starting on P60, one male/female from each litter was tested in the Cincinnati water maze (CWM) and open-field before and after MK-801. A second pair from each litter was tested in the Morris water maze (MWM) and open-field before and after (+)-amphetamine. A third pair was tested as follows: elevated zero-maze, open-field, marble burying, prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle, social preference, and forced swim. Cit-exposed rats were impaired in the MWM during acquisition and probe, but not during reversal, shift, or cued trials. Cit-exposed rats also showed increased marble burying, decreased time in the center of the open-field, decreased latency to immobility in forced swim, and increased acoustic startle across prepulse intensities with no effects on CWM. The results are consistent with citalopram inducing several ASD-like effects. The findings add to concerns about use of SSRIs during pregnancy. Further research on different classes of antidepressants, dose-effect relationships, timing of exposure periods, and mechanisms for these effects are needed. It is also important to balance the effects described here against the effects of the disorders for which the drugs are given.

Most antidepressants inhibit monoamine reuptake. Selective serotonin (5-HT) reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) act on the 5-HT transporter (SERT) whereas norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs) act on the norepinephrine and dopamine transporters. Epidemiological reports link SSRI use during pregnancy to an increased prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We previously showed that perinatal exposure to the SSRI citalopram (CIT) results in rodent offspring that exhibit a number of behaviors consistent with an ASD-like phenotype. The present study examined the effect of perinatal exposure to CIT (at a lower dose), another SSRI, fluoxetine (FLX), and an NDRI, bupropion (BUP). Gravid Sprague-Dawley rats were subcutaneously injected twice per day (6h apart) with 5mg/kg CIT, 5mg/kg FLX, 15mg/kg BUP, or saline (SAL) from embryonic day (E) 6-21, and directly to the pups from postnatal day (P) 1-20. As adults, one male/female from each litter was given one of a series of tests. Both SSRI-exposed groups showed spatial learning deficits in Morris and radial water mazes, increased marble burying, increased acoustic startle, hypoactivity, and attenuated activity to the stimulating effect of the NMDA-R antagonist MK-801. The BUP-exposed group showed a reduction in elevated zero-maze quadrant entries and increased stimulated open-field activity following (+)-amphetamine challenge. These results reinforce concern about the use of antidepressants during pregnancy and highlight how the two classes of drugs produce different constellations of effects with more effects associated with the SSRIs. Further investigation into how antidepressants alter brain development leading to enduring adverse neurobehavioral effects is warranted.

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This paper draws upon an extensive evidence base to analyse Chinese perceptions of Western cultural heritage and capture dominant reflections on an overseas destination as portrayed through selected images and artefacts. The dataset derives from an integrated methodological approach utilised to interpret visitor perceptions of an exhibition-hosted by Nanjing Museum, China-that focused on Scotland's cultural heritage. The analysis of the data revealed insight into the importance of the experiential qualities of heritage tourismspecifically those aligned to the natural environment-and a desire to achieve an emotive and sensual engagement with key signifiers of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage through potential leisure experiences. The results provide detailed insights into the contemporary values motivating Chinese outbound tourists to visit and experience overseas heritage, the importance and potential of innovative 'experience research methodologies' and practical guidance for destination organizations that seek to position and promote Western cultural heritage to a Chinese audience.

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