[Mechanisms of action of tobacco smoke on the developing brain].

Maternal smoking is associated with an increased risk of intra-uterine growth retardation and conduct disorder in their children, and is a major risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome. Among the numerous compounds present in cigarette smoke, carbon monoxide and nicotine have been largely studied. They can both affect the fetal brain by inducing intra-uterine hypoxia or by acting directly on the developing brain.