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Prenatal protein level impacts homing behavior in Long-Evans rat pups
L K Fischer1, J A McGaughy2, S E Bradshaw1
1a Judge Baker Children's Center and Department of Psychiatry , Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA.
Nutritional Neuroscience
|January 21, 2015
Summary
Prenatal protein restriction in rats impairs homing behavior development, even without significant growth failure. Lower protein diets negatively impact activity and nest-seeking ability in pups, highlighting developmental sensitivity.
Area of Science:
- Developmental neuroscience
- Maternal nutrition effects
- Behavioral development
Background:
- Prenatal nutrition is critical for offspring development.
- Protein intake during gestation influences various developmental outcomes.
- Homing behavior in pups is a sensitive indicator of neurological development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of varying maternal protein intake during gestation on the homing behavior of rat pups.
- To determine if protein deficiency affects activity levels, nest return success, and latency in young rats.
- To assess the relationship between prenatal protein levels and adult brain weight.
Main Methods:
- Long-Evans rats were fed diets with 6%, 12%, 18%, or 25% casein during pregnancy.
- Litters were fostered to control mothers, and pups received adequate protein post-weaning.
- Homing behaviors (activity, nest return success, latency) were assessed on postnatal days 5-13.
- Adult body and brain weights were measured at sacrifice.
Main Results:
- Maternal diets with 6% or 12% protein led to impaired pup growth compared to 18% and 25% groups.
- Lower prenatal protein (6% and 12%) reduced pup activity levels.
- Only the 6% protein group showed significantly reduced nest return success and increased latency.
- Latency to reach the nest was negatively correlated with adult brain weight.
Conclusions:
- Homing behavior is a sensitive marker for developmental deficits caused by prenatal protein variations.
- Even mild protein deficiency during gestation can impact neurobehavioral development.
- This study underscores the importance of adequate maternal protein for optimal offspring brain and behavioral development.
