Effect of teratogenic exposure on the developing brain: research strategies and possible mechanisms

Some of the problems associated with human behavioral teratology are reviewed and research strategies necessary for the elucidation of the possible prenatal bases for the later occurrence of Learning Disabilities (LD) are suggested. An animal model for LD was created by exposure of female rats during pregnancy or during lactation to diazepam, monosodium glutamate, caffeine, or maternal stress. The gestation period most sensitive to these prenatal insults was established, and some of the neurochemical and histological correlates of the resulting discrimination learning deficits were investigated.