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Maze exploration in juvenile rats treated with corticosteroids during development
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|September 1, 1982
Summary
Developmental corticosteroid treatment with triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) can alter brain function in rats. Subtoxic doses during development impacted maze navigation and T-maze alternation, suggesting potential risks for complex brain development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Developmental corticosteroid exposure is a concern for potential neurotoxicity.
- Synthetic corticosteroids are used therapeutically during critical developmental periods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of subtoxic triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) on brain function in developing rats.
- To investigate if perinatal TAC exposure alters complex cognitive behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Rats were treated with a subtoxic dose of TAC (0.9 mg/kg) during specific developmental periods (gestation day 16, postnatal days 0 and 10).
- Behavioral assessments included radial maze exploration strategies and T-maze spontaneous alternation.
- Growth and general activity levels (initiation and completion times) were monitored.
Main Results:
- Postnatal TAC treatment altered exploration strategies in a radial maze.
- Gestational TAC treatment affected males specifically.
- Neonatal TAC treatment impacted spontaneous alternation in a T-maze.
- No effects on growth or general activity levels were observed.
Conclusions:
- Subtoxic corticosteroid exposure during perinatal development can alter complex brain functions in rats.
- These findings suggest potential neurodevelopmental risks associated with early-life corticosteroid exposure.