Congenital brain damage spares the basic patterns of parental behavior in affected mice

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Epigenetic modifications play a crucial role in neurodevelopment.
• Teratogenic effects of chemical agents on embryonic development are a significant concern.
• Understanding the long-term impact of developmental insults on brain structure and behavior is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of late-stage embryonic exposure to 5-azacytidine on mouse offspring.
• To assess the impact of this exposure on physical growth, brain morphology, and behavior.
• To determine if observed functional abnormalities persist into adulthood.

Main Methods:

• Pregnant albino mice were administered 5-azacytidine during late embryonic development.
• Offspring were monitored for body growth, brain size (cerebral hemispheres), and histological alterations (hippocampus, cingulate cortex).
• Behavioral assessments included developmental observations, a self-feeding test, and evaluation of parental behavior and neophobia in adulthood.

Main Results:

• 5-azacytidine treatment resulted in retarded body growth and significantly reduced cerebral hemisphere size in offspring.
• Histological examination revealed alterations in the hippocampus and cingulate cortex.
• Treated adult mice displayed non-neophobic behavior, reduced aggression, and modified parental responses, with a gradual approach to control levels over time.

Conclusions:

• Late embryonic exposure to 5-azacytidine induces lasting physical and neurodevelopmental deficits in mice.
• The observed behavioral changes suggest that affected brain structures influence behavioral organization and habituation to novelty.
• These findings highlight the sensitivity of developing brain structures to epigenetic modifiers and their impact on complex behaviors.