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Modulation of behavioral performance of prepubertal monkeys by moderate dietary zinc deprivation
M S Golub1, P T Takeuchi, C L Keen
1Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis.
Abstract:
Young rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta, n = 14) 25-30 mo of age were fed a zinc-deficient (ZD) diet (2 micrograms Zn/g diet) (moderate zinc deprivation) over 15 week. The ZD diet period was compared with a zinc-adequate (ZA) diet period (50 micrograms Zn/g diet) of the same duration, which either preceded or followed it (crossover design). Plasma zinc was lower at the end of the ZD than after the ZA period. There were no overt signs of zinc deficiency or effects on growth rate. Spontaneous motor activity was lower and performance of a visual-attention task and short-term-memory task were poorer during the ZD period than during the ZA period. Behavioral effects were detected as changes from individual baseline values, and often represented a failure to improve. The results suggests that dietary zinc deprivation can modulate behavior in prepubertal monkeys without affecting growth.
Insights
Moderate zinc deprivation in young monkeys reduced motor activity and cognitive task performance. These behavioral changes occurred without impacting growth, highlighting zinc
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Neuroscience
- Primate Behavior
- Trace Element Metabolism
Background:
- Zinc is essential for brain development and function.
- Subtle zinc deficiency may impact behavior before physical signs emerge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the behavioral effects of moderate dietary zinc deprivation in young rhesus monkeys.
- To determine if zinc deficiency affects motor activity and cognitive performance.
Main Methods:
- A crossover design was used with 14 rhesus monkeys (25-30 months old).
- Monkeys were fed either a zinc-deficient (ZD) or zinc-adequate (ZA) diet for 15 weeks.
- Behavioral assessments included spontaneous motor activity and performance on visual-attention and short-term memory tasks.
Main Results:
- Plasma zinc levels were significantly lower after the ZD period compared to the ZA period.
- No overt signs of zinc deficiency or effects on growth rate were observed.
- Spontaneous motor activity and performance on cognitive tasks were poorer during the ZD period.
Conclusions:
- Moderate dietary zinc deprivation can negatively impact behavior in prepubertal monkeys.
- Behavioral changes, including reduced motor activity and impaired cognitive function, can occur without affecting growth.
- These findings suggest that zinc plays a crucial role in modulating behavior and cognitive function during early development.