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In utero caffeine exposure affects feeding pattern and variable ratio performance in infant monkeys
1Toxicology Research Division, Health and Welfare Canada, Ottawa, Ontario.
Summary
Prenatal caffeine exposure in monkeys led to increased infant mortality and altered infant behaviors, including feeding patterns and response times. This highlights potential risks of caffeine during pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive toxicology
- Developmental neuroscience
- Primate research
Background:
- Caffeine is a widely consumed stimulant with potential effects on pregnancy.
- Understanding the impact of maternal caffeine intake on offspring development is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of prenatal caffeine exposure on infant survival and behavior in Macaca fascicularis.
- To establish dose-response relationships between maternal caffeine levels and offspring outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Adult female monkeys received varying doses of caffeine (0.0, 0.15, 0.35 mg/ml) in drinking water throughout pregnancy.
- Infant survival rates, feeding patterns, and operant behavior (variable ratio schedule) were assessed.
- Maternal serum caffeine and theophylline levels were measured during gestation.
Main Results:
- Caffeine exposure caused a dose-related increase in infant mortality at birth.
- Infants from caffeine-exposed groups exhibited altered feeding patterns, spending more time feeding.
- High-dose caffeine-exposed infants showed longer pause and interresponse times on a variable ratio schedule.
Conclusions:
- In utero caffeine exposure significantly impacts infant survival and induces lasting behavioral alterations in non-human primates.
- These findings suggest potential risks associated with maternal caffeine consumption during pregnancy.