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- Title
Effects of prenatal malnutrition on hippocampal BDNF expression and spatial learning behavior in rats.
- Authors
Wang, L.; Wong, A. O. L.; Xu, R. J.
- Abstract
Background -- A growing volume of literature indicates that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in brain functional development, particularly in learning and memory function. Objective -- This study aimed to investigate the effects of prenatal malnutrition on brain BDNF expression and its relationship with spatial learning and memory behavior. Design -- Twelve pregnant Wistar rats were randomly assigned into three treatment groups of four animals each. Animals in one group were allowed free access to laboratory chow (control). Animals in the remaining two groups were restricted to 50% daily food intake of the control from eighth day of pregnancy (early prenatal malnutrition) or fifteenth day of pregnancy (later prenatal malnutrition). After giving-birth all animals were allowed free access to laboratory chow. The pups were weaned at three weeks of age and were tested for spatial learning and memory behaviour by Morris water maze at three or five weeks of age. The animals were sacrificed at the end of the behaviour test and the levels of BDNF protein and mRNA in the brain tissue were measured using ELISA and real-time PCR, respectively. Outcome - It was observed that both early and later prenatal malnutrition significantly impaired the spatial learning and memory ability of the pups at three weeks of age. Early prenatal malnutrition significantly reduced both BDNF mRNA and BDNF protein levels in the hippocampus region of the brain. Conclusion -- The results of this study indicate that prenatal malnutrition reduces BDNF expression in the hippocampus region of the brain and affects spatial learning and memory behaviour.
- Subjects
MALNUTRITION; HIPPOCAMPUS (Brain); NEUROTROPHINS; LEARNING; RATS
- Publication
Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2005, Vol 14, pS78
- ISSN
0964-7058
- Publication type
Article