Logo image
Chlordiazepoxide-Induced Spatial Learning Deficits: Dose-Dependent Differences Following Prenatal Malnutrition
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Chlordiazepoxide-Induced Spatial Learning Deficits: Dose-Dependent Differences Following Prenatal Malnutrition

John Tonkiss, Penny L Shultz, Jed S Shumsky, Todd A Fiacco, Michele Vincitore, Douglas L Rosene and Janina R Galler
Pharmacology, biochemistry and behavior, v 65(1), pp 105-116
2000
PMID: 10638643

Abstract

Pregnancy Morris maze Prenatal protein malnutrition Water maze Rats Protein restriction Benzodiazepine receptor agonist CDP
The sensitivity of prenatally protein-malnourished rats to the amnestic properties of the benzodiazepine (BZ) receptor agonist, chlordiazepoxide (CDP), was studied in the male offspring of rats provided with a protein-deficient diet (6% casein) for 5 weeks prior to mating and throughout pregnancy. Rats were tested during acquisition of the submerged platform version of the Morris water maze task using three systemic doses of CDP (3.2, 5.6, and 7.5 mg/kg IP) at two ages (day 30 and day 90). At 30 days, prenatally malnourished rats showed less sensitivity to the amnestic effect of the 5.6-mg/kg dose when compared with well-nourished controls by displaying shorter swim paths during acquisition and a more selective search of the target quadrant upon removal of the platform (probe trial). At 90 days, prenatally malnourished rats again showed less sensitivity to CDP at a dose of 5.6 mg/kg, but more sensitivity to the 3.2-mg/kg dose (indicated on the probe trial). No obvious relationship was identified between the nutritional group differences in behavioral sensitivity to CDP at 90 days and their BZ receptor density in the hippocampus or medial septum. It can be concluded that prenatal malnutrition alters the amnestic response to CDP in a dose-dependent and developmentally specific manner, thus providing further support for functional changes within the GABAergic system subsequent to malnutrition.

Metrics

5 Record Views
24 citations in Scopus

Details

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#2 Zero Hunger

InCites Highlights

Data related to this publication, from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool:

Web of Science research areas
Behavioral Sciences
Neurosciences
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Logo image