Impairments of spatial learning and memory in rat offspring with fetal growth restriction

Pu Huang, Wenli Gou, Mali Jiang, Rui Zhang, Yunping Sun

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: Throughout the world, fetal growth restriction(FGR) is one of the most severe complications occurring during pregnancy. It is subsequently associated with neurologic abnormalities in chldren. Our aim was to investigate the spatial learning and memory ability of rat offspring born with FGR. Methods: A rat model of FGR was constructed using the method of passive smoking. Spatial learning and memory were studied in rat offspring born with FGR by assessing the animals' performance using the Morris water maze task. Results: At 1- and 2-months of age, both female and male offspring rats showed impairment of performance, while at 4 months of age, only female rats showed impaired performance. The FGR offspring spent a longer time swimming and used inefficient strategies(P < 0.05, respectively). However, there were no significant maze performance FGR effects in the 4 month old male rats. In all groups of FGR offspring, irrespective of age or sex, the time spent in the platform quadrant by the rat was significantly less than that in the control group(P < 0.05). Conclusion: The Morris water maze performance decreased in rat offspring born with FGR. It is suggested that FGR can cause impairments of spatial learning and memory in young animals.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)54-58
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Nanjing Medical University
Volume23
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Fetal growth restriction
  • Learning and memory
  • Pregnancy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Computer Science
  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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