Head-dipping behaviors in rats exposed to alcohol prenatally as a function of age at testing

While some studies suggest that the behavioral effects of prenatal alcohol exposure diminish as the animal matures, others are indicative of a persistent deficit. The present study further examined this issue using the rat as an animal model and exploratory behavior as the dependent measure. Using a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inNeurobehavioral toxicology and teratology Vol. 5; no. 3; p. 309
Main Authors Plonsky, M, Riley, E P
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.05.1983
Subjects
Aging
Alcoholism - complications
Animals
Body Weight - drug effects
Disease Models, Animal
Ethanol - toxicity
Exploratory Behavior - drug effects
Female
Humans
Maternal-Fetal Exchange
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Complications - physiopathology
Pregnancy, Animal
Rats
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Summary:While some studies suggest that the behavioral effects of prenatal alcohol exposure diminish as the animal matures, others are indicative of a persistent deficit. The present study further examined this issue using the rat as an animal model and exploratory behavior as the dependent measure. Using a pair-feeding procedure, pregnant Long-Evans rats were fed isocaloric liquid diets containing either 35% or 0% ethanol derived calories (EDC) during Days 6-20 of gestation. A third group received lab chow ad lib. At 25, 60, or 95 days of age, female offspring were tested in a hold-board apparatus mounted on a stabilimeter for a single 50 minute session. The results demonstrated that prenatal alcohol exposure facilitated exploration at all ages tested. The 35% EDC offspring dipped significantly more frequently and made more transitions between holes than controls. General activity levels did not differ between the 35% EDC and 0% EDC groups.
ISSN:0275-1380