Cuscuta epithymum extract affects epileptic offspring behaviour and weight after applying preconception immobility stress on parents

IF 1.7 4区医学 Q3 DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY

International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience Pub Date : 2025-02-03 DOI:10.1002/jdn.10405

Narjes Khavasi, Leila Ghassemifard, Hajar Ramezanikhah, Saeed Sardari, Ehsan Saboory

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Introduction

Studies have indicated a link between stress during pregnancy and stress reactivity in offspring. In this study, we investigated the effect of Cuscuta epithymum (CE) extract on seizure and body weight in offspring born to stressed parents (pre-pregnancy).

Methods

Male and female rats were randomly separated into four groups. Then, the animals were subjected to restraint stress once a day for 50 (male) and 15 (female) continuous days. At the same time, rats in the control and stress groups received normal saline while the other two groups received the CE extract. After the stress induction, the control and experimental rats were mated to create eight types of coupling combinations as follows: McFc, McFs, MsFc, MsFs, McFc + EX, McFs + EX, MsFc + EX and MsFs + EX (M, male; F, female; C, control; S, stress; EX, extract). Then, the pups were weighed on postnatal days (PND) 1, 15 and 25. They were also evaluated for pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizure on PND 25.

Results

The results showed that prolonged parental exposure to stress led to a significant increase in the duration and number of tonic–clonic (TC) seizures, duration of standing on two legs, firmly clinging to the ground, number of head nodding, total score of seizure behaviours and duration of tail rigidity in offspring. Moreover, the onset of the first convulsive behaviour was accelerated. Furthermore, a significantly lower body weight was observed in pre-conceptionally stressed offspring. However, the CE extract significantly improved these symptoms.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that CE administration possibly improves the consequences of pre-pregnancy stress, as well as seizure behaviours and weight loss in pups.

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来源期刊

International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience 医学-发育生物学

CiteScore

3.30

自引率

5.60%

发文量

审稿时长

6-12 weeks

期刊介绍： International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience publishes original research articles and critical review papers on all fundamental and clinical aspects of nervous system development, renewal and regeneration, as well as on the effects of genetic and environmental perturbations of brain development and homeostasis leading to neurodevelopmental disorders and neurological conditions. Studies describing the involvement of stem cells in nervous system maintenance and disease (including brain tumours), stem cell-based approaches for the investigation of neurodegenerative diseases, roles of neuroinflammation in development and disease, and neuroevolution are also encouraged. Investigations using molecular, cellular, physiological, genetic and epigenetic approaches in model systems ranging from simple invertebrates to human iPSC-based 2D and 3D models are encouraged, as are studies using experimental models that provide behavioural or evolutionary insights. The journal also publishes Special Issues dealing with topics at the cutting edge of research edited by Guest Editors appointed by the Editor in Chief. A major aim of the journal is to facilitate the transfer of fundamental studies of nervous system development, maintenance, and disease to clinical applications. The journal thus intends to disseminate valuable information for both biologists and physicians. International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience is owned and supported by The International Society for Developmental Neuroscience (ISDN), an organization of scientists interested in advancing developmental neuroscience research in the broadest sense.