Impact of preconceptional intermittent fasting on reflex ontogenesis, physical and somatic development of the offspring of Wistar rats

Background

Intermittent fasting (IF) has health benefits; however, little is known about its effects on the offspring when practiced by dams in the preconception period. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of IF during the preconception period on physical and somatic parameters, as well as on the reflex ontogenesis of Wistar rat offspring.

Methods

The female rats were randomized into two groups: control (CG) and intermittent fasting group (IF) submitted to a feed restriction of 16 h for four weeks during the preconception period. Reproductive performance, body weight, and energy intake were evaluated in dams. Reflex ontogeny, physical and somatic development, brain fatty acids and the brain histology were evaluated in the offspring.

Results

IF did not change the reproductive performance or weight of dams during the preconception period. An acceleration of vibrissae placing and negative geotaxis parameters of reflex ontogenesis was observed, as well as anticipation of the following physical development indicators: ear unfolding, an eruption of upper incisor teeth, and inferior teeth in the IF offspring. Although the nervous tissue did not present histological changes, the content of some brain fatty acids was found in greater amounts in the IF offspring such as dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (0.66 ± 0.01 %) and eicotrienoic acid (0.58 ± 0.03 %).

Conclusion

IF during preconception did not change the body weight or reproductive performance of the dams, and promoted beneficial effects on the neurodevelopment of the offspring in the early life.