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

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.