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Behavioral effects of experimental maternal hyperphenylalaninemia
Author(s) -
Schalock R. L.,
Copenhaver J. H.
Publication year - 1973
Publication title -
developmental psychobiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.055
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1098-2302
pISSN - 0012-1630
DOI - 10.1002/dev.420060607
Subject(s) - hyperphenylalaninemia , gestation , phenylalanine , psychology , endocrinology , medicine , postpartum period , pregnancy , physiology , developmental psychology , chemistry , biology , biochemistry , amino acid , genetics
Biochemical and behavioral effects of pre‐ and postpartum hyperphenylalaninemia were evaluated on 52 Sprague‐Dawley rats. Biochemical results indicated elevated plasma phenylalanine levels during both the prepartum (Gestation Days 15‐21 and postpartum Days 1‐60 of age) injection phases. Behaviors were evaluated beginning at 81 days of age. Compared to control or postpartum subjects, prepartum subjects demonstrated significant decrements on each of the following: initial DRL: 12 learning; fearfulness (inverse relationship); activity; exploration; and sociability. Compared to controls, postpartum subjects were significantly less active and less exploratory.