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Induced deficit in hippocampal‐dependent spatial memory development of pups from lithium treated pregnant rats
Author(s) -
Dyer Rayon Martino,
GossellWilliams Maxine,
Young Lauriann
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.23.1_supplement.586.5
Subject(s) - offspring , morris water navigation task , hippocampal formation , lithium (medication) , choline , hippocampus , pregnancy , lithium carbonate , water maze , cued speech , psychology , medicine , physiology , endocrinology , biology , chemistry , ion , genetics , organic chemistry , ionic bonding , cognitive psychology
Lithium carbonate is routinely used in the treatment of patients suffering from bipolar disorder, but can decrease the availability of phosphatidylcholine and choline. Both nutrients are important during pregnancy and are required for foetal brain development. This study aims to assess the effect on memory development of pups from lithium treated dams (LTD). Pregnant Sprague‐Dawley rats were administered water (control) or lithium carbonate 30mg/kg/day by oral gavage throughout the course of pregnancy until birth and access to food and water ad libitum . Pups were given access to food and water ad libitum . After 4 months, offspring were tested in the cued and spatial version of the Morris water maze task, and their rate of acquisition and retention were compared. Pups from the LTD exhibited a cognitive deficit in hippocampal‐dependent spatial memory, however no significant difference was seen in the rate of acquisition of cued task. It can therefore be concluded that lithium therapy during pregnancy can impair the memory development in offspring, an effect that may be related to choline and phosphatidlycholine supply. Source of research support: Graduate Studies & Research U.W.I Mona.