Changes in specific gravity as a sign of disturbed brain maturation in protein-deprived rats.

The specific gravity of the cerebral cortex of normal and protein-deprived rats aged 15, 21 and 25 days was determined. The increase in specific gravity seen in control rats in the course of their development was reduced in protein-deprived rats in the course of the period between 15 and 21 days of age. The results are in agreement with previous reports on delayed maturation of the brain in protein-deprived rats and indicate that determination of brain specific gravity may serve as a suitable screening method in situations when a disturbed brain maturation is suspected.