Generational effects of protein malnutrition in the rat.

The most prevalent form of malnutrition in humans is characterized by its chronic and generational nature. We, therefore, have carried out preliminary studies in rats of the generational effects of protein malnutrition. Our studies to date indicate that a mild protein restriction (8% casein diet) in the first generation becomes a more severe protein restriction in the second generation. This is based on weight gains of the dams during pregnancy, the mean number of pups (F2) per litter, the mean pup (F2) body weight and brain weight at birth, growth curves, levels of brain tryptophan (TRP), serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) from birth to weaning, and the levels of certain plasma constituents, especially non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA). We propose this paradigm as an animal model for some types of chronic undernutrition in socioeconomically underprivileged human populations.