Effects of prenatal aluminum treatment on development and behavior in the rat.

Developmental and behavioral effects of aluminum administration were studied in THA rats. To three groups of pregnant rats were administered single dose of 0, 900 or 1,800 mg/kg of aluminum chloride on the day 15 of gestation by gavage. Significant differences were observed between the aluminum treated offspring and controls in terms of body weight, timing of pinna detachment and eye opening, and appearances of auditory startle. Slower learning acquisition was observed in treated groups. The longer latency and more rearings in the open field test were observed in 1,800 mg/kg treated females. These results suggest that single dose of aluminum chloride during prenatal period affects the development and behavior in rats.