Prenatal protein malnutrition affects exploratory behavior of female rats in the elevated plus-maze test.

To study the effects of prenatal protein deficiency in the exploration of the elevated plus-maze, an ethological procedure was used. Female rats were provided with 25% (control) or with 6% (low-protein) casein diets before and during pregnancy. After birth eight pups in each litter (six males and two females) were fostered to a control mother. After weaning (21 days of age) all animals received a lab chow diet until behavioral testing began at 70 days of age. Individual prenatally malnourished (n = 12) and well-nourished (n = 12) females were placed at the center of the elevated plus-maze and allowed to explore for a 5-min session. One session was given per day for 6 consecutive days. The following variables were recorded: percentage of open arm entries; percentage of time spent in open arms; total arm entries; time in the center platform; latency to first open arm entry; number of attempts to enter an open arm; number of rearings; number of head-dips. The results showed a significant effect of malnutrition on six behaviors (percent open arm entries, percent time spent in open arms, attempts to enter open arms, rearings, head-dips, and latency to first open arm entry) and a significant diet by session interaction on two behaviors (attempts to enter open arms and head-dips). These results indicate increased exploration of the open arms in prenatally malnourished as compared with well-nourished control rats, suggestive of lower anxiety and/or a higher impulsiveness in these animals.