Year: 1994
Type: article
Abstract: Home orienting behavior was studied during the first 11 days of life in prenatally protein-malnourished and well-nourished rat pups, both groups having been reared by well-nourished mothers since birth. On all days of testing, mean weights were compromised in the prenatally malnourished pups relative to their well-nourished age controls (body weight deficit = 19-29%). Eye opening was also significantly delayed in the malnourished group. On the test of homing behavior, malnourished pups were significantly impaired in their ability to locate the nest on days 9 and 11. The effect was not related to activity levels of the pups, which were generally similar in the two nutritional groups. Thus, prenatal malnutrition disturbs the development of the homing response in the early postnatal period.
Source: Physiology & Behavior
Institution: Boston University
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,500
OpenAlex ID: W1977474102