Effect of lauric acid on neurodevelopmental parameters and hippocampal BDNF levels in offspring of Wistar rats exposed to prenatal stress

Abstract

Background: Unfavorable environmental experiences can affect fetal neurodevelopment negatively by lowering brain-derived neutrotrphic factor (BDNF) in offspring of rodents. This study examined the effect of Lauric acid (LA) on some neurodevelopmental parameters and hippocampal BDNF levels in male offspring of pregnant Wistar rats exposed to sleep deprivation.

Methods: Thirty-six male offspring from 24 pregnant female Wistar rats were used for this study. The pregnant rats were sleep-deprived for 20 hours daily using the multiple water platform method from day 9-19. Group 1 received distilled water, group 2 served as stress control while 3,4 and 5 were treated with LA at 125mg/kg, 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg. Group 6 received vitamin C at 300mg/kg.

Results: LA significantly improved pinna detachment, incisor eruption, eye opening, air righting reflex (p<0.05) compared to the sleep deprived untreated group.

Conclusion: Lauric acid reversed the delay in some neurodevelopmental parameters by increasing the hippocampal BDNF level in male offspring of Wistar rats. This was reversed upon oral treatment with Lauric acid.