Abstract
Eight to 9 months after exposure to gestational and lactational doses of either 26/45 (low dose) or 25/35 (high dose) mg/kg/day of maternally ingested caffeine (via drinking water), rats were observed in an elevated plus-maze. The highest level of caffeine exposure decreased total rearing and increased immobility, and increased entries and occupancy of the open arms. Differences between the open and the preferred enclosed arms in frequencies of entries, occupancy, and walking were also greatest for rats exposed to the highest level of caffeine, and adrenal gland weights relative to body weight were highest for males in this group. Although some of the results support earlier reports of long-lasting heightened emotional reactivity following perinatal caffeine exposure, others did not. It was suggested that preexperimental and testing procedures may have provided a situation less aversive than those in which perinatal caffeine effects have been observed previously. Treatment effects on open-arm behavior might have arisen from impaired spatial ability.
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We wish to thank I. Beveridge and T. Meatchem for their assistance in treating the dams during gestation and lactation, and care of the offspring prior to testing.
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Hughes, R.N., Loader, V.G. Effects on elevated plus-maze behavior of exposure to caffeine during both gestation and lactation. Psychobiology 24, 314–319 (1996). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03327050
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03327050