Effects of Early Life Scarcity-Adversity on Maturational Milestones in Male and Female Rats.

ABSTRACT: Although many studies have shown a long-term negative impact of early life adversity (ELA) in rodents, literature regarding its effects on maturational milestones in rats is scarce. Available evidence suggests that ELA interferes with normal growth and development in rodents and that effects may be sex-dependent even at an early age. In accordance, we hypothesized that early life scarcity-adversity would impair physical and reflex development in male and female rats. To test this, we used an early life resource scarcity paradigm based on reducing home cage bedding during postnatal days (PND) 2-9 and assessed physical landmarks by measuring weight gain, incisor presence, fur development, and eye opening. We also evaluated the impact of early life scarcity-adversity on developmental reflexes

SUBMITTER: Lauraine E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11938916 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature