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(Reference retrieved automatically from SciELO through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Routine post-weaning handling of rats prevents isolation rearing-induced deficit in prepulse inhibition

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Author(s):
M.L.N.M. Rosa [1] ; R.C.B. Silva [2] ; F.T. Moura-de-Carvalho [3] ; M.L. Brandão [4] ; F.S. Guimarães [5] ; E.A. Del Bel [6]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto. Departamento de Morfologia, Estomatologia e Fisiologia - Brasil
[2] Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto. Departamento de Psicologia - Brasil
[3] Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto. Departamento de Morfologia, Estomatologia e Fisiologia - Brasil
[4] Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto. Departamento de Psicologia - Brasil
[5] Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto. Departamento de Farmacologia - Brasil
[6] Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto. Departamento de Morfologia, Estomatologia e Fisiologia - Brasil
Total Affiliations: 6
Document type: Journal article
Source: Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research; v. 38, n. 11, p. 1691-1696, 2005-11-00.
Abstract

Rats reared under isolation conditions from weaning present a number of behavioral changes compared to animals reared under social conditions (group housing). These changes include deficits in prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the startle reflex to a loud sound. PPI refers to the reduction of the magnitude of the startle reflex when a relatively weak stimulus (the prepulse) precedes by an appropriate time interval the intense startle-elicing stimulus (the pulse). PPI is useful for studying sensorimotor integration. The present study evaluated the effect of handling on the impairment of PPI induced by isolation-rearing. Male Wistar rats (N = 11-15/group) were housed in groups (5 per cage and handled three times a week) or isolated (housed individually) since weaning (21 days) for 10 weeks when they reach approximately 150 g. The isolated rats were divided into "minimally handled" animals (handled once a week for cleaning purposes only) or "handled" animals (handled three times a week). This handling consisted of grasping the rat by the tail and moving it to a clean cage (approximately 5 s). A statistically significant reduction (52%) in the PPI test was found only in the isolated group with minimal handling while no difference was seen between grouped animals and isolated handled animals. These results indicate that isolation rearing causes disruption in the PPI at adult age, which serves as an index of attention deficit. This change in the sensory processing of information induced by post-weaning isolation can be prevented by handling during the development of the animal. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 98/10639-7 - Neurobiology of Behavioral responses to aversive events
Grantee:Francisco Silveira Guimaraes
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants