Description

Background: Brain regions that mediate learning of a conditioned place preference (CPP) undergo significant development in pre and periadolescence. Consuming a high fat (HF) diet during this developmental period and into adulthood can lead to learning impairments in rodents. The present

Background: Brain regions that mediate learning of a conditioned place preference (CPP) undergo significant development in pre and periadolescence. Consuming a high fat (HF) diet during this developmental period and into adulthood can lead to learning impairments in rodents. The present study tested whether HF diet intake, consumed only in pre and periadolescence, would be sufficient to cause impairments using a CPP procedure.

Methods: Rats were randomly assigned to consume a HF or a low fat (LF) diet during postnatal days (PD) 21-40 and were then placed back on a standard lab chow diet. A 20-day CPP procedure, using HF Cheetos® as the unconditioned stimulus (US), began either the next day (PD 41) or 40 days later (PD 81). A separate group of adult rats were given the HF diet for 20 days beginning on PD 61, and then immediately underwent the 20-day CPP procedure beginning on PD 81.

Results: Pre and periadolescent exposure to a LF diet or adult exposure to a HF diet did not interfere with the development of a HF food-induced CPP, as these groups exhibited robust preferences for the HF Cheetos® food-paired compartment. However, pre and periadolescent exposure to the HF diet impaired the development of a HF food-induced CPP regardless of whether it was assessed immediately or 40 days after the exposure to the HF diet, and despite showing increased consumption of the HF Cheetos® in conditioning.

Conclusions: Intake of a HF diet, consumed only in pre and periadolescence, has long-lasting effects on learning that persist into adulthood.

Reuse Permissions
  • Downloads
    pdf (0 B)

    Details

    Title
    • High Fat Diet Intake During Pre and Periadolescence Impairs Learning of a Conditioned Place Preference in Adulthood
    Date Created
    2011-06-26
    Resource Type
  • Text
  • Collections this item is in
    Identifier
    • Digital object identifier: 10.1186/1744-9081-7-21
    • Identifier Type
      International standard serial number
      Identifier Value
      1744-9081
    Note

    Citation and reuse

    Cite this item

    This is a suggested citation. Consult the appropriate style guide for specific citation guidelines.

    Privitera, G. J., Zavala, A. R., Sanabria, F., & Sotak, K. L. (2011). High fat diet intake during pre and periadolescence impairs learning of a conditioned place preference in adulthood. Behavioral and Brain Functions, 7(1), 21. doi:10.1186/1744-9081-7-21

    Machine-readable links