Effect of behavior training on learning and memory of young rats with fetal growth restriction

Abstract Objective To investigate the effect of behavior training on the learning and memory of young rats with fetal growth restriction (FGR). Methods The model of FGR was established by passive smoking method to pregnant rats. The new-born rats were divided into FGR group and normal group, and then randomly subdivided into trained and untrained group respectively. Morris water maze behavior training was performed on postnatal months 2 and 4, then learning and memory abilities of young rats were measured by dark-avoidance testing and step-down testing. Results In the dark-avoidance and step-down testing, the young rats' performance of FGR group was worse than that of control group, and the trained group was better than the untrained group significantly. Conclusion FGR young rats have descended learning and memory abilities. Behavior training could improve the young rats' learning and memory abilities, especially for the FGR young rats.