关键词: 丰富环境, 孕期, 应激, 子鼠, 学习记忆, NF-κB

Abstract: Objective To investigate the mechanism on enriched environment repair learning and memory deficits in offspring rats induced by maternal chronic stress during pregnancy from changes of hippocampal nuclear transcripyion factor-κB (NF-κB). Methods A rat model of maternal chronic stress during pregnancy was mating from 3rd day during subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress.Learning and memory responses were tested using Morris water maze and Y-maze.The expression of NF-κB mRNA and protein were respectively measured using RT-PCR and Western blotting in hippocampus. Results An elevation was observed in the plasma corticosterone level of rat model of maternal chronic stress during pregnancy and indicated model group rats in the stress state.Enriched environment treatment decreased offspring's plasma corticosterone level (P<0.05).The time of escape latency and the number of crossing platform of Morris water maze,the number of required training and the rate of correct response in Y-maze were improved ( all P<0.05).Enriched environment boosted the average expression of hippocampal NF-κB mRNA and protein in the offspring of maternal stress during pregnancy (P<0.05). Conclusion The decrease in learning and memory of offspring can be repaired by enriched environment,the mechanism is related to reduced maternal plasma corticosterone and hippocampal NF-κB of offspring rats.

Key words: enriched environment, pregnancy, stress, offspring, learning and memory, nuclear transcription factor-κB