linoleic-acid and Learning-Disabilities

In the water-maze test, the linoleic acid derivative, 8-[2-(2-pentyl-cyclopropylmethyl)-cyclopropyl]-octanoic acid (DCP-LA) (1 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), significantly shortened the prolonged latency for accelerated-senescence-prone mice 8 (SAMP8), reaching a level similar to the latency for accelerated-senescence-resistant mice 1 (SAMR1) as control. In the open-field test to assess motor activity, it was confirmed that the DCP-LA effect is not due to increased motor activity. In the passive avoidance test to assess fear memory, DCP-LA had no effect on the latency of acquisition and retention for SAMP8. The results of the present study, thus, suggest that DCP-LA could improve age-related learning impairment by enhancing cognitive functions.

Topics: Aging; Animals; Avoidance Learning; Behavior, Animal; Caprylates; Disease Models, Animal; Exploratory Behavior; Learning Disabilities; Linoleic Acid; Male; Maze Learning; Mice; Mice, Neurologic Mutants; Motor Activity; Reaction Time

Rats receiving polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) deficient diets during the perinatal period showed in adult age undisturbed acquisition of a footshock motivated brightness discrimination task, but a significant impairment of retention. The same effects on retention were obtained in rats receiving the PUFA deficient diet in adulthood, when the behavioral parameters were investigated at the end of the dietary treatment.

Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Brain; Discrimination Learning; Female; Humans; Learning Disabilities; Linoleic Acid; Linoleic Acids; Memory Disorders; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Prostaglandins; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Retention, Psychology; Visual Perception