The Effect of the Administration of Trace Amounts of Metals to Pregnant Mice upon the Behavior and Learning of Their Offspring

The effect of 22 kinds of metals on the response of reflex and behavioral test in suckling mice and on maze learning test of the mature pups was investigated. CFW mice were injected intraperitoneally with trace amounts of metals 11 times during pregnancy. The metals tested were Al, Be, Cd, Co, Cu, F, Fe, Hg, In, La, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sc, Se, Ti, V, Y and Zr. The offspring of mice injected with trace amounts of metals clearly accelerated as to response of straight walking, pivoting, rooting reflex, grasp reflex, crossed extensor and auditory startle in the reflex and behavioral tests. Later on offspring of mice injected with trace amounts of metals were affected so as to influence their maze learning behavior at 5-7 weeks age. This study clearly established that mice from mothers receiving trace amountsof metals during pregnancy produced long lasting behavioral changes from birth to maturity in offspring of both sexes.Article信州大学農学部紀要 16(1): 13-28(1979)departmental bulletin pape