effect of sesame oil consumption on the passive avoidance memory of rat offspring during pregnancy

introduction: previous studies have shown that sesame oil affects memory and learning. in the present work, effect of a diet containing 10% sesame oil used during pregnancy was evaluated on short-term passive avoidance learning of offspring rats by shuttle box. methods: female wistar rats were divided into 2 groups (n = 9 each group). control group consumed regular diet during pregnancy and the treatment group received a diet containing 10% sesame oil. male and female offspring were examined on the 30th day of their ages. results: passive avoidance learning of offsprings that their mother received sesame oil during pregnancy was significantly increased in comparison to the control group. conclusion: the results show that consumption of a diet containing 10% sesamin oil during pregnancy significantly increases short -term passive avoidance learning of offspring.