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.