Effects of REM sleep deprivation during pregnancy on spatial learning of adult male offspring of rats

Introduction: There are several evidences that show various environmental stresses during pregnancy, affect physiological behavior of the offspring. In this study the effects of REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep deprivation of pregnant rats on spatial learning of adult male offspring by Morris water maze were investigated. Methods: Water tank technique was used for inducing REM sleep deprivation. Pregnant rats were deprived for 3 days (E14, E15 and E16 or E17, E18 and E19) on a small platform (diameter: 5.5 cm) or a large platform (diameter: 19 cm) (sham). Undeprived (control) pregnant rats offspring were also used. Learning indices of the male offspring was evaluated using MWM. Results: Our results showed that the traveled distance to locate on hidden platform in target quadrant and latency to find the hidden platform were decreased significantly in offspring of REM sleep deprived and sham animals (P<0.05). Conclusion: Based on our results, it seems that, applied range of stress which is executed through the sleep deprivation could cause increase in spatial learning of adult male offspring rats.