The uterine environment enhances cognitive competence

Neuroreport
V H DENENBERGL E Mobraaten

Abstract

Genetically identical mouse embryos were transferred into same-strain uteri (transfer controls) or into hybrid uteri. A third group was not transferred. When adult, the mice were given a series of behavioral tests. In-strain transfer controls differed from non-transfer mice only on two activity measures, and did not differ on any cognitive variable. In contrast, mice reared in hybrid uteri were found to be superior to in-strain transfer mice on discrimination learning. Lashley maze learning and Morris maze learning; they also showed better adaptation in an avoidance learning shuttlebox. To our knowledge this is the first study showing that the uterine environment can have a general enhancing effect upon cognitive competence across a broad range of behaviors.

References

Aug 1, 1979·Annals of Neurology·A M Galaburda, T L Kemper
Jan 1, 1988·Physiology & Behavior·M Nosten, P Roubertoux
Dec 1, 1985·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·G F ShermanN Geschwind
Jul 31, 1997·Nature·B DevlinK Roeder

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