The uterine environment enhances cognitive competence.

Authors

V H. Denenberg
B J. Hoplight
L E. Mobraaten

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1998

First Page

619

Last Page

623

JAX Source

Neuroreport 1998 Mar 9;9(4):619-23

Grant

HD20806/HD/NICHD, RR01262/RR/NCRR

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.

Recommended Citation

Denenberg VH, Hoplight BJ, Mobraaten LE. The uterine environment enhances cognitive competence. Neuroreport 1998 Mar 9;9(4):619-23