Impact of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on Cognition and Inflammation in Aging Male and Female Rats: A Longitudinal Approach

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is a serious global health concern that can have long-lasting detrimental effects on the developing brain and behaviour. However, less is known about the effects of PAE as an individual ages into middle and old age. Here, we investigate the long-term effects of PAE on cognitive functioning, immune system dysregulation, and neuroinflammation in aging rats with a focus on sex-specific differences. Using a well-established rat model of PAE, spatial learning and memory, recognition memory, serum cytokine levels and Iba-1 cell expression in the dentate gyrus (DG) were assessed at two different time points in the same animals: 6 months (6M) and 12 months (12M) of age. Key findings indicated that PAE leads to cognitive domain-specific impairments, with more pronounced deficits observed in recognition memory. These impairments in recognition memory were exacerbated with age and were more prominent in females. PAE animals also displayed altered immune profiles, characterized by lower levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13), suggesting chronic lowgrade inflammation with decreased healing and protection. Notably, these alternations in immune profiles were more pronounced in PAE females, indicating more vulnerability to immune dysregulation. Furthermore, neuroinflammation was assessed by examining microglia cells in the DG; results showed an increase in expression but only in the PAE females. Overall, this research underscores the complex interplay between PAE, aging, cognition, and immune dysregulation. Our findings suggest that PAE accelerates aging profiles, leading to earlier onset of cognitive impairments and heightened inflammation, particularly in females. These insights are crucial for developing targeted interventions to help mitigate the long-term adverse effects of PAE and help improve the quality of life for individuals affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs).

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A. Psychology

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Faculty of Social Sciences

Department dc:contributor.department

Department of Psychology

Grantor

Brock University

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Qureshi, Sunny

• Prenatal alcohol exposure
• Memory
• Learning
• Sex differences
• Aging

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10464/18829

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:brocku.scholaris.ca:10464/18829