EFFECTS OF NEONATAL STIMULATION ON LATER COGNITIVE FUNCTION AND HIPPOCAMPAL NERVE GROWTH-FACTOR

This study examined the behavioural and physiological effects of chron ic mild stress on neonatally handled and non-handled rats. Neonatally handled and non-handled rats were exposed to chronic mild stress from weaning time to 6 months of age. They were behaviourally tested at 6 m onths of age, and sacrificed for analysis of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the hippocampus and hypothalamus. In contrast to the reported dele terious effect of acute strong stress, mild stress appeared to stimula te production of NGF in the hippocampus and improve spatial learning i n both handled and nonhandled rats. Because neonatal handling produces neuroanatomical changes in the rat hippocampus and enhances cognitive function throughout the rats life span, these results implicate hippo campal NGF in the neuroprotective effects of handling. (C) 1997 Elsevi er Science B.V.