Litter reduction-induced obesity promotes early depressive-like behavior and elevated prefrontal cortex GFAP expression in male offspring.

Aims: The present study was developed to investigate how litter reduction-induced obesity promotes early depressive-related behaviors in rodent offspring.

Main Methods: We employed a standardized litter size reduction protocol, dividing litters into groups: normal litters (NL), consisting of six males and six females pups and small litters (SL), comprising two males and two females pups. Maternal behavior was monitored during the initial week of lactation.