Perinatal positive and negative influences on the early neurobehavioral reflex and motor development.

Early life events are critical in the development of the central nervous system. Injuries in this period can cause severe damage with permanent disabilities. The early changes following a perinatal lesion have prognostic significance.

Environmental enrichment decreases asphyxia-induced neurobehavioral developmental delay in neonatal rats.

Perinatal asphyxia during delivery produces long-term disability and represents a major problem in neonatal and pediatric care. Numerous neuroprotective approaches have been described to decrease the effects of perinatal asphyxia. Enriched environment is a popular strategy to counteract nervous system injuries.

Exposure to enriched environment decreases neurobehavioral deficits induced by neonatal glutamate toxicity.

Environmental enrichment is a popular strategy to enhance motor and cognitive performance and to counteract the effects of various harmful stimuli. The protective effects of enriched environment have been shown in traumatic, ischemic and toxic nervous system lesions. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a commonly used taste enhancer causing excitotoxic effects when given in newborn animals.