Spatial and visual discrimination reversals in adult and geriatric rats exposed during gestation to methylmercury and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Fish contain essential long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 (or n-3) PUFA, but are also the main source of exposure to methylmercury (MeHg), a potent developmental neurotoxicant. Since n-3 PUFAs support neural development and function, benefits deriving from a diet rich in n-3s have been hypothesized to protect against deleterious effects of gestational MeHg exposure. To determine whether protection occurs at the behavioral level, female Long-Evans rats were exposed, in utero, to 0, 0.

World-wide consumption of trans fatty acids.

Dietary trans fatty acids (TFA) originate from commercially hydrogenated oils and from dairy and meat fats. Estimates of dietary TFA consumption vary with dietary habits and food supply as well as methods used to estimate consumption. Methods include: (1) market share data, (2) laboratory analysis of duplicate portions or composite diets, (3) analysis of consumption data of a representative population, and (4) biomarkers, such as human milk.

Gestational exposure to methylmercury and n-3 fatty acids: effects on high- and low-rate operant behavior in adulthood.

Fish in the diet is the major source of methylmercury (MeHg) exposure, but eating fish also provides important nutrients. Many fish species contain essential long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 (or n-3) fatty acid, that is important for neural development and function. To examine interactions between MeHg and n-3 fatty acids, female Long-Evans rats were exposed, in utero, to 0, 0.

Urolithiasis in rats consuming a dl bitartrate form of choline in a purified diet.

Urolithiasis appeared in rats maintained to study the effects of nutrients and methylmercury on development and aging. After a year, the mortality rate was approximately 10%, and by 2 years, it had increased to nearly 30%. Clinical signs and urinary tract pathology were examined as a function of diet, duration on diet, gender, methylmercury exposure, genetics, and other potential risk factors by using survival analyses and qualitative comparisons.