The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of exposure to maternal consumption of a hyperenergetic, highly palatable diet, known as the cafeteria diet, during the gestation period on the development and behavior of offspring. For this, we used pregnant female mice that were fed a normal or a cafeteria diet during the gestation period. The evaluation of maternal behavior in lactating dams was performed from the second to the eighth day postpartum (PND 2-8). Weight gain, feed intake, and energy intake were recorded during the gestation period. In the offspring, reflex parameters and physical development were evaluated during the lactation period and when they reached adolescence. Behavioral performance was evaluated in light-dark, open-field, and play behavior tests. In addition, biochemical parameters of the dams and the adolescent offspring were evaluated. The cafeteria diet during gestation altered maternal behavior and the onset of physical and neurodevelopmental landmarks and had an impact on emotional and play behavior in adolescent offspring. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that exposure to maternal consumption of a cafeteria diet during the gestation period can program developmental and behavioral courses in the offspring.

Dipyrone (metamizole), a powerful drug, is widely used as an analgesic and antipyretic; however, the safety of its use during lactation and the potential impact on the offspring are not well established. This study aimed to determine the effect of maternal dipyrone treatment during lactation on offspring development and emotional behavior and on the dam's maternal behavior. Hence, on postnatal day (PND) 2, drinking water only or drinking water containing dipyrone at doses of 100, 300, and 500mg/kg/day, were offered to lactating mothers up to PND9. Thereafter, all mice were provided regular drinking water. On PND2, all litters were culled to 8 pups (4 males and 4 females). Maternal behavior was evaluated at PND3, 6, 9, and 12, and at PND7 we evaluated locomotor activity in the open field. Reflex parameters and physical development of offspring were evaluated during lactation. At PND7, analysis of ultrasonic vocalization (USV) was performed. When the animals reached adolescence, we evaluated their performance in the open field, elevated plus maze (EPM), and marble burying. Our data demonstrated that maternal dipyrone treatment during lactation not only altered maternal behavior and the onset of physical and neurodevelopmental landmarks but also had an impact on anxiety-like behavior in offspring.

In conclusion, the data found in our study suggest that the increase in USV emitted by pups due to hypoproteic diet during pregnancy accentuated maternal behavior. In addition, an increase in maternal care promoted the reduction in anxiety-like behavior in adult male offspring.

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