Influence of trans fat and omega-3 on the preference of psychostimulant drugs in the first generation of young rats
Kuhn FT, et al (2013) Pharmacol Biochem Behaviour 2013 Sep 110:58-65. doi: 10.1016/j.pbb.2013.06.001
Web URL: Read the abstract on https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23769696#
Abstract:
The current Western diet often provides considerable amounts of saturated and trans fatty acids (TFA), whose incorporation into neuronal membranes has been implicated in changes of brain neurochemical functions. Such influence has caused concerns due to precipitation of neuropsychiatric disorders, whose data are still unclear.Here we evaluated the influence of different fats on preference parameters for amphetamine (AMPH): adolescent rats were orally supplemented with soybean oil (SO, rich in n-6 FA, which was considered an isocaloric control group), fish oil (FO, rich in n-3 FA) and hydrogenated vegetable fat (HVF, rich in saturated and trans FA) from weaning, which were born of dams supplemented with the same fat from pregnancy and lactation. AMPH preference, anxiety-like symptoms and locomotor index were evaluated in conditioned place preference (CPP), elevated plus maze (EPM) and open-field (OF), respectively, while brain oxidative status was determined in cortex, striatum and hippocampus.
HVF increased AMPH-CPP and was associated with withdrawal signs, as observed by increased anxiety-like symptoms. Moreover, SO and FO were not associated with AMPH preference, but only FO-supplemented rats did not show any anxiety-like symptoms or increased locomotion.
FO supplementation was related to lower oxidative damages to proteins and increased CAT activity in striatum and hippocampus, as well as increased GSH levels in blood, while HVF was related to increased oxidative status.
In conclusion, our study showed the harmful influence of TFA on AMPH-CPP and drug craving symptoms, which can be related to dopaminergic neurotransmission.
FAB RESEARCH COMMENT:
This animal study adds to the evidence that consumption of industrially produced trans fats (toxic fats found in hydrogenated vegetable oils) has harmful effects on brain function, while the long-chain omega-3 from fish oils (EPA and DHA) are neuroprotective.The study used an established animal model of addiction - involving assessment of the effects of amphetamine on both place preferences and behaviour in adolescent rats supplemented with either hydrogenated vegetable oils (rich in saturated and trans fats), fish oils (providing EPA and DHA), or soybean oil (included as a control), which each group had also received in their prenatal and weaning diets.
Supplementation with hydrogenated vegetable oils was associated with increased amphetamine-related place preference (an index of craving / vulnerability to addiction) as well as increased anxiety and hyperactivity symptoms.
The groups supplemented with soybean oil or fish oils showed no effects on amphetamine-related place preference. However, the animals supplementated with soybean oil showed increased anxiety and/or agitation / hyperactivity on withdrawal of amphetamine, while the group receiving the fish oils did not.
Biochemical measures of oxidative stress were elevated in the group fed with hydrogenated vegetable oils, and reduced in the fish-oil supplemented groups, consistent with the behavioural differences observed.
See also
Food and Behaviour Research is a registered charity (No SC034604) and a company limited by guarantee (Co No SC 253448)
Newsletter Signup
Useful Links
Contact Us
FAB Research
23 Carlton Road
Oxford
OX2 7SA
Important Notice
Medical opinion and guidance should always be sought for any symptoms that might possibly reflect a known or suspected disease, disorder or medical condition. Information provided on this website (or by FAB Research via any other means) does not in any way constitute advice on the treatment of any medical condition formally diagnosed or otherwise.
Site by Redstone Websites. Easy to Use Web Content Management. 2026 © All Rights Reserved.