Effects of caffeine on the saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids of the newborn rat cerebellum

Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) is one of the most commonly consumed drugs in our daily life, and its use is increasing. However, very little attention has been paid to its potential effects on early growth and development. Because of the steady increase in breast feeding of infants and because caffeine diffuses readily into breast milk, the present study examined if caffeine intake by newborn rats during lactation would affect the saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids in the growing cerebellum. A total of 10 timed pregnant rats were purchased from the breeder. At birth litters were combined, and 8 pups were randomly assigned to each dam without regard to the sex of the pups. Dams with litters were divided into 2 groups. Dams of group 1 received a 20% protein diet as a control, and dams of group 2 received a 20% protein diet plus caffeine (4 mg/100 g BW). Pups were killed at day 10. The cerebellums were removed, weighed and homogenized. Gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry was used to identify and quantify free fatty acids. Chronic caffeine exposure from birth to day 10 in pups through the maternal milk resulted in a decrease in cerebellum weight, a significant increase in the saturated fatty acids, and a tendency toward an increase of monounsaturated fatty acids. In addition, there was a slight increase of some of the polyunsaturated fatty acids. However, there was no difference in food intake of the lactating dams and weight gain of the pups between the groups. These data indicate that early caffeine intake by the suckling pups alters the composition of fatty acids of the cerebellum; thus, avoidance of caffeine during lactation is critical. The risks and benefits of caffeine administration in premature infants must be carefully evaluated during this rapid period of brain growth. Copyright (C) 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel.