Conjugated linoleic acid in the maternal diet differentially enhances growth and cortical spreading depression in the rat progeny

Background: Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) are fatty acids that are found in the lipids from goat milk, and appear to protect neurons from excitotoxicity. Methods: We investigated in developing rats the effects of a maternal CLA-rich diet (containing 7% lipids from goat milk) on body development and cerebral electrical activity of the progeny from dams receiving the CIA diet during gestation (G), lactation (L) or both periods (G + L). Results: Compared to a control group (C) receiving a diet with 7% soybean oil, body weight increased at 14, 21 and 28 days, but not at 35-45 days, in L and G + L groups (P<0.05). No intergroup difference was found on body and brain weights, body length, abdominal and thoracic circumferences, body mass index and abdominal to thoracic circumference ratio at 35-45 days. In contrast, at this later age the CSD velocities of propagation were significantly higher (P<0.05) in L as compared with the C and G group, and in the L + G, as compared with the C, G and L groups, suggesting a long-lasting brain effect. Conclusion: These data indicate that a maternal CIA-rich diet can differentially influence body weight increment (short-term effect), and CSD propagation (long-term effect) in the progeny, and the lactation is the most critical period for such diet actions. General significance: The facilitating effect of the lipids from goat milk on an excitability-related phenomenon in the brain (CSD) can be of clinical relevance, since CSD has been associated to neurological disturbances like migraine and epilepsy. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.