Reduced masticatory loading during growth impairs spatial memory

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Previous studies have reported that cognitive function declines in aged humans or senescence-accelerated mice when masticatory loading decreases. The purpose of the present study was to investigate cognitive functional changes under conditions of low masticatory loading during a growth period. The hypothesis that decreased masticatory loading impaired cognitive function during the growing period was tested. Male Wistar rats, 2 weeks old, were assigned to two groups: control, fed whole pellets; experimental group, fed a liquid diet. Cognitive function was assessed using the 8-radial-maze. Results suggested that decreased masticatory loading during the growth period enhanced hippocampal neuronal loss, which led to impaired cognitive function in growing rats.