O impacto da polpa e amêndoa de pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) sobre o comportamento de ansiedade na prole de ratas tratadas durante a gestação e lactação.

Abstract

Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) is a typical fruit of the Brazilian cerrado region, commonly consumed by the population. Its pulp and almond are used in regional cuisine and are sources of unsaturated fatty acids and nutrients and antioxidant compounds. Knowing that diets rich in unsaturated fatty acids are essential for the formation and maintenance of brain tissue and protect against oxidative damage by improving their functions and that nutrients and phenolic compounds act as antioxidants exercising the protective function of tissues against oxidation. The objective of this work was to analyze the effects of the consumption of Pequi pulp and almond on the behavior of anxiety and cerebral lipid peroxidation in the offspring of rats treated during pregnancy and lactation. Three groups were formed that received the treatments by gavage: the control receiving distilled water; the almond group receiving Pequi almond flour; and the pulp group, receiving Pequi pulp. The content of total phenolic compounds and total flavonoids and the antioxidant activity of the pequi pulp and almond were analyzed, with a greater antioxidant potential in the pulp being observed. Anxiety behavior was assessed through exposure to open field (CA), elevated plus maze (LCE) and dark box devices. Lipid peroxidation was assessed using the malonaldehyde marker. The data were analyzed using the ANOVA One way statistical test followed by Tukey being considered significant when p <0.05. The animals whose mothers consumed the pequi pulp moved more and remained more in the central area of the CA. The almond group spent less time in the central area and both groups performed less rearing (p <0.05). Both treated groups entered more into the open arms of the LCE, without staying longer. Only the pulp group stayed longer in the central area of the LCE (p <0.05). In the light and dark box, only the pulp group entered the light area more and remained longer (p <0.05). The animals treated with the Pequi pulp had a lower rate of cerebral lipid peroxidation, and the group treated with almonds showed no difference. With the data obtained, it can be concluded that the Pequi pulp was able to induce anxiolytic-like behavior and reduce lipid peroxidation in the offspring of rats treated during pregnancy and lactation.