Maternal n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids increase n-3 fatty acids in brain glial cells and retina in the rat and improve rod sensitivity

International audience; Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) given to female rats during gestation and lactation on the incorporation of n-3 PUFA in the retina and brain glial cells of the newborn rat, and to evaluate the consequences on the electroretinographic (ERG) response. Methods: Sprague Dawley rats were fed during gestation and lactation with a 20%-lipid rich diet containing 0.75% of EPA and 0.55% of DHA. The fatty acid profile was analyzed in the eyeball and in brain glial cells of the litters sacrificed at birth. The retina and brain glial cell phospholipids were similarly analyzed in 14 day-old rats and in the mothers. Standard…