Behavioral Effect of Argon Inhalations in a Rat Model of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can disrupt fetal development and increase the risk of having a child with neurological and cognitive impairments. In this regard, finding ways to correct disorders caused by prenatal exposure to ethanol is relevant. In this study, we assessed the acute and delayed effects of repeated inhalations of an argon-containing mixture (74% Ar, 21% O2, 5% N2) in comparison with artificial air (79% N2, 21% O2) on the behavior of white rats in a model of prenatal alcohol intoxication. Inhalations were carried out in the early postnatal period from 6 to 15 postnatal days. In offspring exposed to prenatal alcohol intoxication, there was a decrease in the quality of development of vestibulo-motor reflexes (postnatal day 6), as well as suppression of orienting and exploratory behavior, which was shown both at early postnatal age (postnatal days 4 and 5), and at later stages (postnatal days 21 and 25). In prenatally alcoholized animals, an increase in the rigidity and repetitiveness of behavior in the form of grooming was noted. Prenatal exposure to alcohol led to cognitive impairment, which was reflected in a deterioration in the quality of formation of food acquisition skills in the complex food maze test. In turn, argon inhalation made it possible to correct learning disabilities in this test. The effect of inhalation of an argon-containing mixture on other parameters of the studied behavior was not found.