Dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduce cytochrome c oxidase in brain white matter and sensorimotor regions while increasing functional interactions between neural systems related to escape behavior in postpartum rats.

Introduction: Previously, we showed that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid n-3 (PUFA) supplementation improved the performance of postpartum rats in the shuttle box escape test (SBET).

Methods: The brains of these rats were used in the current study which examined brain cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) activity in white matter bundles and 39 regions spanning sensorimotor, limbic, and cognitive areas to determine the effects of n-3 PUFAs on neural metabolic capacity and network interactions.

Results: We found that n-3 PUFA supplementation decreased CCO activity in white matter bundles, deep and superficial areas within the inferior colliculus, the anterior and barrel field regions of the primary somatic sensorimotor cortex, the secondary somatic sensorimotor cortex, the lateral, anterior regions of the secondary visual cortex and the ventral posterior nucleus of the thalamus, and the medial nucleus of the amygdala. Structural equation modeling revealed that animals consuming diets without n-3 PUFAs exhibited fewer inter-regional interactions when compared to those fed diets with n-3 PUFAs. Without n-3 PUFAs, inter-regional interactions were observed between the posterior cingulate cortex and amygdala as well as among amygdala subregions. With n-3 PUFAs, more inter-regional interactions were observed, particularly between regions associated with fear memory processing and escape. Correlations between regional CCO activity and SBET behavior were observed in rats lacking dietary n-3 PUFAs but not in those supplemented with these nutrients.

Discussion: In conclusion, consumption of n-3 PUFAs results in reduced CCO activity in white matter bundles and sensorimotor regions, reflecting more efficient neurotransmission, and an increase in inter-regional interactions, facilitating escape from footshock.