Fig. 2

VPA exposed male and female offspring exhibited neurodevelopmental delay. Negative geotaxis was evaluated daily in male (a) and female (c) rats from PND 7 through 12. Pups were individually placed on a 25° inclined surface in a head down position and the time to complete a 180° upward turn was recorded. VPA-exposure caused a delayed turning ability in pups of both sexes. a Two-way ANOVA, VPA exposure: F_{1, 22} = 7.94, p = 0.01; time: F_{5, 110} = 4.99, p = 0.0004; interaction: F_{5, 110} = 1.34, n.s.; post hoc comparison: *p < 0.05 vs. saline group at PND 7. c Two-way ANOVA, VPA exposure: F_{1, 22} = 8.96, p = 0.0067; time: F_{5, 110} = 5.49, p = 0.0001; interaction: F_{5, 110} = 1.70, n.s.; post hoc comparison: *p < 0.05 vs. saline group at PND8. Values are expressed as means ± SEM; n = 12. The olfactory discrimination test was performed daily in male b and female d rats from PND 9 through 12. Male and female VPA-exposed pups showed a higher latency to reach the home bedding area. b Two-way ANOVA, VPA exposure: F_1,22 = 5.57, p = 0.0274; time: F_{3, 66} = 10.18, p < 0.0001; interaction: F_3,66 = 1.34, n.s.; post hoc comparison: *p < 0.05 vs. saline group at PND 10. d Two-way ANOVA, VPA exposure: F_{1, 22} = 4.33, p = 0.0492; time: F_3,66 = 9.67, p < 0.0001; interaction: F_{3, 66} = 0.070, n.s.; ^§p < 0.05 main effect of VPA exposure. Values are expressed as means ± SEM; n = 12