Effects of maternal deprivation of CD1 mice on performance in the water maze and swim stress

Rat pups subjected to a single 24 h maternal deprivation show altered stress responsiveness and cognitive performance in the water maze in adulthood. Here we show in 6-month-old male CD1 mice (deprived 24 h at postnatal day 8) an initial impairment in reversal learning: relocating the platform revealed perseverance in search for the former location. Spatial learning, long-term memory and swim-induced corticosterone responses were not affected. We conclude that reduced flexibility is a subtle long-lasting behavioural change induced by maternal deprivation.