Delayed Development Of Righting Reflexes In Offspring Of Manganese-Deficient Rats

Development of righting reflexes was studied in offspring of manganese-deficient and normal rats by 2 tests: (1) time required to turn from their backs to their feet and (2) ability to right themselves in air when dropped upside down. The reflexes concerned with the turn-over test developed at an earlier age than did those involved in the air-righting response. In both tests, however, the manganese-deficient young exhibited a marked delay in development of reflexes responsible for righting reactions.