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Maternal Behaviour (maternal + behaviour)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	66%
Life Sciences	27%

Selected Abstracts

In Three Brain Regions Central to Maternal Behaviour, Neither Male Nor Female Phodopus Dwarf Hamsters Show Changes in Oestrogen Receptor Alpha Distribution with Mating or Parenthood

JOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 12 2008
M. E. Timonin
Oestrogen receptor (ER), immunoreactivity in three brain regions relevant to maternal behaviour (medial preoptic area, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and medial amygdala) was measured in two species of dwarf hamster that both mate during a postpartum oestrous but differ in expression of paternal behaviour. Male and female Phodopus campbelli and Phodopus sungorus were sampled as sexually naïve adults, following mating to satiety, and as new parents. In all brain regions, females expressed higher levels of ER, than males. Species did not have an effect on ER, distribution except in the medial amygdala, where P. sungorus females had higher expression levels than all other groups. Behavioural status was not associated with altered ER, expression. These results were not expected for females and suggest that a primary activational role for oestrogen, acting through ER, in these regions, does not generalise to maternal behaviour in Phodopus. In males, these results are consistent with previous manipulations of the ER, ligand, oestrogen, and suggest that paternal behaviour in P. campbelli is likely to be regulated by developmental effects of oestrogen on the brain during early life (similar to Microtus ochrogaster), rather than through activation by oestrogen at the time of fatherhood (similar to Peromyscus californicus). [source]

Hypocretin-1 Dose-Dependently Modulates Maternal Behaviour in Mice

JOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 8 2006
K. L. D'Anna
Increases in neuronal activity of hypocretin (HCRT), a peptide involved in arousal, and in HCRT-1 receptor mRNA expression have recently been identified in association with lactation. HCRT is released within brain regions regulating maternal behaviour and it is possible that increased HCRT neurotransmission during lactation supports maternal care. The present study examined for the first time the behavioural effects of HCRT on lactating mice. At intermediate doses, intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injections of HCRT-1 (0.06 and 0.1 µg) elevated levels of licking and grooming of pups (but not self-grooming) and number of nursing bouts without affecting other behaviours. At the highest dose, HCRT-1 (0.3 µg, i.c.v) delayed latency to nurse, decreased nursing, increased time off nest, and decreased maternal aggression. Intraperitoneal injections of the HCRT-1 receptor antagonist, SB-334867, exhibited a general trend towards increasing time spent low-arched back nursing (P = 0.053) and decreasing licking and grooming of pups while high-arched back nursing (P = 0.052). This suggests that the endogenous release of HCRT, working independently or dependently with other neuromodulators, may be necessary for full maternal behaviour expression. Possible sites of HCRT action in enhancing and impairing maternal care were identified via examinations of c,Fos immunoreactivity in association with i.c.v. HCRT injections. Together, these finding support the idea of HCRT modulating maternal behaviour, with intermediate levels (0.06 and 0.1 µg) supporting (even augmenting) some behaviours, but with levels that are too high (0.3 µg HCRT, i.c.v.), maternal behaviour and aggression are suppressed. [source]

Intracerebroventricular Injections of Prolactin Counteract the Antagonistic Effect of Bromocriptine on Rabbit Maternal Behaviour

JOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 12 2004
G. González-Mariscal
Abstract To investigate the participation of prolactin in nest-building and maternal behaviour in rabbits, we administered (from pregnancy day 26 to parturition) rabbit prolactin (rbPRL; or vehicle) intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) to primiparous animals injected with bromocriptine subcutaneously (s.c.). Control females (given vehicle s.c. and i.c.v.) built a maternal nest (of straw and body hair) in 77% of cases. This proportion decreased to 19% in the bromocriptine-only group (P < 0.05) and increased to 93% in the group given bromocriptine plus rbPRL (P > 0.05). Maternal behaviour (i.e. the adoption of a crouching posture over the litter inside the nest box) was expressed by 77% of control rabbits, 19% of bromocriptine-only animals (P < 0.05) and 57% of females given bromocriptine plus rbPRL (P > 0.05). Values of nonmaternal activities (i.e. scent-marking, ambulation in an open field) were similar among the three studied groups. These results suggest that prolactin, acting in late pregnancy, plays a major role in the stimulation of nest-building and maternal behaviour in rabbits. [source]

Variations in Maternal Behaviour are Associated with Differences in Oxytocin Receptor Levels in the Rat

JOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 12 2000
D. D. Francis
Abstract Female Long-Evans rats exhibit stable individual differences in maternal behaviours such as pup licking/grooming and arched-back nursing posture (LG-ABN). These variations in maternal behaviour are accompanied by differences in lactation-induced increases in oxytocin receptor levels in brain regions known to mediate the expression of maternal care in this species (i.e. the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, the medial preoptic area and the lateral septum). Oxytocin receptor levels in the central nucleus of the amygdala were significantly higher in high compared to low LG-ABN females regardless of reproductive status. These findings suggest that individual differences in maternal behaviour may be directly related to variations in oxytocin receptor expression. [source]

Intracerebroventricular Injections of Prolactin Counteract the Antagonistic Effect of Bromocriptine on Rabbit Maternal Behaviour

Strain differences in the behavioural outcome of neonatal ventral hippocampal lesions are determined by the postnatal environment and not genetic factors

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 6 2001
Graham K. Wood
Abstract It has been demonstrated that not only do rats neonatally lesioned in the ventral hippocampus (VH) develop behavioural hypersensitivity to amphetamine postpubertally, but also that the expression of the sensitivity is strain specific. For example, excitotoxic VH lesions at postnatal day (PD) 7 lead to significant increases in amphetamine-induced locomotion in postpubertal Fischer rats, but not in Lewis rats. However, as it is likely that the effect of strain differences are due to a combination of genetics and environment, we examined the contributions of the environment of the pups in determining the behavioural outcome following neonatal VH lesions. Fisher and Lewis rat pups were cross-fostered at birth, and then at PD7 lesioned bilaterally in the VH with ibotenic acid. anova analysis of postpubertal amphetamine-induced locomotor data revealed a significant effect of the strain of the dams raising the pups but no effect of the strain of the pup. In addition, a post hoc analysis revealed that lesioned Fisher or Lewis rats raised by Fisher, but not those raised by Lewis, dams demonstrated amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion relative to nonlesioned controls. Observations of the maternal behaviour of Fischer and Lewis dams revealed significant differences in the frequency of arched-back nursing between the two strains. Interestingly, a correlation of the frequency of arched back nursing vs novelty- or amphetamine-induced locomotion revealed that the lesioned rats were significantly more affected by increases in arched-back nursing compared to the controls. The results suggest that the genetic background of the pups does not significantly affect the behavioural outcome following neonatal VH lesions; however, the results do suggest an important role of early environmental variables on the behavioural outcome of neonatal VH lesions. [source]

To sink or float: the fate of dormant offspring is determined by maternal behaviour in Daphnia

FRESHWATER BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2008
LUSARCZYK, MIROS
Summary 1As the ephippia (chitinous shells enclosing diapausing eggs) of pelagic crustaceans of the genus Daphnia have been occasionally reported to float at the water surface, we considered that this might be an adaptation promoting their passive dispersal. We investigated the mechanisms by which ephippia appear at the water surface. 2While field surveys revealed that floating Daphnia ephippia are often numerous in various freshwater habitats, laboratory tests showed that newly formed ephippia are not buoyant initially. Once transferred to the surface by whatever means, however, they may remain there due either to surface tension or gas absorption. 3Video recordings showed that all ephippia at the water surface in laboratory vessels were shed there by ephippial females when moulting (despite the attendant risk of exposure to UV radiation). This implies that the moulting behaviour of female Daphnia may determine the fate of their dormant offspring, predetermining whether they remain in the natal environment (when the ephippium is released into the water column) or disperse (when it is deposited at the water surface). 4Our findings reveal a potential mechanism underlying the high dispersal capacity of freshwater cladocerans inhabiting island-like aquatic habitats. [source]

Parenting and child behaviour problems: a longitudinal analysis of non-shared environment

INFANT AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT, Issue 2 2009
Paula Y. Mullineaux
Abstract This study examined potential non-shared environmental processes in middle childhood by estimating statistical associations between monozygotic (MZ) twin differences in externalizing and internalizing problems and positive social engagement, and differential maternal positivity and negativity, over 1 year. Seventy-seven pairs of identical twins participated (M=6.08-years old, 65% male) in two annual home visits. Observers' ratings and maternal reports were gathered. At both assessments, the twin who showed more conduct problems (maternal report and observers' ratings) and less positive social engagement (positive affect, responsiveness) received more maternal negativity and less maternal warmth (self-reports and observers' ratings), relative to his or her genetically identical co-twin. The same patterns held over time, for the associations between change in differential MZ twin conduct problems and social engagement and change in differential maternal behaviour. Effects for child internalizing problems were not consistent within or across raters. Overall, these results indicated that differential maternal warmth and negativity,self-perceived and observed by others,are important aspects of sibling differentiation for both problematic and adaptive behaviours during middle childhood. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Analysis of factors that affect maternal behaviour and breeding success in great apes in captivity

INTERNATIONAL ZOO YEARBOOK, Issue 1 2006
M. T. ABELLO
In this paper the relationship between maternal behaviour and breeding success (or failure) in great apes is described. Data were gathered from a questionnaire survey returned by 48 zoos and from available studbook data, giving a total sample size of 687 individuals [Gorillas Gorilla gorilla (n= 277), Bonobos Pan paniscus (n= 37), Chimpanzees Pan troglodytes (n= 216) and Orangutans Pongo pygmaeus (n= 157)] born between 1990 and 2000 at 86 institutions. The factors influencing maternal behaviour are discussed. Particular attention is paid to the importance of learning and experience for the development of good maternal skills. The rearing background and social-group circumstances of the breeding , were analysed, including her rearing situation (own mother, conspecific surrogate or hand-reared), opportunity (or not) to observe maternal behaviour in conspecifics during development and previous breeding experience. The effects of maternal training are also analysed. The results show that for a , great ape to demonstrate good maternal skills, the most effective experience is to have been reared by her own mother and to have observed maternal behaviour in a social group comprising mature individuals and infants. This gives ,, the opportunity to observe and learn how to care adequately for their own offspring. [source]

In Three Brain Regions Central to Maternal Behaviour, Neither Male Nor Female Phodopus Dwarf Hamsters Show Changes in Oestrogen Receptor Alpha Distribution with Mating or Parenthood

Hypocretin-1 Dose-Dependently Modulates Maternal Behaviour in Mice

Intracerebroventricular Injections of Prolactin Counteract the Antagonistic Effect of Bromocriptine on Rabbit Maternal Behaviour

Variations in Maternal Behaviour are Associated with Differences in Oxytocin Receptor Levels in the Rat

Hypothalamic Vasopressin Gene Expression Increases in Both Males and Females Postpartum in a Biparental Rodent

JOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 2 2000
Z. X. Wang
In previous studies, the closely related neuropeptide hormones oxytocin and vasopressin have been implicated in the central mediation of parental behaviour. Several studies in rats and sheep have demonstrated a role for oxytocin in the initiation of maternal behaviour. Recently, a few studies in a biparental species, the prairie vole (Microxytocinus ochrogaster) have suggested that vasopressin is important for paternal care. The present study investigated this latter possibility by measuring changes in vasopressin and oxytocin hypothalamic gene expression 1 day and 6 days following parturition in prairie voles which show paternal care and in montane voles (M. montanus) which lack paternal care. In prairie voles, vasopressin gene expression increased in both males and females postpartum, relative to sexually naive controls. In the non-paternal montane vole, no change in vasopressin gene expression was observed in either sex. In contrast to this species difference in vasopressin gene expression, hypothalamic oxytocin gene expression increased in both prairie and montane vole females, but not in males of either species. To augment measures of gene expression, we assessed vasopressin (V1a) and oxytocin receptor binding in both species. Although forebrain vasopressin V1a receptor binding was not altered following parturition in either species, oxytocin receptor binding increased in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus in females, but not males, in both prairie and montane voles. In summary, vasopressin gene expression increases in both males and females postpartum in a biparental species and oxytocin gene expression and receptor binding increase selectively in females. These results are consistent with earlier reports of a role for vasopressin in paternal care and for oxytocin in maternal behaviour. [source]

Early motherhood and disruptive behaviour in the school-age child

ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 1 2004
P Trautmann-Villalba
Aim: To determine the significance of young maternal age, family adversity and maternal behaviour during mother-toddler interaction in the prediction of child disruptive behaviour at age eight. Methods: From an ongoing longitudinal study of infants at risk for later psychopathology (n= 362), 72 young mothers aged between 15 and 24 y (median 22 y) at first birth were compared with 197 primiparous older mothers ranging in age from 25 to 41 y (median 29 y). Family adversity at childbirth was assessed using a modified version of Rutter's Family Adversity Index (FAI) and measures of child disruptive behaviour at age eight were obtained using Achenbach's Teacher Report Form (TRF). An observational procedure was used to assess maternal behaviour during mother-child interaction at the age of 2 y. Results: Young mothers encountered more adverse family characteristics and were more inadequate, restrictive and more negative during interaction with their toddlers. Their school-aged children showed higher scores on all disruptive behaviour scales of the TRF. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that family adversity and maternal behaviour during toddler interaction could account for most of the association between early motherhood and child disruptive behaviour. Conclusion: The impact of young motherhood on child mental health is not confined to teenage mothers and is mainly attributed to psychosocial and interactional factors. [source]

Variations in Maternal Behaviour are Associated with Differences in Oxytocin Receptor Levels in the Rat

Quo vadis neurohypophysial hormone research?

EXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 2000
Alison J. Douglas
Here we highlight just a few of the outstanding questions in the field of neurohypophysial hormones that we envisage will be addressed successfully in the new millennium. To begin, we focus on the regulation of receptors. Despite intensive investigation with new drugs, molecular modelling and transgenic models, the determinants of receptor selectivity remain elusive; there may even be more vasopressin or oxytocin receptor subtypes to be discovered. We discuss the controversy over the interesting studies that indicate modulation of oxytocin receptor-binding by steroids. Oxytocin and vasopressin release and action in the brain are discussed from several aspects. Dendritically released oxytocin acting locally is important for the milk ejection reflex, and similarly released vasopressin is important in regulating patterning of vasopressin neurone activity. Such dendritically released oxytocin and vasopressin is likely to be important in paracrine modulation of neural circuitry involved in neuroendocrine control, and for a range of behaviours. Is it possible that the whole range of behaviours that comprise ,social' (or ,anti-social') or ,maternal' behaviour can be engineered by modifying the expression of just these one or two peptides and their receptors? However, whether gene expression and knockout approaches will answer all the open questions about the real functions of oxytocin and vasopressin remains to be shown. [source]