c-fos mRNA expression associated with PGF2α-induced nest-building behaviour in female pigs

摘要: Domestic pigs, Sus scrofa, build a maternal nest on the day before parturition. A model for building has been established in which exogenously administered prostaglandin (PG) F-2alpha. may be used to elicit nesting behaviour cyclic, pseudopregnant and pregnant pigs. The central mechanisms mediating this response are unknown. present study determined regional brain activity using semi-quantitative analysis of c-fos mRNA, after induction nest-building by PGF(2alpha) Large White Oestradiol valerate injections (5 mg/day) were given days 11-15 oestrous cycle induce pseudopregnancy. pigs housed individually pens (2.8 x 1.7 m) containing straw. On test (day 46 or 47 pseudopregnancy) animals injected with 3 ml saline (n=5) 15 mg (Lutalyse, Upjohn; n=6) intramuscularly. Pigs treated PGF(2alpha), but not saline, displayed bouts rooting, pawing gathering straw, we interpret as behaviour. killed 65 min treatment, was 30 peak activity, brain, uterus ovaries removed processing situ hybridisation. Saline-treated had elevated levels compared background, pituitary, corpus luteum uterus, lower, elevated, level expression cerebellum, cortex, hippocampus olfactory bulb. PGF(2alpha)-treated significantly higher mRNA than saline-treated parvocellular magnocellular regions hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, supraoptic nucleus (including pars dorso-medial is), neural lobe pituitary gland cerebellum. also luteum. These data show that pattern specific areas is different between PGF(2alpha)-induced saline-injected controls. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.