The Role of Olfaction in the Feeding Behavior of Human Neonates

摘要: Chemical cues have been implicated in the feeding behavior of species belonging to all five classes vertebrates, including (perhaps most surprisingly) birds (Burghardt, 1990; Roper, 1999; Stoddart, 1980). In various mammals, olfaction plays a critical role mediation sucking and milk ingestion by neonates. This is illustrated severe deficits nipple localization attachment displayed rat mouse pups following olfactory bulbectomy (Cooper Cowley, 1976; Risser Slotnick, 1987) or peripheral destruction nasal receptors infusions zinc sulfate solution (Singh et al., 1976). Similar adverse effects were observed young rabbits when their mother’s nipples covered with thin rubber film (Distel Hudson, 1985), after dam’s ventrum had thoroughly washed (Teicher Blass, The significance odor breasts for successful human nursing has suspected centuries. For example, survey documents written medical authorities between 1500–1800, found that 55% authors who discussed necessary attributes wet nurses’ breast included «good smell» as required quality (Fildes, 1986). As seen below, such early beliefs are supported recent empirical evidence indicating components typical pattern involved effective breastfeeding newborn humans activated directed maternal odors.