Neural and Environmental Factors Impacting Maternal Behavior Differences in High- versus Low-Novelty Seeking Rats

摘要: Selective breeding of rats exhibiting differences in novelty-induced locomotion revealed that this trait predicts several emotional behavior. Bred High Responders (bHRs) show exaggerated locomotion, aggression, and psychostimulant self-administration, compared to bred Low (bLRs), which are inhibited prone anxiety- depression-like Our studies highlight the heritability bHR/bLR phenotypes, although environmental factors like maternal care also shape some aspects these traits. We previously reported HR vs. LR mothers act differently, but it was unclear whether their behaviors were genetically driven or influenced by pups. The present study (a) used cross-fostering evaluate styles inherent and/or modulated pups; (b) assessed oxytocin receptor mRNA expression examine possible underpinnings differences. While bHR dams exhibited less behavior than bLRs during dark/active phase, they very attentive pups light spending greater time passive nursing contact with bLRs. Cross-fostering only subtly changed bLR dams' behavior, suggesting distinct largely mothers. found elevated levels supraoptic nucleus hypothalamus versus dams, may play role driving Overall shed on interplay between genetics infants style.