Responses to maternal separation : mechanisms and mediators

摘要: Clinical studies indicate the predominance of psychosocial factors (nurturing environment) in genesis Maternal Deprivation Syndrome. Consequences disrupting mother-infant interactions range from marked suppression certain neuroendocrine and physiological systems after short periods maternal deprivation to retardation growth behavioral development chronic periods. We have shown that separation initiates a complex adaptive biobehavioral response preweaning rat pups includes (1) decrease synthesis ornithine decarboxylase, an obligatory enzyme for normal cell development, (2) reduction DNA synthesis, index multiplication, (3) abnormal patterns secretion, (4) responses hormone, prolactin insulin, three major trophic hormones. This unique pattern adaptation is not related food or temperature changes but results lack specific type tactile stimulation pup by mother. Recently, we absence "nurturing touch" brain decarboxylase gene transcription interfering with cell's ability transduce activating signal induced promoting Studies central endorphinergic pathways may mediate this action. accomplished downregulation Immediate Early Genes (c-myc max) normally promote critical growth-regulatory enzyme. These short-term only demonstrated care regulator physiology there are similarities between animal model delay observed children syndrome touch-deprived premature human neonates. Our identification nurturing touch as neonatal requirement led us test supplemental isolated very-premature babies. The result our intervention massage was dramatic. Infants showed gains weight also significant enhancement sympatho-adrenal maturation. suggest models can be used understand integrative processing appropriate sensory input, CNS function end-organ required maintain development.