Dynamics of mother–pup interactions: Tradeoff between environment and physiology.

Abstract

The emergence and maintenance of maternal behavior are under the influence of environmental cues such as light and dark periods. This article discusses the characteristic neurobiology of the behavioral patterns of lactating rats. Specifically, the hormonal basis and neurocircuits that determine whether mother rats show typical sequential patterns of behavioral responses are discussed. During lactation, rats express a sequential pattern of behavioral parameters that may be determined by hormonal variations. Sensorial signals emitted by pups, as well as environmental cues, are suggested to serve as conditioned stimuli for these animals. Finally, the expression of maternal behavior is discussed under neuroeconomic and evolutionary perspectives.

Cholecystokinin Modulation of Maternal Behavior.

“…Non-pup-directed patterns include protecting them against predators, which may include maternal aggression, and nest building. The duration and quality of early maternal care modulates the physiological and behavioral development of the offspring (for review, see Cummings, Clemens, & Nunez, 2010;Kaffman, & Meaney, 2007;Vasconcelos et al, 2012).…”