Neuroendocrine regulation of maternal behavior

Abstract

The expression of maternal behavior in mammals is regulated by the developmental and experiential events over a female’s lifetime. In this review the relationships between the endocrine and neural systems that play key roles in these developmental and experiential that affect both the establishment and maintenance of maternal care are presented. The involvement of the hormones estrogen, progesterone, and lactogens are discussed in the context of ligand, receptor, and gene activity in rodents and to a lesser extent in higher mammals. The roles of neuroendocrine factors, including oxytocin, vasopressin, classical neurotransmitters, and other neural gene products that regulate aspects of maternal care are set forth, and the interactions of hormones with central nervous system mediators of maternal behavior are discussed. The impact of prior developmental factors, including epigenetic events, and maternal experience on subsequent maternal care are assessed over the course of the female’s lifespan. It is proposed that common neuroendocrine mechanisms underlie the regulation of maternal care in mammals.

Prolactin action in the medial preoptic area is necessary for postpartum maternal nursing behavior

“…1 and Fig. S1), all regions that have previously been implicated in the neural circuitry governing parental behavior (4,5). We also detected τGFP-positive fibers throughout the brain, including a number of areas, such as the supramammillary region and ventral tegmental area (VTA), that were devoid of Prlr-expressing cell bodies (12).…”

“…The MPOA has a critical role in linking the multiple regions involved in maternal behavior and in integrating the various hormonal and sensory inputs that influence the behavior (4,5). A number of studies have traced connections from the MPOA to other structures involved in the maternal circuit, and have demonstrated a major output of the system to midbrain effector regions, such as the VTA (and nucleus accumbens) (23,24).…”

“…Subsequent studies have characterized a complex neural circuitry controlling parental interactions (2,3), with distributed sites mediating different components of the behavior (4). While the neural circuit controlling maternal behavior is not thought to be dependent on hormonal inputs, it is clear that pregnancy hormones, particularly rising levels of estradiol, oxytocin, prolactin, and placental lactogen, coupled with an abrupt decrease in progesterone can sensitize the underlying circuitry to induce timely activation of maternal behaviors immediately after parturition (5). The medial preoptic area (MPOA) forms a critical nexus (2,3), integrating a range of hormonal and sensory inputs into the maternal circuit.…”

Maternal alterations in the proteome of the medial prefrontal cortex in rat

“…5 levels [2,30,31]. Estrogen and progesterone contribute to maternal adaptations during pregnancy, but they are not required for the maintenance of maternal responsiveness, and even ovariectomized female rats can be induced into a fully maternal state by prolonged pup exposure [1].…”

“…Female rats avoid or even hurt pups, while mothers take care of their pups and defend them against intruders [1]. Maternal behaviors in postpartum rats include nest building, the retrieval of pups to the nest, the licking of pups, and the adoption of appropriate postures for suckling [2]. These behavioral alterations are accompanied with reduced anxiety-and depression-like behaviors, and increased aggressiveness towards intruders [3][4][5].…”