Mother–Pup Interactions: Rodents and Humans

Abstract

In order to survive after birth, mammalian infants need a caretaker, usually the mother. Several behavioral strategies have evolved to guarantee the transition from a period of intense caregiving to offspring independence. Here, we examine a selection of literature on the genetic, epigenetic, physiological, and behavioral factors relating to development and mother–infant interactions. We intend to show the utility of comparisons between rodent and human models for deepening knowledge regarding this key relationship. Particular attention is paid to the following factors: the distinct developmental stages of the mother–pup relationship as relating to behavior; examples of key genetic components of mammalian mother–infant interactions, specifically those coding for the hormones oxytocin and vasopressin; and the possible functions of gene imprinting in mediating interactions between genetics and environment in the mother–infant relationship. As early mother–infant attachment seems to establish the basic parameters for later social interactions, ongoing investigations in this area are essential. We propose the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in order to better understand the network of genes, gene regulation, neuropeptide action, physiological processes, and feedback loops essential to understand the complex behaviors of mother–infant interaction.

Connecting prosocial behavior to improved physical health: Contributions from the neurobiology of parenting

“…That said, there are compelling reasons for suspecting that rodent-human similarities in neural systems that support parental care are more than superficial (Lucion & Bortolini, 2014;Rilling & Young, 2014). Such similarities may well reflect conservation of neural structure and function across mammals generally (Nelson & Panksepp, 1998) and, based on neural analysis with deep brain stimulations (DBS), conservation of the -CARE/maternal nurturance system‖ in particular (Panksepp & Panksepp, 2013).…”

Post-weaning infant-to-mother bonding in nutritionally independent female mice

“…Children attach securely to responsive caregivers, whereas suboptimal or inconsistent care can lead to insecure attachment that impacts negatively on long-term well-being [2]. Animal models are crucial here, because environmental, genetic or hormonal factors, or experimental therapeutics that influence attachment, often are impossible to study directly in humans [3][4]. Mice are the most suitable or manageable laboratory rodents that could be used in attachment research, since their altricious young depend on extensive nursing and parental protection.…”

“…Although mouse studies contributed to our understanding of mother-infant interaction and social behavior in general [4,8], they mostly focused on maternal deprivation as a correlate of human child neglect or abuse [9][10]. Such deprivation studies emphasized the developmental and social-affective importance of maternal care [11], but failed to identify caregiver recognition and bonding in the pups.…”

Mother Brain is Wired for Social Moments

“…Maternal care comprises a range of long and arduous activities, such as nest building, food retrieval, and, in some primate species, group collaborative and defensive activities (Hayes, 2000;Russell et al, 2003). Episodes of maternal social contact interfacing with an individual infant are brief, and, in some species, last no longer than several minutes per day for several consecutive days (González-Mariscal, 2007;Lucion and Bortolini, 2014). In humans, moments of direct mother-infant social contact are similarly brief and occupy a fraction of the overall maternal caregiving.…”