Neuronal serotonin in the regulation of maternal behavior in rodents

Abstract

Maternal behavior is probably the most important pro-social behavior in female mammals, ensuring both the development and survival of her offspring. Signals driving maternal behaviors are complex and involve several brain areas, most of which are innervated by serotonin. Serotonin transmission influences maternal processes indirectly through release of maternally-relevant hormones such as prolactin, oxytocin and vasopressin, but it can also have more direct effects on survival and the growth rate of offspring, as well as on maternal care, aggression and pup killing. This article aims to examine the basics of the components of maternal behaviors in rodents and the neural systems underpinning these maternal responses with special emphasis on the role of neural serotonin in the regulation of these behaviors.

Canadian Arctic Contaminants and Their Effects on the Maternal Brain and Behaviour: A Scoping Review of the Animal Literature

“…In the same study, serotonin levels significantly increased in the hypothalamus. Both dopamine and serotonin are involved in molecular pathways underlying maternal behaviour, [118,119] so changes in levels of these neurotransmitters may have consequential effects on maternal care.…”

An accessory prefrontal cortex–thalamus circuit sculpts maternal behavior in virgin female mice

“…Parental care in altricial mammalian species is critical for the survival of the newborn and constitutes a major determinant of the offspring's physiological, emotional, and cognitive development (Numan & Insel, 2003; Bosch, 2011; Dulac et al , 2014; Stockley & Hobson, 2016). Parenting, which comprises a set of species‐specific stereotyped behaviors, consists of five major components in rodents: nest building, pup retrieval to the nest, crouching over the young to provide nutrition and warmth, grooming, and defending the pups from any potential threat (Angoa‐Pérez & Kuhn, 2015; Kohl et al , 2017).…”

Cocaína durante la gestación y conducta materna postparto en ratones

“…Específicamente, se han identificado diferentes pautas conductuales de la madre en el postparto, tales como la construcción del nido, arquear la espalda para dar calor y facilitar la lactancia, el lamido, el aseo o la recuperación de las crías para regresarlas al nido; además de comer y beber para el auto-mantenimiento de la madre y de las crías, el auto-aseo para eliminar posibles elementos nocivos, y facilitar la locomoción o desplazamiento y el descanso (Alsina-Llanes et al, 2015;Angoa-Perez & Kuhn, 2015;Champagne et al, 2003;Kristal, 2009;Silverman, 1978;Wang & Storm, 2011). De esta amplia gama de conductas es importante mencionar que las que implican el contacto físico entre madre y crías, como el lamido, la lactancia, el calor y el regreso al nido, entre otras, tienen un fuerte impacto en el apego y la regulación del vínculo en los roedores (Angoa-Perez & Kuhn, 2015;Champagne et al, 2003;Hertenstein, Verkamp, Kerestes, & Holmes, 2006;Pereira & Ferreira, 2015).…”

“…De esta amplia gama de conductas es importante mencionar que las que implican el contacto físico entre madre y crías, como el lamido, la lactancia, el calor y el regreso al nido, entre otras, tienen un fuerte impacto en el apego y la regulación del vínculo en los roedores (Angoa-Perez & Kuhn, 2015;Champagne et al, 2003;Hertenstein, Verkamp, Kerestes, & Holmes, 2006;Pereira & Ferreira, 2015).…”