Ontogenetic changes in pup-elicited maternal pituitary-adrenal activity: pup age and stage of lactation effects

Dev Psychobiol. 1977 Jul;10(4):365-71. doi: 10.1002/dev.420100412.

Abstract

Ontogenetic changes in pup-elicited maternal corticosterone responsiveness were investigated. Patterns of maternal corticosterone change were found to depend on pup treatment: shocked pups elicited larger corticosterone elevations than pups that had been handled. In addition both the age of the stimulus pups and the state of lactation when the mother was tested affected the pattern and magnitude of maternal pituitary-adrenal activity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Corticosterone / blood
  • Electroshock
  • Female
  • Handling, Psychological
  • Lactation*
  • Pituitary-Adrenal System / physiology*
  • Postpartum Period
  • Pregnancy
  • Rats
  • Stress, Physiological / complications

Substances

  • Corticosterone