title: Fetal expression of the leg extension response to anogenital stimulation.
abstract: The leg extension response (LER) is normally exhibited by rat pups in response to maternal anogenital licking. Data in the present report document that (1) LER is elicited by anogenital stimulation of the 20-day-old rat fetus, and (2) fetal LER continues to be expressed following thoracic spinal transection. Prenatal development of the leg extension response anticipates its postnatal function.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Oregon State University, Corvallis 97331.
authors.forename: W P
authors.initials: WP
authors.lastname: Smotherman
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Robinson
mesh_terms: D001003:Anal Canal / Q000196:embryology / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000502:physiology*; D005835:Genitalia / Q000196:embryology / Q000502:physiology; D006614:Hindlimb / Q000196:embryology / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D011247:Pregnancy; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012018:Reflex; D014110:Touch