The programming of individual differences in defensive responses and reproductive strategies in the rat through variations in maternal care.
There are profound maternal effects on individual differences in defensive responses and reproductive strategies in species ranging literally from plants to insects to birds. Maternal effects commonly reflect the quality of the environment and are most likely mediated by the quality of the maternal provision (egg, propagule, etc.), which in turn determines growth rates and adult phenotype. In this paper, we review data from the rat that suggest comparable forms of maternal effects on both defensive responses to threat and reproductive behavior and which are mediated by variations in maternal behavior. Ultimately, we will need to contend with the reality that neural development, function and health are defined by social and economic influences.
Cameron
Nicole M
NM
McGill Program for the Study of Behavior, Genes and Environment, Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Hospital Research Centre, McGill University, 6875 Boulevard LaSalle, Montréal, Que., Canada H4H 1R3.
Champagne
Frances A
FA
Parent
Carine
C
Fish
Eric W
EW
Ozaki-Kuroda
Kumi
K
Meaney
Michael J
MJ
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D006801:Humans; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000378:metabolism; D007206:Individuality; D008425:Maternal Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D010641:Phenotype; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology*; D043762:Reproductive Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000503:physiopathology