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Gustafson PE, Al-Isawi SA, Phillipps HR, Crosse HW, Grattan DR, Bunn SJ, Yip SH. The role of prolactin in the suppression of the response to restraint stress in the lactating mouse. J Neuroendocrinol 2024; 36:e13330. [PMID: 37608555 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is a well-characterised maternal adaptation that limits the exposure of the offspring to maternally-derived stress hormones. This current study has investigated the possible involvement of the lactogenic hormone, prolactin, in this physiologically important adaptation. As expected, circulating prolactin levels were higher in unstressed lactating mice compared to their virgin counterparts. Interestingly however, the ability of an acute period of restraint stress to further elevate prolactin levels was diminished in the former group. The stress-induced rise in prolactin levels in the virgin animals was concurrent with an increase in prolactin receptor activation within the adrenal cortical cells. This adrenal response was not seen in either the stressed or control lactation group, an observation that may be in part explained by the observed downregulation of prolactin receptor mRNA expression within this tissue. Further evidence of suppression of the HPA axis during lactation was revealed using in situ hybridisation to demonstrate that while acute restraint stress increased corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) mRNA expression in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus in both virgin and lactating mice, the magnitude of this response was reduced in the latter group. This potentially adaptive response did not, however, appear to result from the altered prolactin profile during lactation because it was not affected by the pharmacological suppression of prolactin secretion from the pituitary. This study therefore suggests that during lactation the response of the HPA axis to stress is suppressed at multiple physiological levels which are mediated by both prolactin-dependent and prolactin-independent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Papillon E Gustafson
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Shahd A Al-Isawi
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Hollian R Phillipps
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Hugo W Crosse
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - David R Grattan
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Stephen J Bunn
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Siew H Yip
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Wilson KM, Arquilla AM, Hussein M, Rosales-Torres KM, Chan MG, Saltzman W. Effects of reproductive status on behavioral and neural responses to isolated pup stimuli in female California mice. Behav Brain Res 2024; 457:114727. [PMID: 37871656 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
The transition to motherhood in mammals is marked by changes in females' perception of and responsiveness to sensory stimuli from infants. Our understanding of maternally induced sensory plasticity relies most heavily on studies in uniparental, promiscuous house mice and rats, which may not be representative of rodent species with different life histories. We exposed biparental, monogamous California mouse (Peromyscus californicus) mothers and ovariectomized virgin females to one of four acoustic and olfactory stimulus combinations (Control: clean cotton and white noise; Call: clean cotton and pup vocalizations; Odor: pup-scented cotton and white noise; Call + Odor: pup-scented cotton and pup vocalizations) and quantified females' behavior and Fos expression in select brain regions. Behavior did not differ between mothers and ovariectomized virgins. Among mothers, however, those exposed to the Control condition took the longest to sniff the odor stimulus, and mothers exposed to the Odor condition were quicker to sniff the odor ball compared to those in the Call condition. Behavior did not differ among ovariectomized virgins exposed to the different conditions. Fos expression differed across conditions only in the anterior hypothalamic nucleus (AHN), which responds to aversive stimuli: among mothers, the Control condition elicited the highest AHN Fos and Call + Odor elicited the lowest. Among ovariectomized virgin females, Call elicited the lowest Fos in the AHN. Thus, reproductive status in California mice alters females' behavioral responses to stimuli from pups, especially odors, and results in the inhibition of defense circuitry in response to pup stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerianne M Wilson
- Department of Biology, Pomona College, Claremont, CA, USA; Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA.
| | - April M Arquilla
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Manal Hussein
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Kelsey M Rosales-Torres
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - May G Chan
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Wendy Saltzman
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
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Howland MA. Recalibration of the stress response system over adult development: Is there a perinatal recalibration period? Dev Psychopathol 2023; 35:2315-2337. [PMID: 37641984 PMCID: PMC10901284 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579423000998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
During early life-sensitive periods (i.e., fetal, infancy), the developing stress response system adaptively calibrates to match environmental conditions, whether harsh or supportive. Recent evidence suggests that puberty is another window when the stress system is open to recalibration if environmental conditions have shifted significantly. Whether additional periods of recalibration exist in adulthood remains to be established. The present paper draws parallels between childhood (re)calibration periods and the perinatal period to hypothesize that this phase may be an additional window of stress recalibration in adult life. Specifically, the perinatal period (defined here to include pregnancy, lactation, and early parenthood) is also a developmental switch point characterized by heightened neural plasticity and marked changes in stress system function. After discussing these similarities, lines of empirical evidence needed to substantiate the perinatal stress recalibration hypothesis are proposed, and existing research support is reviewed. Complexities and challenges related to delineating the boundaries of perinatal stress recalibration and empirically testing this hypothesis are discussed, as well as possibilities for future multidisciplinary research. In the theme of this special issue, perinatal stress recalibration may be a mechanism of multilevel, multisystem risk, and resilience, both intra-individually and intergenerationally, with implications for optimizing interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariann A Howland
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Fernandez-Vaz C, Gonzalez-Sanz JD. Cortisol, Maternal Stress, and Breastfeeding Rate at Hospital Discharge: A Systematic Review. Breastfeed Med 2022; 17:984-993. [PMID: 36378851 DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2022.0165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Breastfeeding is considered the best way to provide essential and necessary nutrients to the newborn, intervening in its growth and development. However, early abandonment of this method is quite common, due to various factors such as stress. Objectives: To determine whether the level of postpartum cortisol can serve as an indicator of maternal stress and whether there is a relationship between the level of cortisol and the rate of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) at hospital discharge. Methodology: Systematic review of the literature under the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Scopus databases were used. Original articles published from 2017 to 2022 in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish were included. All study designs were eligible. Of the 3,712 records initially identified, 15 studies were included in this review. Results: Elevated cortisol levels, due to immediate postpartum stressors, have direct effects on the performance of the essential hormones in breast milk production. The EBF rates are negatively influenced by perceived maternal stress. Conclusion: Cortisol levels may be a good indicator of the level of stress to which the mother is subjected during the immediate postpartum period.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juan D Gonzalez-Sanz
- Nursing Department, COIDESO Research Center, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
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Calibration and recalibration of stress response systems across development: Implications for mental and physical health. ADVANCES IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND BEHAVIOR 2022; 63:35-69. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.acdb.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Stead SM, Bădescu I, Boonstra R. Of mammals and milk: how maternal stress affects nursing offspring. Mamm Rev 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M. Stead
- Department of Anthropology University of Toronto Scarborough 1265 Military Trail Scarborough ONM1C 1A4Canada
| | - Iulia Bădescu
- Département d’Anthropologie Université de Montréal 3150 Rue Jean‐Brillant Montréal QCH3T 1N8Canada
| | - Rudy Boonstra
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Toronto Scarborough 1265 Military Trail Scarborough ONM1C 1A4Canada
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Affect of moringa oleifera given against pregnant and breastfeeding mothers cortisol. ENFERMERIA CLINICA 2021. [PMID: 32545147 DOI: 10.1016/j.enfcli.2019.10.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study to assess the affect of moringa oleifera given against pregnant and breastfeeding mothers cortisol. METHOD Sample 40 pregnant women, low education, no work statusin, the experimental method (Randomized Double Blind design), Saliva samples from nursing mothers tested by Laboratory using KIT ELISA. RESULTS Pre cortisol in the iron tablet and Moringa flour group was p=0.0003, post pregnancy cortisol results in the iron group and Moringa flour, p=0.119, decrement greater in the group with Moringa flour±SD 2.91±7:20, group of iron±SD 3.60±6:37, based on test of both groups the presence of the value p=0.006, at 3 months of age, p=0.923 (p>0.05) at 6 months of age p=0.496 (p>0.05), a greater decrease occurred in the Moringa flour group with a value of±SD=↓ 5.44±16.77, based on test of both groups the presence of the value p (p=0.359). CONCLUSION Moringa flour provides the same benefits as Fe against cortisol levels during pregnancy but not significant at the lactation.
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Morales R, Criollo MA, Gonzalez M, Medina G, Manríquez OM, Gonzalez VM, Villa-Angulo C. Benefit of oxytocin released by cervix stimulation in Mexican Holstein cattle. J Adv Vet Anim Res 2020; 7:608-613. [PMID: 33409303 PMCID: PMC7774794 DOI: 10.5455/javar.2020.g458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this research is to investigate the relationship level of oxytocin released and the tactile stimulation of the cervix in Holstein cattle from the northwestern arid regions in México. Materials and Methods: The cervixes of 10 Holstein Friesian dairy cows in mid-lactation were manually stimulated for 60 sec. Oxytocin released in the blood was analyzed before and after stimulation. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used in the analysis to make oxytocin detectable by spectrometry techniques and by converting the luminescence absorbance of each sample into pg per mol. Results: The study revealed that tactile stimulation of the cervix increased oxytocin levels. The highest increase in oxytocin level was 10,940.8222 pg/mol, while the lowest increase in oxytocin level was 1,830.94254 pg/mol. Besides, the milk production by tactile stimulation of the cervix had a higher milk yield and a p-value of 9.4 × 10−4 (p < 0.05) in comparison to the monthly average without tactile stimulation. Conclusion: Tactile stimulation of the cervix activates the Ferguson reflex and increases the oxytocin released in the blood and increases the milk released from the alveolar glands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Morales
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Biofotonics, Engineering Institute, Autonomous University of Baja California, Mexicali, B.C., México
| | - Marco Antonio Criollo
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Biofotonics, Engineering Institute, Autonomous University of Baja California, Mexicali, B.C., México
| | - Mirvana Gonzalez
- Laboratory Biomechanics, Faculty of Sports, Autonomous University of Baja California, Mexicali, B.C., México
| | - Gerardo Medina
- Institute for Research in Veterinary Science, Autonomous University of Baja California, Mexicali, B.C., México
| | - Olga Maritza Manríquez
- Institute for Research in Veterinary Science, Autonomous University of Baja California, Mexicali, B.C., México
| | - Victor Manuel Gonzalez
- Institute for Research in Veterinary Science, Autonomous University of Baja California, Mexicali, B.C., México
| | - Carlos Villa-Angulo
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Biofotonics, Engineering Institute, Autonomous University of Baja California, Mexicali, B.C., México
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Mendes-Lima T, Kirsten TB, Rodrigues PS, Sampaio ACS, Felício LF, Rocha PRDA, Reis-Silva TM, Bondan EF, Martins MFM, Queiroz-Hazarbassanov N, Bernardi MM. Prenatal LPS induces sickness behaviour and decreases maternal and predatory behaviours after an LPS challenge. Int J Neurosci 2020; 130:804-816. [PMID: 31916878 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2019.1706505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: The influence of a challenge dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the behavioural selection between maternal (MB) and predatory behaviours (PB) of female rats prenatally treated with the same endotoxin or saline solution (F1 generation) were studied.Material and methods: Thus, in adult age, these female rats were mated and, at lactation days 5 or 6, the following groups were formed: (1) LPS + LPS group-female rats prenatally treated with LPS and received an LPS challenge dose; (2) S + LPS group-female rats prenatally treated with saline solution and received a challenge LPS dose (3) S + S group-females rats prenatally treated with saline which received a saline injection. MB, PB to cockroaches, exploratory behaviour, periaqueductal grey (PAG) expression of the astrocytic biomarker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and corticosterone and TNF-alpha serum levels were evaluated.Results: Showed that: (1) relative to the S + S group, the LPS + S group showed decreased MB and slightly increased PB, without inducing sickness behaviour; (2) the LPS + LPS group showed decreased MB but few effects on PB; (3) there was increased sickness behaviour associated with increased TNF-alpha serum levels in the LPS + LPS group; (4) a significant increase in GFAP expression was observed in both LPS groups, which was greater in the LPS + LPS group and (5) no differences in the corticosterone of all groups.Conclusions: Prenatal LPS impaired the switch from MB to PB in female rats of the LPS + LPS group by increased sickness behaviour as well as an increase in plasmatic TNF-alpha levels inducing PAG astrogliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Mendes-Lima
- Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Graduate Program in Dentistry, Paulista University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - T B Kirsten
- Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Graduate Program in Dentistry, Paulista University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - P S Rodrigues
- Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Graduate Program in Dentistry, Paulista University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - A C S Sampaio
- Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Graduate Program in Dentistry, Paulista University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - L F Felício
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP CEP, Brazil
| | - P R D A Rocha
- Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Graduate Program in Dentistry, Paulista University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - T M Reis-Silva
- Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Graduate Program in Dentistry, Paulista University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - E F Bondan
- Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Graduate Program in Dentistry, Paulista University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - M F M Martins
- Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Graduate Program in Dentistry, Paulista University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - N Queiroz-Hazarbassanov
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP CEP, Brazil
| | - M M Bernardi
- Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Graduate Program in Dentistry, Paulista University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Misztal T, Czauderna MR, Młotkowska P, Misztal A, Marciniak E. Temporal changes in the cerebrospinal fluid allopregnanolone concentration and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity in sheep during pregnancy and early lactation. Livest Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2019.103871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Greenwood EC, van Dissel J, Rayner J, Hughes PE, van Wettere WHEJ. Mixing Sows into Alternative Lactation Housing Affects Sow Aggression at Mixing, Future Reproduction and Piglet Injury, with Marked Differences between Multisuckle and Sow Separation Systems. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9090658. [PMID: 31491961 PMCID: PMC6770597 DOI: 10.3390/ani9090658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Alternative lactation housing could reduce aggression when sows are mixed. We aimed to compare the effects of mixing sows during lactation (with or without piglets) at weaning and after insemination and determine the effects of mixing strategies and lactation housing on the piglet. Sows in the multisuckle treatment were the least aggressive, had the fewest injuries around mixing, and gave birth to the most piglets at the subsequent litter, with multisuckle housing having no apparent ill effects on the piglets. There was greater aggression in sows separated from their piglets for seven hours daily in lactation (SEP) than any other method. Multisuckle housing appears to be an effective way of decreasing aggression at the point of mixing, whilst optimizing sow reproduction. The behavioural response to mixing was similar when it occurred at weaning or after insemination, with the highest incidence of aggression observed in sows mixed without their piglets during lactation. Abstract Alternative lactation housing could reduce aggression when sows are mixed. We aimed to compare the effects of mixing sows in lactation (with or without piglets), at weaning or after insemination, and determine the effects of lactation housing on the piglet. This study used 120 multiparous Large White × Landrace sows and 54 focal litters. The sows were mixed into groups of six and allocated to multisuckle from day 21 lactation (MS), separated from litter and housed in groups, with piglets left in the crate for seven hours daily from day 21 lactation (SEP), mixed at weaning (day 28 lactation) (WEAN) and mixed after artificial insemination (AI) (MAI; 4 ± 1 day after last AI). Behaviour, saliva for free salivary cortisol concentration and injury counts were taken on M-1 (before mixing), M0 (mixing), M1 and M6. Piglets were weighed, injury-scored and bloods taken for cortisol. There was reduced aggression, seen as fights, bites and knocks in MS compared to the other treatments on all days (p < 0.05). MS sows had no fights on M1 and M6 and had more piglets born in the subsequent farrowing. Piglet weight, cortisol and mortality were unaffected by treatment (p > 0.05). MS piglets had greater injury scores immediately after moving to multisuckle and lower injuries around weaning (p > 0.001). Multisuckle housing could decrease aggression and stress at mixing in sows, with changes in the time of peak piglet injury (at mixing rather than at weaning) but overall no negative effects on the piglets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma C Greenwood
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy 5371, Australia.
| | - Jonathon van Dissel
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy 5371, Australia.
| | - Jessica Rayner
- South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), Roseworthy 5371, Australia.
| | - Paul E Hughes
- Paul Hughes Consulting, North Adelaide 5006, Australia.
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Liu XY, Li D, Li T, Liu H, Cui D, Liu Y, Jia S, Wang X, Jiao R, Zhu H, Zhang F, Qin D, Wang YF. Effects of Intranasal Oxytocin on Pup Deprivation-Evoked Aberrant Maternal Behavior and Hypogalactia in Rat Dams and the Underlying Mechanisms. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:122. [PMID: 30863276 PMCID: PMC6399306 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT), a hypothalamic neuropeptide, applied through nasal approach (IAO), could improve maternal health during lactation that is disrupted by mother–baby separation; however, the regulation of IAO effects on maternal behaviors and lactation as well as the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Using lactating rats, we observed effects of intermittent pup deprivation (PD) with and without IAO on maternal behaviors and lactation as well as the activity of OT neurons in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) and the activity of hypothalamic pituitary-adrenal axis, key factors determining the milk-letdown reflex during lactation and maternal behaviors. The results showed that PD reduced maternal behaviors and lactation efficiency of rat dams as indicated by significantly longer latency to retrieve their pups and low litter’s body weight gains during the observation, respectively. In addition, PD caused early involution of the mammary glands. IAO partially improved these changes in rat dams, which was not as significant as IAO effects on control dams. In the SON, PD decreased c-Fos and increased glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) filaments significantly; IAO made PD-evoked c-Fos reduction insignificant while reduced GFAP filament significantly in PD dams. IAO tended to increase the levels of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases (pERK) 1/2 in PD dams. Moreover, PD+IAO significantly increased plasma levels of dam adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone but not OT levels. Lastly, PD+IAO tended to increase the level of corticotropin-releasing hormone in the SON. These results indicate that PD disrupts maternal behaviors and lactation by suppressing the activity of hypothalamic OT-secreting system through expansion of astrocytic processes, which are partially reversed by IAO through removing astrocytic inhibition of OT neuronal activity. However, the improving effect of IAO on the maternal health could be compromised by simultaneous activation of hypothalamic pituitary-adrenocortical axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Yu Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Dongyang Li
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Tong Li
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Haitao Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Dan Cui
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shuwei Jia
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoran Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Runsheng Jiao
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hui Zhu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Fengmin Zhang
- Department of Pathogen, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Danian Qin
- Department of Physiology, Shantou University of Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Yu-Feng Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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