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Li M. Roadmap for maternal behavior research in domestic dogs: lessons from decades of laboratory rodent work. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1394201. [PMID: 38993275 PMCID: PMC11236756 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1394201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Maternal behavior research in laboratory rats has revealed important behavioral and neurobiological mechanisms governing the onset, maintenance and decline of maternal behavior. However, the extent to which these mechanisms are evolutionarily conserved across species is less clear. This manuscript proposes that examining these mechanisms in dogs may be a viable approach to test their generality and help bridge the gap between rodent and human research, as domestic dogs show greater individual differences and exhibit more human-like maternal characteristics than rodents. These aspects represent advantages over rodent models, which in turn allow systems biological approaches not available in rodents. Additionally, domestic dogs share similar social environments with humans, suffer from the same mental disorders as humans, and can be treated with the same medications. This paper begins with a summary of key findings and theoretical developments from decades of rat maternal behavior research, followed by a literature review of the extant maternal behavior research on dogs and related methodology, highlighting the unique behavioral characteristics of dog maternal behavior and similarities and differences from rat maternal behavior. Finally, several knowledge gaps in dog maternal behavior research, as well as the future research in this area is discussed. It concludes that research on dog maternal behavior will not only advance our understanding of the universality of the neurobiological and behavioral mechanisms in maternal behavior, but also improve our understanding of risk factors associated with postpartum mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Li
- Department of Psychology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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2
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Młotkowska P, Marciniak E, Misztal A, Misztal T. Effect of Neurosteroids on Basal and Stress-Induced Oxytocin Secretion in Luteal-Phase and Pregnant Sheep. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13101658. [PMID: 37238088 DOI: 10.3390/ani13101658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is a neuropeptide synthesized in the hypothalamic nuclei that modulates both behavioral and reproductive functions, associated with the increased neurosteroid synthesis in the brain. Therefore, the present study tested the hypothesis that manipulation of central neurosteroid levels could affect oxytocin synthesis and release in non-pregnant and pregnant sheep under both basal and stressful conditions. In Experiment 1, luteal-phase sheep were subjected to a series of intracerebroventricular (icv.) infusions of allopregnanolone (AL, 4 × 15 μg/60 μL/30 min) for 3 days. In Experiment 2, pregnant animals (4th month) received a series of infusions of the neurosteroid synthesis blocker, finasteride (4 × 25 μg/60 μL/30 min), conducted for 3 days. In non-pregnant sheep AL alone was shown to differentially modulate OT synthesis in basal conditions, and strongly inhibit OT response to stress (p < 0.001). In contrast, in pregnant animals, basal and stress-induced OT secretion was significantly (p < 0.001) increased during finasteride infusion compared to controls. In conclusion, we showed that neurosteroids were involved in the control of OT secretion in sheep, particularly under stress and pregnancy conditions and are part of an adaptive mechanism which is responsible for protecting and maintaining pregnancy in harmful situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja Młotkowska
- Department of Animal Physiology, The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, Instytucka 3, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Marciniak
- Department of Animal Physiology, The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, Instytucka 3, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland
| | - Anna Misztal
- Department of Animal Physiology, The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, Instytucka 3, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland
| | - Tomasz Misztal
- Department of Animal Physiology, The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, Instytucka 3, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland
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3
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Mota-Rojas D, Marcet-Rius M, Domínguez-Oliva A, Martínez-Burnes J, Lezama-García K, Hernández-Ávalos I, Rodríguez-González D, Bienboire-Frosini C. The Role of Oxytocin in Domestic Animal’s Maternal Care: Parturition, Bonding, and Lactation. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13071207. [PMID: 37048463 PMCID: PMC10093258 DOI: 10.3390/ani13071207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) is one of the essential hormones in the birth process; however, estradiol, prolactin, cortisol, relaxin, connexin, and prostaglandin are also present. In addition to parturition, the functions in which OXT is also involved in mammals include the induction of maternal behavior, including imprinting and maternal care, social cognition, and affiliative behavior, which can affect allo-parental care. The present article aimed to analyze the role of OXT and the neurophysiologic regulation of this hormone during parturition, how it can promote or impair maternal behavior and bonding, and its importance in lactation in domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Mota-Rojas
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City 04960, Mexico
| | - Míriam Marcet-Rius
- Department of Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Research Institute in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology (IRSEA), 84400 Apt, France
| | - Adriana Domínguez-Oliva
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City 04960, Mexico
| | - Julio Martínez-Burnes
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Victoria City 87000, Mexico
| | - Karina Lezama-García
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City 04960, Mexico
| | - Ismael Hernández-Ávalos
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (UNAM), Cuautitlán 54714, Mexico
| | - Daniela Rodríguez-González
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City 04960, Mexico
| | - Cécile Bienboire-Frosini
- Department of Molecular Biology and Chemical Communication, Research Institute in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology (IRSEA), 84400 Apt, France
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4
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Marcet-Rius M, Bienboire-Frosini C, Lezama-García K, Domínguez-Oliva A, Olmos-Hernández A, Mora-Medina P, Hernández-Ávalos I, Casas-Alvarado A, Gazzano A. Clinical Experiences and Mechanism of Action with the Use of Oxytocin Injection at Parturition in Domestic Animals: Effect on the Myometrium and Fetuses. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040768. [PMID: 36830555 PMCID: PMC9952595 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin is a key hormone for parturition and maternal traits in animals. During the peripartum period, the levels of endogenous oxytocin dictate physiological events such as myometrial contractions, prostaglandin production with the subsequent increase in oxytocin receptors, and the promotion of lactation when administered immediately after birth. While this hormone has some benefits regarding these aspects, the exogenous administration of oxytocin has been shown to have detrimental effects on the fetus, such as asphyxia, meconium staining, ruptured umbilical cords, and more dystocia cases in females. This review aims to analyze the main effects of oxytocin on myometrial activity during parturition, and its potential favorable and negative administration effects reflected in the fetus health of domestic animals. In conclusion, it is convenient to know oxytocin's different effects as well as the adequate doses and the proper moment to administrate it, as it can reduce labor duration, but it can also increase dystocia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Míriam Marcet-Rius
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare Department, Research Institute in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology (IRSEA), 84400 Apt, France
- Correspondence: (M.M.-R.); (A.D.-O.)
| | - Cécile Bienboire-Frosini
- Department of Molecular Biology and Chemical Communication, Research Institute in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology (IRSEA), 84400 Apt, France
| | - Karina Lezama-García
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Xochimilco Campus, Mexico City 04960, Mexico
| | - Adriana Domínguez-Oliva
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Xochimilco Campus, Mexico City 04960, Mexico
- Correspondence: (M.M.-R.); (A.D.-O.)
| | - Adriana Olmos-Hernández
- Division of Biotechnology—Bioterio and Experimental Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra (INR-LGII), Tlalpan, Mexico City 14389, Mexico
| | - Patricia Mora-Medina
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (UNAM), Cuautitlán 54714, Mexico
| | - Ismael Hernández-Ávalos
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (UNAM), Cuautitlán 54714, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Casas-Alvarado
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Xochimilco Campus, Mexico City 04960, Mexico
| | - Angelo Gazzano
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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5
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Biomarkers of Stress in Companion Animals. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040660. [PMID: 36830447 PMCID: PMC9951683 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress experienced by companion animals could impair their physical and psychological welfare, impacting their social relationships in domestic environments [...].
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6
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Neurobiology of Maternal Behavior in Nonhuman Mammals: Acceptance, Recognition, Motivation, and Rejection. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12243589. [PMID: 36552508 PMCID: PMC9774276 DOI: 10.3390/ani12243589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the different species of mammals, the expression of maternal behavior varies considerably, although the end points of nurturance and protection are the same. Females may display passive or active responses of acceptance, recognition, rejection/fear, or motivation to care for the offspring. Each type of response may indicate different levels of neural activation. Different natural stimuli can trigger the expression of maternal and paternal behavior in both pregnant or virgin females and males, such as hormone priming during pregnancy, vagino-cervical stimulation during parturition, mating, exposure to pups, previous experience, or environmental enrichment. Herein, we discuss how the olfactory pathways and the interconnections of the medial preoptic area (mPOA) with structures such as nucleus accumbens, ventral tegmental area, amygdala, and bed nucleus of stria terminalis mediate maternal behavior. We also discuss how the triggering stimuli activate oxytocin, vasopressin, dopamine, galanin, and opioids in neurocircuitries that mediate acceptance, recognition, maternal motivation, and rejection/fear.
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7
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Lezama-García K, Martínez-Burnes J, Marcet-Rius M, Gazzano A, Olmos-Hernández A, Mora-Medina P, Domínguez-Oliva A, Pereira AMF, Hernández-Ávalos I, Baqueiro-Espinosa U, Geraldo ADM, Casas-Alvarado A, Mota-Rojas D. Is the Weight of the Newborn Puppy Related to Its Thermal Balance? Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:3536. [PMID: 36552457 PMCID: PMC9774692 DOI: 10.3390/ani12243536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypothermia, a factor associated with neonatal mortality, can occur immediately after birth as a protective mechanism to prevent hypoxic damage in neonates, or to reduce the metabolic rate to improve the chances of survival in the first hours of life. The heat interchange through the superficial temperature of animals can be evaluated with infrared thermography (IRT). However, to date, there is no information on thermal windows in puppies. This study aimed to evaluate, with the use of IRT, the microcirculatory alterations in 8 different thermal windows identified at 7 different times in 289 newborn puppies assigned to different groups. Three thermograms were taken from four zones of each puppy: the facial, frontal, right lateral, and left lateral regions. Newborn puppies were grouped in 4 quartiles according to their weight: Q1 (126−226 g) n = 73, Q2 (227−330 g) n = 72, Q3 (331−387 g) n = 74, and Q4 (388−452 g) n = 70. A total of 8 thermal windows were considered at 7 evaluation times from Wet at birth until 24 h after birth (AB). Two-way mixed ANOVA within and between subjects’ design for each thermal window (eight models) was performed. Results revealed a positive correlation between the puppy’s weight and its ability to achieve thermostability in all the evaluated thermal windows. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.0001) between the 4 quartiles (Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4) were found. The lowest temperatures were recorded when the pups were still wet and the highest at 24 h AB. Thermal windows with the highest temperatures were abdominal (34.234 ± 0.056 °C), thoracic (33.705 ± 0.049 °C), nasal (30.671 ± 0.110 °C), and upper left palpebral (34.066 ± 0.052 °C), while the lowest were thoracic limb brachial biceps (27.534 ± 0.051 °C), thoracic limb elbow (27.141 ± 0.049 °C), thoracic limb metacarpal (27.024 ± 0.062 °C), and femoral pelvic limb (27.654 ± 0.055 °C). Assessing the thermal response in newborn puppies can help identify drastic temperature reductions or deficient thermoregulatory compensation during the first hours of life, preventing the consequences of hypothermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Lezama-García
- PhD Program in Biological and Health Sciences, [Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud], Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City 04960, Mexico
| | - Julio Martínez-Burnes
- Animal Health Group, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Victoria City 87000, Mexico
| | - Míriam Marcet-Rius
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare Department, IRSEA (Research Institute in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology), Quartier Salignan, 84400 Apt, France
| | - Angelo Gazzano
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Adriana Olmos-Hernández
- Division of Biotechnology—Bioterio and Experimental Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra (INR-LGII), Mexico City 14389, Mexico
| | - Patricia Mora-Medina
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuautitlán Izcalli 54714, Mexico
| | - Adriana Domínguez-Oliva
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Unidad Xochimilco, Calzada del Hueso 1100, Coapa, Col Villa Quietud, Coyoacán, Mexico City 04960, Mexico
| | - Alfredo M. F. Pereira
- Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development (MED), Institute for Advanced Studies and Research, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal
| | - Ismael Hernández-Ávalos
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuautitlán Izcalli 54714, Mexico
| | | | - Ana de Mira Geraldo
- Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development (MED), Institute for Advanced Studies and Research, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal
| | - Alejandro Casas-Alvarado
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Unidad Xochimilco, Calzada del Hueso 1100, Coapa, Col Villa Quietud, Coyoacán, Mexico City 04960, Mexico
| | - Daniel Mota-Rojas
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Unidad Xochimilco, Calzada del Hueso 1100, Coapa, Col Villa Quietud, Coyoacán, Mexico City 04960, Mexico
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8
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Licitra R, Marchese M, Naef V, Ogi A, Martinelli M, Kiferle C, Fronte B, Santorelli FM. A Review on the Bioactivity of Cannabinoids on Zebrafish Models: Emphasis on Neurodevelopment. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081820. [PMID: 36009367 PMCID: PMC9404760 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
For centuries, the cannabis plant has been used as a source of food, fiber, and medicine. Recently, scientific interest in cannabis has increased considerably, as its bioactive compounds have shown promising potential in the treatment of numerous musculoskeletal and neurological diseases in humans. However, the mechanisms that underlie its possible effects on neurodevelopment and nervous-system functioning remain poorly understood and need to be further investigated. Although the bulk of research on cannabis and cannabinoids is based on in vitro or rodent models, the zebrafish has now emerged as a powerful in vivo model for drug-screening studies and translational research. We here review the available literature on the use of cannabis/cannabinoids in zebrafish, and particularly in zebrafish models of neurological disorders. A critical analysis suggests that zebrafish could serve as an experimental tool for testing the bioactivity of cannabinoids, and they could thus provide important insights into the safety and efficacy of different cannabis-extract-based products. The review showed that zebrafish exhibit similar behaviors to rodents following cannabinoid exposure. The authors stress the importance of analyzing the full spectrum of naturally occurring cannabinoids, rather than just the main ones, THC and CBD, and they offer some pointers on performing behavioral analysis in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Licitra
- Molecular Medicine and Neurobiology—ZebraLab, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (R.L.); (V.N.); (A.O.)
| | - Maria Marchese
- Molecular Medicine and Neurobiology—ZebraLab, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (R.L.); (V.N.); (A.O.)
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (F.M.S.)
| | - Valentina Naef
- Molecular Medicine and Neurobiology—ZebraLab, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (R.L.); (V.N.); (A.O.)
| | - Asahi Ogi
- Molecular Medicine and Neurobiology—ZebraLab, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (R.L.); (V.N.); (A.O.)
| | - Marco Martinelli
- PlantLab, Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.M.); (C.K.)
| | - Claudia Kiferle
- PlantLab, Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.M.); (C.K.)
| | - Baldassare Fronte
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Filippo Maria Santorelli
- Molecular Medicine and Neurobiology—ZebraLab, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (R.L.); (V.N.); (A.O.)
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (F.M.S.)
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9
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Jarosova R, Douglass AD, Johnson MA. Optimized Sawhorse Waveform for the Measurement of Oxytocin Release in Zebrafish. Anal Chem 2022; 94:2942-2949. [PMID: 35107979 PMCID: PMC9087480 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c04879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin is a nonapeptide hormone involved in numerous physiological functions. Real-time electrochemical measurements of oxytocin in living tissue are challenging due to electrode fouling and the large potentials needed to oxidize the tyrosine residue. Here, we used fast-scan cyclic voltammetry at carbon-fiber microelectrodes and flow injection analysis to optimize a waveform for the measurement of oxytocin. This optimized waveform employed an accumulation potential of -0.6 V, multiple scan rates, and a 3 ms holding potential at a positive, oxidizing potential of +1.4 V before linearly scanning the potential back to -0.6 V (versus Ag/AgCl). We obtained a limit of quantitation of 0.34 ± 0.02 μM, and our electrodes did not foul upon multiple injections. Moreover, to demonstrate the utility of our method, we measured the release of oxytocin, evoked by light application and mechanical perturbation, in whole brains from genetically engineered adult zebrafish that express channelrhodopsin-2 selectively on oxytocinergic neurons. Collectively, this work expands the toolkit for the measurement of peptides in living tissue preparations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romana Jarosova
- Department of Chemistry and R.N. Adams Institute for Bioanalytical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045,Department of Analytical Chemistry, UNESCO Laboratory of Environmental Electrochemistry, Charles University, Prague 2, Czech Republic 12843
| | - Adam D. Douglass
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112 USA
| | - Michael A. Johnson
- Department of Chemistry and R.N. Adams Institute for Bioanalytical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045,Corresponding author: , Tel. 785-864-4269
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10
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Ogi A, Naef V, Santorelli FM, Mariti C, Gazzano A. Oxytocin Receptor Gene Polymorphism in Lactating Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113099. [PMID: 34827831 PMCID: PMC8614403 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Oxytocin is commonly known for its role in mammalian bonding. Several studies have proved that polymorphisms of the oxytocin receptor gene are related to complex social behaviors in humans, but studies on the possible correlation between canine social behavior and oxytocin are mainly focused on the human–dog bond, and there are no data on the possible correlation between oxytocin receptor gene polymorphism and the maternal behavior of this species. Since mother–litter interactions could have a severe impact in determining later behavior in domestic dogs, the aim of this work was to investigate the possible correlation between salivary oxytocin, maternal care and the one known single-nucleotide polymorphism (rs8679684) located in the untranslated regulatory region of the oxytocin receptor gene in 19 lactating Labrador Retriever dogs. A significant correlation between oxytocin receptor gene polymorphism, peripheral oxytocin and maternal behavior in dogs was found. This implies that a more functional oxytocinergic system would lead to better mothering in dogs. Abstract Genetic variations in the oxytocinergic system, known to regulate social behavior throughout the evolution of mammals, are believed to account for differences in mammalian social behavior. Particularly, polymorphic variants of the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene have been associated with behavioral variations in both humans and dogs. In this study, we offered evidence of the correlation between levels of salivary oxytocin (sOXT), maternal behavior and a single-nucleotide gene variant in OXTR (rs8679684) in nineteen lactating Labrador Retriever dogs. Carriers of at least one copy of the minor A allele showed higher levels of sOXT and maternal care in comparison with the homozygous T allele carriers. Considering the relevance of mother care in newborn development, these findings could help us to better understand the possible impact of variants in the OXTR gene in selecting dams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asahi Ogi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (C.M.); (A.G.)
- Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Stella Maris, 56128 Calambrone, Italy; (V.N.); (F.M.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Valentina Naef
- Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Stella Maris, 56128 Calambrone, Italy; (V.N.); (F.M.S.)
| | - Filippo Maria Santorelli
- Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Stella Maris, 56128 Calambrone, Italy; (V.N.); (F.M.S.)
| | - Chiara Mariti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (C.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Angelo Gazzano
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (C.M.); (A.G.)
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11
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Reyes-Sotelo B, Mota-Rojas D, Mora-Medina P, Ogi A, Mariti C, Olmos-Hernández A, Martínez-Burnes J, Hernández-Ávalos I, Sánchez-Millán J, Gazzano A. Blood Biomarker Profile Alterations in Newborn Canines: Effect of the Mother's Weight. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2307. [PMID: 34438764 PMCID: PMC8388527 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to determine the effect of the weight of bitches on liveborn and stillbirth puppies from eutocic births, and physiological blood alterations during the first minute postpartum. A total of 52 female dogs were evaluated and distributed in four categories: C1 (4.0-8.0 kg, n = 19), C2 (8.1-16.0 kg, n = 16), C3 (16.1-32.0 kg, n = 11), and C4 (32.1-35.8 kg, n = 6). The dams produced 225 liveborn puppies and 47 were classified as stillbirth type II. Blood samples were taken from the umbilical vein to evaluate the concentration of gases, glucose, lactate, calcium, hematocrit levels, and blood pH. The liveborn puppies in C2, C3, and C4 had more evident physiological alterations (hypercapnia, acidosis) than those in C1 (p < 0.05). These signs indicate a process of transitory asphyxiation. The stillborn pups in all four categories had higher weights than their liveborn littermates. C3 and C4 had the highest mean weights (419.86 and 433.79 g, respectively) and mortality rates (C3 = 20.58%, C4 = 24.58%). Results suggest that if the weight of the bitch is >16.1 kg in eutocic births, there is a higher risk of intrapartum physiological alterations and death. The results of this study allowed us to identify that the weight of dams before birth determines the weight of the puppies at birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Reyes-Sotelo
- Science Program “Maestria en Ciencias Agropecuarias”, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City 04960, Mexico;
| | - Daniel Mota-Rojas
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assesment, DPAA, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City 04960, Mexico
| | - Patricia Mora-Medina
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (UNAM), Cuautitlán Izcalli 54714, Mexico; (P.M.-M.); (I.H.-Á.); (J.S.-M.)
| | - Asahi Ogi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.O.); (C.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Chiara Mariti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.O.); (C.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Adriana Olmos-Hernández
- Division of Biotechnology-Bioterio and Experimental Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra (INR-LGII), Mexico City 14389, Mexico;
| | - Julio Martínez-Burnes
- Animal Health Group, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Victoria City 87000, Mexico;
| | - Ismael Hernández-Ávalos
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (UNAM), Cuautitlán Izcalli 54714, Mexico; (P.M.-M.); (I.H.-Á.); (J.S.-M.)
| | - Jose Sánchez-Millán
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (UNAM), Cuautitlán Izcalli 54714, Mexico; (P.M.-M.); (I.H.-Á.); (J.S.-M.)
| | - Angelo Gazzano
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.O.); (C.M.); (A.G.)
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12
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Fusi J, Peric T, Probo M, Cotticelli A, Faustini M, Veronesi MC. How Stressful Is Maternity? Study about Cortisol and Dehydroepiandrosterone-Sulfate Coat and Claws Concentrations in Female Dogs from Mating to 60 Days Post-Partum. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11061632. [PMID: 34072931 PMCID: PMC8226731 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In dogs, the phase from mating to the end of weaning lasts about 120 days and encompasses many aspects that, interacting, contribute to increase the allostatic load. The coat and claws, useful for long-term change assessments, have the advantage of being collectable without invasiveness. In the present study, the Cortisol (C) and Dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) concentration monthly changes in the coat and claws were studied in female dogs from mating to the end of weaning to assess Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis activation during pregnancy and the post-partum period. The results from 15 Dobermann Pinscher female dogs showed a trend of increase of the coat C from mating to 60 days post-partum, with significant changes between mating and parturition-60 days post-partum (p < 0.01) and between the 30-day pregnancy diagnosis (PD) and 30-60 days post-partum (p < 0.05). The claws C trend showed significant increases between mating and 30-60 days post-partum (p < 0.05) and between the PD and 60 days post-partum (p < 0.01). DHEA-S in both matrices showed non-significant changes. The results suggest that maternity could play a pivotal role in the HPA axis activation, with a subsequent chronic secretion of C determining an increase in the allostatic load in the mothers. Neither maternal parity nor litter size played a significant role in the accumulation of C and DHEA-S in both matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Fusi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell’Università, 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (J.F.); (M.F.); (M.C.V.)
| | - Tanja Peric
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Via Sondrio, 2/a, 33100 Udine, Italy; (T.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Monica Probo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell’Università, 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (J.F.); (M.F.); (M.C.V.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Alessio Cotticelli
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Via Sondrio, 2/a, 33100 Udine, Italy; (T.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Massimo Faustini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell’Università, 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (J.F.); (M.F.); (M.C.V.)
| | - Maria Cristina Veronesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell’Università, 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (J.F.); (M.F.); (M.C.V.)
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