The effect of gonadal hormones in infancy on maternal behavior in the adult rat
Quadagno, D.M.; Rockwell, J.
Hormones and Behavior 3(1): 55-62
1972
ISSN/ISBN: 0018-506X PMID: 4680507 DOI: 10.1016/0018-506x(72)90007-4Document Number: 486819
The results of the study indicate significant differences between adult males and females of the Long-Evans strain in quantifiable aspects of maternal behaviour as measured by: (1) retrieval of young; (2) licking of the young; (3) crouching over the young as in nursing; and (4) nest-building behaviour. Females given 100 mu g testosterone propionate 4 days after birth showed significant changes in some types of maternal behaviour when tested as adults. The changes were toward the male pattern of behaviour. Conversely, males castrated on the day of birth showed significant changes in some types of maternal behaviour. The changes were toward the female pattern of behaviour. A possible explanation for the present findings is presented.
Document emailed within 0-6 h
