Acute Lipopolysaccharide Switches the Selection of Maternal Behavior to Predatory Behavior in Female Rats.
Neuroimmunomodulation
; 24(1): 1-10, 2017.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-28478458
OBJECTIVES: A common problem during the postpartum period and during lactation is being affected by infection due to Gram-negative bacteria. In this situation, a sick mother needs to choose between caring for her pups or the need for survival. This study analyzed the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sickness behavior on selection between maternal behavior (MB) and predatory behavior (PB) in lactating rats. To assess the LPS-induced sickness behavior, the plasma tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were measured. METHODS: Lactating rats received 100 µg/kg LPS or saline solution on day 5 or 6 of lactation, 2 h before testing. Five pups and 5 cockroaches were introduced to the experimental cage at the same time and maternal and PB were observed for 30 min. The MB was measured by the pup contact, grouping, grooming, and kyphosis and the PB by contacting, eating, and foraging insects. General maternal activity was also observed, including exploration, self-grooming, and immobility. Immediately after the observations, blood was collected to measure the plasma TNF-α levels. RESULTS: LPS administration reduced the time and frequency of pup contact, grouping, grooming, and kyphosis, with an increase in the latency to first pup contact and grouping. With regard to PB, the time of foraging and eating insects increased, and the latencies to first insect contact, eating insects, and foraging decreased. With regard to general maternal activity, immobility time and TNF-α levels increased in the LPS-treated group. CONCLUSIONS: LPS exposure switched MB to PB, prioritizing maternal survival. Thus, in more favorable situations, these rats may have new offspring and therefore her species would survive for long.
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Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Comportamento Predatório
/
Comportamento de Escolha
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Lipopolissacarídeos
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Comportamento Materno
Tipo de estudo:
Prognostic_studies
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Neuroimmunomodulation
Assunto da revista:
ALERGIA E IMUNOLOGIA
/
NEUROLOGIA
Ano de publicação:
2017
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Brasil
País de publicação:
Suíça