Cited by 386Memory and Neural MechanismsStress Responses and CortisolNeuroendocrine regulation and behavior

Maternal presence serves as a switch between learning fear and attraction in infancy

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Moriceau, Stephanie, Sullivan, Regina M·2006·Nature Neuroscience

Abstract

Odor-shock conditioning produces either olfactory preference or aversion in preweanling (12-15 days old) rats, depending on the context. In the mother's absence, odor-shock conditioning produces amygdala activation and learned odor avoidance. With maternal presence, this same conditioning yields an odor preference without amygdala activation. Maternal presence acts through modulation of pup corticosterone and corticosterone's regulation of amygdala activity. Over-riding maternal suppression of corticosterone through intra-amygdala corticosterone infusions permits fear conditioning and amygdala activation.

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  • Maternal separation in rodent pups is associated with accelerated amygdala development.

    “Maternal separation in rodent pups is associated with greater LHPA axis reactivity (Moriceau et al., 2010), accelerated amygdala development (Moriceau and Sullivan, 2006, Ono et al., 2008), increased anxiety-like behaviors (Romeo et al., 2003), and more social instability in adulthood (Kikusui and Mori, 2009).”

    From The impact of developmental timing for stress and recovery (2015) · cites this paper as Moriceau and Sullivan, 2006

  • In rodents, a sensitive period for the effects of maternal presence on amygdala development has been identified.

    “In rodents, a sensitive period for the effects of maternal presence on amygdala development has been identified (Moriceau and Sullivan, 2006, Callaghan and Richardson, 2011).”

    From The impact of developmental timing for stress and recovery (2015) · cites this paper as Moriceau and Sullivan, 2006

  • Maternal presence suppresses corticosterone and amygdala reactivity during an early sensitive period in pre-weaned rodent pups (before P21) that appears to reduce fear and promote attachment behaviors.

    “Specifically, maternal presence suppresses corticosterone and amygdala reactivity during an early sensitive period in pre-weaned rodent pups (before P21) that appears to reduce fear and promote attachment behaviors.”

    From The impact of developmental timing for stress and recovery (2015) · cites this paper as Moriceau and Sullivan, 2006

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  1. Barr, G.A. NIDA Res. Monogr. 158, 172–201 (1995).

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Authors
Moriceau, S., & Sullivan, R. M.
Affiliations
University of Oklahoma (US)
Corresponding author
Sullivan, Regina M
Venue
Nature Neuroscience
Published
2006-07-09
Volume
9
Issue
8
Pages
1004-1006
ISSN
  • 1097-6256 (ISSN-L)
  • 1546-1726
OpenAlex
W2045013563
Cited by
386
References
15
Citations by year
2026: 16 · 2025: 13 · 2024: 17 · 2023: 17 · 2022: 20 · 2021: 33 · 2020: 26 · 2019: 29 · 2018: 18 · 2017: 25 · 2016: 29 · 2015: 19 · 2014: 13 · 2013: 20 · 2012: 24
FWCI
6.32
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Nature Neuroscience (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (acceptedVersion)
Funders
  • National Science Foundation
  • Foundation for the National Institutes of Health
  • Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology
  • National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
  • Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (HD33402, R01HD033402)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory and Neural Mechanisms
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Behavioral Neuroscience › Stress Responses and Cortisol
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior
Keywords
maternal presence, odor preference, odor aversion, fear conditioning, amygdala activation, corticosterone, preweanling rats, infant learning, maternal behavior
MeSH terms
Amygdala, Animals, Association Learning, Avoidance Learning, Conditioning, Classical, Corticosterone, Fear, Learning, Mothers, Odorants, Rats

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