Neuroscience 2003 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 621.7 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | Functional MRI in conscious lactating rats shows afferent activation of the olfactory bulbs. |
| Authors: |
Messenger, T. L.*1
; Insel, T. R.2
; Harder, J. A.3
; Ferris, C. F.1
1Ctr. for Comparative Neuroimaging, UMASS Medic Sch, Worcester, MA 2MD, 55 Lake Ave North, 06155, 3USA, 55 Lake Ave North, 06155, |
| Primary Theme and Topics | Cognition and Behavior |
| Secondary Theme and Topics | Sensory Systems |
| Session: |
621. Animal Cognition and Behavior: Reward Systems Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Tuesday, November 11, 2003 10:00 AM-11:00 AM |
| Location: | Morial Convention Center - Hall F-I, Board # U8 |
| Keywords: | maternal behavior, mother-infant bonding, BOLD, suckling |
Afferent activation of the olfactory bulbs is important in maternal recognition of pups. This processing of olfactory information occurs early after parturition and contributes to mother-pup bonding. The present studies use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to follow lactation-induced changes in neuronal activity in the olfactory system and somatosensory cortex.
Prior to imaging, animals were acclimated to a head and body holder and the imaging protocol. Mothers were imaged on postnatal day 4. Animals were initially anesthetized with 4% isoflurane, secured in the holder and allowed to awaken. A cradle containing six pups was positioned under the mother in the magnet. A thin shield separated the pups from the mother. When the shield was slid away the pups would be exposed to the six hind-limb teats and begin suckling. When slid back, the shield dislodged the pups from the teats. A boxcar design of 5 min off/5 min on for three consecutive repetitions was used. Functional images were acquired using a multi-slice fast spin echo sequence. A single data acquisition of eighteen 1 mm slices in 20 sec and was repeated 105 times in the 35 min imaging session. All images were acquired using a 4.7T/40 horizontal magnet.
There was as significant increase in Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) signal in the olfactory bulbs during sucking. This response followed the temporal pattern of the boxcar design. There was a concomitant bilateral activation of the somatosensory cortex associated with the hind limbs that followed the same temporal pattern. These data show it is feasible to use fMRI in conscious lactating rodents to follow the activation of the olfactory system associated with the early stages of mother-pup bonding.
Prior to imaging, animals were acclimated to a head and body holder and the imaging protocol. Mothers were imaged on postnatal day 4. Animals were initially anesthetized with 4% isoflurane, secured in the holder and allowed to awaken. A cradle containing six pups was positioned under the mother in the magnet. A thin shield separated the pups from the mother. When the shield was slid away the pups would be exposed to the six hind-limb teats and begin suckling. When slid back, the shield dislodged the pups from the teats. A boxcar design of 5 min off/5 min on for three consecutive repetitions was used. Functional images were acquired using a multi-slice fast spin echo sequence. A single data acquisition of eighteen 1 mm slices in 20 sec and was repeated 105 times in the 35 min imaging session. All images were acquired using a 4.7T/40 horizontal magnet.
There was as significant increase in Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) signal in the olfactory bulbs during sucking. This response followed the temporal pattern of the boxcar design. There was a concomitant bilateral activation of the somatosensory cortex associated with the hind limbs that followed the same temporal pattern. These data show it is feasible to use fMRI in conscious lactating rodents to follow the activation of the olfactory system associated with the early stages of mother-pup bonding.
Supported by NIMH grant R01-MH52280.
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2003 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. New Orleans, LA: Society for Neuroscience, 2003. Online.
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