Neuroscience 2002 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 517.5 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | A Functional MRI Study of Maternal Responses to Infant Facial Cues. |
| Authors: |
Strathearn, L.*1
; McClure, S. M.2
1Dept Dev Pediatrics, Baylor Col Med, Houston, TX 2Dept Neuroscience, Baylor Col Med, Houston, TX |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
Cognition and Behavior - Motivation and Emotion |
| Secondary Theme and Topics | Autonomic, Limbic and Other Systems<br />- Neuroendocrine<br />-- Other |
| Session: |
517. Animal cognition and behavior: motivation and emotion Slide |
| Presentation Time: | Tuesday, November 5, 2002 2:00 PM-2:15 PM |
| Location: | Room 206A |
| Keywords: | oxytocin, ventral striatum, hippocampus, reward |
Background: Child neglect is a pervasive pediatric problem, frequently associated with disturbed mother-infant attachment. However, little is known about the neurobiological substrate underlying this relationship. This pilot study of healthy mother-infant dyads aims to examine brain regions activated in response to infant facial cues, and to explore the possible role of oxytocin in facilitating this interaction.
Methods: Eight right-handed healthy mothers were enrolled, along with their infants aged between 3 and 8 months. Serum oxytocin levels levels were obtained sequentially during a standardized period of mother-infant interaction, during which the infant's facial expressions were videotaped. Functional MRI was then used to measure maternal brain activity in response to these facial images, compared with familiar and unknown facial images.
Results: In comparing responses to the mothers’ own infants versus familiar but unknown infants, significantly increased brain responses (p<0.005) were seen in the ventral striatum, hippocampus, globus pallidus, thalamus, and fusiform face area, all bilaterally. A positive, but non-significant trend was seen in serum oxytocin concentration during mother-infant interaction.
Conclusions: A unique pattern of neural activation was evident, with areas of activation including brain reward circuits, the limbic system and areas involved in memory consolidation. Understanding the neurobiological processes underlying the mother-infant relationship may play an important role in understanding and preventing child neglect.
Methods: Eight right-handed healthy mothers were enrolled, along with their infants aged between 3 and 8 months. Serum oxytocin levels levels were obtained sequentially during a standardized period of mother-infant interaction, during which the infant's facial expressions were videotaped. Functional MRI was then used to measure maternal brain activity in response to these facial images, compared with familiar and unknown facial images.
Results: In comparing responses to the mothers’ own infants versus familiar but unknown infants, significantly increased brain responses (p<0.005) were seen in the ventral striatum, hippocampus, globus pallidus, thalamus, and fusiform face area, all bilaterally. A positive, but non-significant trend was seen in serum oxytocin concentration during mother-infant interaction.
Conclusions: A unique pattern of neural activation was evident, with areas of activation including brain reward circuits, the limbic system and areas involved in memory consolidation. Understanding the neurobiological processes underlying the mother-infant relationship may play an important role in understanding and preventing child neglect.
Supported by Development Office and GCRC, Texas Children's Hospital; South Central MIRECC.
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2002 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. Orlando, FL: Society for Neuroscience, 2002. Online.
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