Developmental processes are activated and shaped by stimulation. Sources of stimulation, or experience, can be found within the developing organism's habitat. We have identified and quantified biological stimuli that are normally present in the prenatal and natal habitats of the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus). Maternal behavior and physiology provide abundant tactile, vestibular and thermal stimulation to fetal and newborn mammals. During gestation, the mother's locomotion and self-grooming stimulate fetuses in utero. During labor, uterine contractions compress and accelerate fetuses. During birth, pups are exposed to prolonged cooling, and to additional stimulation associated with the mother's licking and retrieving. Maternally-derived stimuli are detected by perinatal rats, as evidenced by behavioral and autonomic responses. Maternally-derived stimuli make important contributions to postpartum adaptation of the neonate, by facilitating breathing at birth and the onset of suckling. Arousal appears to play an important role in the developmental emergence of these milestone events. In the current application, we propose studies of behavioral and physiological arousal in newborn rats. Motor activity, heart rate, metabolic activity, respiratory frequency, and ultrasonic vocalizations, will be measured during the postpartum period. Circulating catecholamines (norepinephrine, epinephrine and dopamine) will also be measured. Tests of nipple attachment will be performed to relate behavioral and physiological variables to neonatal behavioral function. This series of investigations will lead to improved understanding of the relations between behavioral/physiological variables, neonatal arousal and prenatal learning. These studies will address important issues regarding the transition from prenatal to postnatal life. Studies of early development can provide a framework for interpreting and integrating new data, and can help direct future investigations in basic science and in applied science.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
7R01MH046485-08
Application #
6131255
Study Section
Psychobiology, Behavior, and Neuroscience Review Committee (PBN)
Program Officer
Oliveri, Mary Ellen
Project Start
1990-06-15
Project End
2002-07-31
Budget Start
1999-08-01
Budget End
2000-07-31
Support Year
8
Fiscal Year
1999
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Nasa - Ames Research Center
Department
Type
DUNS #
009231648
City
Moffett Field
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94035
Ronca, April E; Abel, Regina A; Alberts, Jeffrey R (2007) Maternal anesthesia via isoflurane or ether differentially affects pre-and postnatal behavior in rat offspring. Dev Psychobiol 49:675-84
Ronca, April E; Abel, Regina A; Ronan, Patrick J et al. (2006) Effects of labor contractions on catecholamine release and breathing frequency in newborn rats. Behav Neurosci 120:1308-14
Alberts, Jeffrey R; Ronca, April E (2005) Development as adaptation: a paradigm for gravitational and space biology. Adv Space Biol Med 10:175-207
Ronca, April E; Baer, Lisa A; Everett, Erin M et al. (2004) Effects of 2 G hypergravity exposure on Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) and Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). J Gravit Physiol 11:P241-2
Ronca, A E (2001) Altered gravity effects on mothers and offspring: the importance of maternal behavior. J Gravit Physiol 8:P133-6
Ronca, A E; Baer, L A; Daunton, N G et al. (2001) Maternal reproductive experience enhances early postnatal outcome following gestation and birth of rats in hypergravity. Biol Reprod 65:805-13
Ronca, A E; Alberts, J R (2000) Effects of prenatal spaceflight on vestibular responses in neonatal rats. J Appl Physiol 89:2318-24
Ronca, A E; Alberts, J R (2000) Physiology of a microgravity environment selected contribution: effects of spaceflight during pregnancy on labor and birth at 1 G. J Appl Physiol 89:849-54; discussion 848
Abel, R A; Ronca, A E; Alberts, J R (1998) Perinatal stimulation facilitates suckling onset in newborn rats. Dev Psychobiol 32:91-9
Ronca, A E; Abel, R A; Alberts, J R (1996) Perinatal stimulation and adaptation of the neonate. Acta Paediatr Suppl 416:8-15

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