The overall objective of the research program is to delineate basic biological mechanisms underlying the regulation of behavior and neuroendocrine functions in mammals. Three research projects are described in detail. The first project examines the role of the endocrine system in regulating maternal behavior in female rats, while a second project evaluates the role of endogenous opioids in regulating the onset and maintenance of parental care. Using a combination of classical endocrine, molecular, and behavioral approaches, the involvements of lactogenic hormones, endogenous opioids, and molecules secreted by the conceptus in preparing the newly parturient female to respond maternally of her newborns are investigated. The results of these studies will provide a basis for evaluating the effects of endocrine and neurochemical imbalances on mother-young interactions. The third project explores the impact of normal, reproductive experience on subsequent endocrine regulation and neural functioning. Specifically, the effects of prior parity on prolactin secretion and its regulation (dopaminergic, opioidergic, sensory) are studied in famale rats. The consequences of reproductive experience in the adult female likely affect a range of biological junctions, including reproductive senescence, immune function, and a range of behaviors regulated by these neurochemical and endocrine system.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Research Scientist Award (K05)
Project #
1K05MH001374-01A2
Application #
2032889
Study Section
Psychobiology, Behavior, and Neuroscience Review Committee (PBN)
Project Start
1997-08-01
Project End
2002-07-31
Budget Start
1997-08-01
Budget End
1998-07-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1997
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Tufts University
Department
Veterinary Sciences
Type
Schools of Veterinary Medicine
DUNS #
604483045
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02111
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Byrnes, Elizabeth M; Rigero, Beth A; Bridges, Robert S (2002) Dopamine antagonists during parturition disrupt maternal care and the retention of maternal behavior in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 73:869-75
Mann, P E; Bridges, R S (2001) Lactogenic hormone regulation of maternal behavior. Prog Brain Res 133:251-62
Bridges, R; Rigero, B; Byrnes, E et al. (2001) Central infusions of the recombinant human prolactin receptor antagonist, S179D-PRL, delay the onset of maternal behavior in steroid-primed, nulliparous female rats. Endocrinology 142:730-9
Byrnes, E M; Byrnes, J J; Bridges, R S (2001) Increased sensitivity of dopamine systems following reproductive experience in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 68:481-9
Byrnes, E M; Bridges, R S (2000) Endogenous opioid facilitation of maternal memory in rats. Behav Neurosci 114:797-804
Gulledge, C C; Mann, P E; Bridges, R S et al. (2000) Expression of mu-opioid receptor mRNA in the medial preoptic area of juvenile rats. Brain Res Dev Brain Res 119:269-76
Byrnes, E M; Rigero, B A; Bridges, R S (2000) Opioid receptor antagonism during early lactation results in the increased duration of nursing bouts. Physiol Behav 70:211-6
Mann, P E; Foltz, G; Rigero, B A et al. (1999) The development of POMC gene expression in the medial basal hypothalamus of prepubertal rats. Brain Res Dev Brain Res 116:21-8