- Neonatal gastrin-releasing peptide receptor blockade reduces maternal odor preference in rats.
Neonatal gastrin-releasing peptide receptor blockade reduces maternal odor preference in rats.
Behavioural brain research (2010-08-04)
Vanessa A Garcia, Arethuza S Dornelles, Juliana Presti-Torres, Luisa A Alcalde, Luis Henrique Halmenschlager, Gilberto Schwartsmann, Rafael Roesler, Aldo B Lucion, Nadja Schröder
PMID20678987
ABSTRACT
Alterations in attachment behavior might play a role in the dysfunction in social behavior displayed by autistic infants. Here we show that neonatal gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) blockade induces a reduction in maternal odor preference, a task involving attachment behavior, in infant rats. These findings provide the first evidence that the GRPR regulates odor preference, supporting the view that the GRPR is involved in attachment and social behaviors.
MATERIALS