Neuroendocrinology
Original Paper
Intracerebroventricular Oxytocin Stimulates Maternal Behaviour in the SheepKendrick K.M.a · Keverne E.B.b · Baldwin B.A.aaA.F.R.C. Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics Research, Babraham, and bDepartment of Anatomy, University of Cambridge, UK
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Article / Publication Details
Received: September 29, 1986
Accepted: January 02, 1987
Published online: April 02, 2008
Issue release date: 1987
Number of Print Pages: 6
Number of Figures: 0
Number of Tables: 0
ISSN: 0028-3835 (Print)
eISSN: 1423-0194 (Online)
For additional information: https://www.karger.com/NEN
Abstract
The maternal behaviour of 7 ovariectomized, oestrogen-treated ewes was recorded after intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusions of oxytocin (OT). At weekly intervals 10-min behaviour tests were given starting 1 min after control (saline) or OT infusions. In the ewes’ home pens, 5-, 10- and 20-µg doses of OT significantly increased the frequency of some or all of the maternal behaviours scored (low-pitch bleats, sniffing, licking and approaching/following the lamb), and 3 ewes allowed suckling attempts. Aggressive (head butts) and negative (withdrawal from the lamb) behaviours significantly decreased in frequency. Vaginocervical stimulation (10 min duration) produced similar effects on these behaviours. When the lambs were removed from the ewes’ pens, the ewes exhibited significantly more high-pitch bleats (protest) following OT treatment. When 20 µg OT was given ICV in the absence of oestrogen priming, or when it was given intravenously with oestrogen priming, no significant effects on maternal behaviour were seen. Maternal behaviour was also significantly stimulated in oestrogen-treated ewes in a larger, novel testing environment (an enclosed area of field) following 5- and 20-µg doses of OT. In an additional experiment in the field enclosure it was found that ewes spent significantly more time near a lamb in a cage following both 5- and 20-µg doses of OT. In both experimental settings the high OT doses (10 and 20 µg) significantly increased the frequency of feeding although the effect was not dependent on oestrogen priming. These results demonstrate that central OT may play an important role in stimulating maternal behaviour in the sheep.
© 1987 S. Karger AG, Basel
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Article / Publication Details
Received: September 29, 1986
Accepted: January 02, 1987
Published online: April 02, 2008
Issue release date: 1987
Number of Print Pages: 6
Number of Figures: 0
Number of Tables: 0
ISSN: 0028-3835 (Print)
eISSN: 1423-0194 (Online)
For additional information: https://www.karger.com/NEN
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
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