Sexually dimorphic oxytocin receptor-expressing (OXTR) neurons in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) in the postpartum female mouse are involved in maternal behavior
Kaustubh Sharma, Armita A. Govar, Bandana Ghimire, Katsuhiko Nishimori, Elizabeth Hammock, Ryoichi Teruyama
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Maternal care is crucial for the survival and development of offspring. Oxytocin modulates maternal behavior by binding to oxytocin receptors (OXTRs) in various parts of the brain. Previously, we showed that OXTRs are expressed in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) of female, but not male mice. Because the AVPV is involved in the regulation of maternal behavior and oxytocin enhances its induction, this finding leads to the hypothesis that the female specific population of OXTR neurons in the AVPV regulates maternal behavior. To address this hypothesis, OXTR-Venus reporter mice were used to assess if expression levels of OXTR in the AVPV are changed during the postpartum period. The total number of OXTR-Venus neurons was significantly greater in postpartum dams compared to virgin females. To assess efferent projections of the AVPV-OXTR neurons, a Cre-dependent fluorescent protein (tdTomato) expressing a viral vector was injected into one side of the AVPV of female OXTR-Cre mice. Fibers expressing tdTomato were found in hypothalamic areas containing oxytocin neurons (the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei) and the midbrain areas (the ventral tegmental area and periaqueductal gray) that are involved in the regulation of maternal motivation. To assess if activity of the AVPV-OXTR neurons is involved in the regulation of maternal behaviors, a chemogenetic approach was employed. Specific inhibition of activity of AVPV-OXTR neurons completely abolished pup retrieval and nest building behaviors. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that AVPV-OXTR neurons in postpartum female mice constitute an important node in the neural circuitry that regulates maternal behavior.
期刊介绍:
Journal of Neuroendocrinology provides the principal international focus for the newest ideas in classical neuroendocrinology and its expanding interface with the regulation of behavioural, cognitive, developmental, degenerative and metabolic processes. Through the rapid publication of original manuscripts and provocative review articles, it provides essential reading for basic scientists and clinicians researching in this rapidly expanding field.
In determining content, the primary considerations are excellence, relevance and novelty. While Journal of Neuroendocrinology reflects the broad scientific and clinical interests of the BSN membership, the editorial team, led by Professor Julian Mercer, ensures that the journal’s ethos, authorship, content and purpose are those expected of a leading international publication.