Background
Early experiences produce persistent changes in brain and behavioral function. We
investigate whether being reared in a communal nest (CN), a form of early social enrichment
that characterizes the natural ecological niche of many rodent species including the
mouse, has effects on adult social/aggressive behavior and nerve growth factor (NGF)
and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in mice.
Methods
The CN consisted of a single nest where three mothers kept their pups together and
shared care-giving behavior from birth to weaning (postnatal day 25).
Results
Compared to standard laboratory conditions, in CN condition, mouse mothers displayed
higher levels of maternal care. At adulthood, CN mice displayed higher propensity
to interact socially and achieved more promptly the behavioral profile of either dominant
or subordinate male. Furthermore, CN adult mice showed higher NGF levels, which were
further affected by social status, and higher BDNF levels in the brain.
Conclusions
Our findings indicate that CN, a highly stimulating early social environment, produces
differences in social behavior later in life associated with marked changes of neurotrophin
levels in selected brain areas, including hippocampus and hypothalamus.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 15, 2006
Accepted:
January 3,
2006
Received in revised form:
January 2,
2006
Received:
October 7,
2005
Identification
Copyright
© 2006 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
