Role of the ventromedial hypothalamus and tuberalis part of the lateral hypothalamus in maternal behavior aggression.

Author(s)

Isadora Clivatti Furigo

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB/SDI)
• Defense date: 2012-07-25

Examining board members

Newton Sabino Canteras; Luciano Freitas Felicio; Sara Joyce Shammah Lagnado

• Advisor: Newton Sabino Canteras

Abstract

The maternal aggression is developed by lactant dams to preserve their offsprings. In the present study we show that Hypothalamic Attack Area (HAA), particularly the ventrolateral part of ventromedial nucleus (VMHvl) and the tuberalis part of the lateral hypothalamus (LHAtu), have a critical role in the expression of this behavior. We have correlated the maternal aggression levels with the activation of this parts and we have detected behavioral damage at both groups with bilateral NMDA lesions at 1/3 caudal of HAA or 2/3 caudal of HAA, compared with control group. The non-agressive parameters did not show diferences among groups, as well as the maternal behavior, indicating that the lesions did not affect the maternal care. We have further analyzed the pattern of Fos expression in the brainstem targets of these hypothalamic regions in the NMDA lesioned dams, but couldnt find any difference between lesioned and intact groups. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/12524-9 - Role of the ventromedial hypothalamus and tuberalis part of the lateral hypothalamus in Maternal Behavior Aggression
• Grantee: Isadora Clivatti Furigo
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master