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Immunological modulation of the mother-pup interaction

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Author(s):
Amanda Florentina do Nascimento
Total Authors: 1
Document type: Master's Dissertation
Press: São Paulo.
Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ/SBD)
Defense date:
Examining board members:
Luciano Freitas Felicio; Glaucie Jussilane Alves; Maria Martha Bernardi
Advisor: Luciano Freitas Felicio
Abstract

Maternal behavior (MB) in mammals has specific characteristics. The time period just after parturition is particularly sensitive to physiological changes that can modulate the expression of this important behavior. Behavioral changes observed in sick animals, are considered as sick behavior (SB). Exposure to LPS, an endotoxin derived from the wall of a gran negative bacteria, during pregnancy might cause mental diseases. In order to investigate, a possible relationship between MB and SB, animals were treated with LPS. For the study of MB and maternal aggressive behavior, 40 rats were divided in 4 groups, 2 control and 2 experimental groups. The experimental group received 100µg/kg LPS by ip, and control group the vehicle of endotoxin, after 48 hours of LPS administration the observations of SB began. For choice these days, 20 virgin and 20 lactating rats were divided in 4 groups, 2 control and 2 experimental. They received ip 100µg/kg. Body weight, water and feed consumption, and body temperature were measured for 120h. Control females were observed in the same way, but they were treated with vehicle of LPS. The results showed that: 1) In 48 hours after the LPS treatment, virgin and lactating rats showed increased body temperature, loss of body weight, increased water consumption and decreased food consumption, 2) In 48 hours after the treatment with LPS, lactating rats showed reduced latency to retrieve the first pup to the nest. In the offspring of mothers treated with LPS it was found that: 3) Pups form mothers treated with LPS on the 5th day of lactation showed changes in the vocalization pattern; 4) Those pups showed changes in oxidative burst and phagocytosis on 21th day of lactation. It is concluded that exposure of rats to LPS promoted changes in the in the interaction between mother and pups. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 10/01855-1 - Immunological modulation of the mother-pup interaction
Grantee:Amanda Florentina do Nascimento
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master