Prenatal Cocaine Exposure Alters Maternal Retrieval Behavior in Mice

Authors: Hess C.W.¹; Hahn M.E.²; Benno R.H.²; Schanz N.²

Source: Behavior Genetics, Volume 32, Number 4, July 2002 , pp. 259-266(8)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Previous studies have demonstrated alterations in maternal retrieval behavior as a result of direct cocaine exposure. To establish the influence of prenatal cocaine exposure on pup retrieval, we exposed pups of three F₁ genotypes by injecting their mothers (all C57BL/10J strain) with 20 mg/kg cocaine hydrochloride or saline subcutaneously on gestation days 7 to 17. When those pups became adults, control and exposed females were mated with males of the same genotype and tested for pup retrieval on postpartum days 4 and 5. Because ultrasonic calls are known to be elicitors of maternal retrieval behavior, the rate of ultrasonic calling was measured. Prenatal cocaine exposure exerted a significant effect upon retrieval latency on day 4. No relationship was found between genotype and retrieval latency.

Keywords: Prenatal cocaine; pup retrieval; maternal behavior; ultrasonic calls; mice

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: William Paterson University, Wayne, New Jersey 07470, USA; hahnm@wpunj.edu 2: William Paterson University, Wayne, New Jersey 07470, USA

Publication date: 2002-07-01