Publication Date
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Committee Members
Patricia Schiml, Ph.D. (Committee Co-Chair); Michael Hennessy, Ph.D. (Committee Co-Chair); Michal Kraszpulski, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Abstract
This study investigates the role of endogenous oxytocin (OT) in maternal buffering of infant stress responses in guinea pigs. Infants received intracerebroventricular infusion of an oxytocin receptor antagonist (OTA) or artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) immediately before being placed with the mother in a novel environment for 60 minutes. Blood cortisol levels and behavioral responses, including vocalizations and crouching, were measured throughout the testing period. Results indicate only a significant effect of time, with cortisol levels increasing with time spent in the novel environment. Otherwise, no significant differences were observed either physiologically or behaviorally between aCSF and OTA conditions. This study contributes to understanding the role of endogenous OT in maternal buffering of infant stress but suggests additional or alternative neural mechanisms may be at play. Further research is crucial to understanding the complexities of maternal buffering in guinea pigs and potentially in other species.
Page Count
69
Department or Program
Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Physiology
Year Degree Awarded
2024
Copyright
Copyright 2024, all rights reserved. My ETD will be available under the "Fair Use" terms of copyright law.
