Naltrexone delays the onset of maternal behavior in primiparous parturient ewes

Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
M CabaG Vénier

Abstract

Previous studies indicate that morphine facilitates the induction of maternal behavior in nonpregnant multiparous ewes but has no effect in nulliparous females. Naltrexone (NAL) has the opposite effect. The aim of the present experiment was to investigate whether this also applied at parturition in ewes lambing for the first time. We studied the behavior of parturient ewes that received either saline (n = 9) or 50 mg (n = 7) or 150 mg (n = 8) of naltrexone, intravenously, at the first signs of lambing. either dose of naltrexone was found to reduce significantly the duration of maternal licking of the neonate and the emission of low-pitched bleats during the first 30 min following parturition (p < 0.005). The proportion of mothers failing to display an immediate onset of maternal care (in < 5 min) was also significantly higher in NAL-treated ewes (six of 15 vs. none of nine; p = 0.05). On the other hand, there was no indication that NAL affected the establishment of selectivity or that it facilitated the manifestation of postpartum estrus. Our results therefore tend to confirm that opiates have a role in the facilitation of maternal behavior at parturition in the ewe.

References

May 1, 1991·Neuroendocrinology·P E MannR S Bridges
Jun 1, 1985·Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior·A D MayerJ S Rosenblatt
Sep 1, 1988·Biology of Reproduction·C H Kinsley, R S Bridges
Jun 1, 1987·Neuroendocrinology·K M KendrickB A Baldwin
Jan 1, 1986·Physiology & Behavior·M B KristalP Abbott
Sep 1, 1985·Physiology & Behavior·D PissonnierE B Keverne
Jan 1, 1981·The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism·R S GolandA G Frantz
Jan 1, 1982·Physiology & Behavior·A S LevineJ E Morley

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Sep 25, 1999·Physiology & Behavior·C M DwyerA B Lawrence
Sep 2, 2005·Developmental Psychobiology·Jennifer K Gregg, Katherine E Wynne-Edwards
Jul 20, 2014·Hormones and Behavior·Rebeca Corona, Frédéric Lévy
May 5, 2000·Experimental Physiology·K M Kendrick
Aug 25, 2004·Hormones and Behavior·F LévyP Poindron
Mar 27, 2001·Equine Veterinary Journal·V Virga, K A Houpt

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.