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fullscreen Special neurons in the brain of newborn mice are activated when they are close to their mother. Archive image. Photo: Robert F Bukaty/AP/TT
Researchers have identified particular neurons in newborn mouse pups that are activated when their mother is nearby. The discovery may provide clues about how the bond between parents and newborns occurs.
The researchers have investigated what happens in the brains of newborn mice when they are close to their mothers. They have scouted a certain area, the zona incerta. A part that, among other things, is important for sight, hearing and touch and that is in contact with several other parts of the brain.
The researchers saw that when the mice interacted with their mothers, particular neurons in the zona incerta were activated.
Toys yielded zero
When the researchers placed the baby mice together with other adult mice, the reactions were slightly different. Together with lactating and non-lactating adult female mice, male mice and other mouse pups, they saw some activation of the neurons. But the reaction was nowhere near as strong as when they were close to their own mother.
The researchers also tested what happened when the mice were placed together with fake mice in the form of various toys, both bath ducks and mouse-like cat toys, with the result that the mice then did not react at all.
They also saw that when they artificially activated the specific neurons, it reduced stress in mice separated from their mother. They calmed down and stopped whining.
Gives clues
The researchers write that the study can provide valuable clues in how newborn mammal babies form a bond with their mother.
“How the mice’s brain knows that it should be activated precisely in the vicinity of the mother is still a mystery,” writes one of the researchers behind the study in a press comment.
The study is published in the scientific journal Science.