Effects of maternal separation on behaviors under group-housed conditions by a novel behavior analysis system and investigation of related brain regions

2018 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 17H07032
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Research Field: Hygiene and public health
• Research Institution: Nara Medical University
• Principal Investigator: ENDO Nozomi 奈良県立医科大学, 医学部, 研究助教 (90802819)
• Project Period (FY): 2017-08-25 – 2019-03-31
• Keywords: マウスモデル / 集団飼育 / 社会性 / 社会行動 / 母子分離 / 環境要因 / 自閉症 / 行動神経科学

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we investigated what influence the early life growth environment had on the behavior in the social group after growth, and aimed to elucidate its neural basis. Using a unique test method that enables long-term behavioral testing in group housing condition, we clarified that maternal separation during lactation and isolation rearing after weaning affect the activity and social behavior in the group housing. In addition, we identified behavioral phenotypes in model mice for autism.

Free Research Field

行動神経科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究では独自の試験法により、幼少期の成育環境が成長後の集団内における行動様式に影響を与えることを明らかにした。また、自閉症モデルマウスの集団内における行動表現型を明らかにした。今後、これら行動学的異常の関係およびその神経基盤を解明することで、予防・治療法の開発など臨床応用につながる基礎的知見となる。