The role of reward system and circadian clock in maternal memory

2019 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 17K01986
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Basic / Social brain science
• Research Institution: Osaka University
• Principal Investigator: Tominaga Keiko (吉野恵子) 大阪大学, 生命機能研究科, 准教授 (60256196)
• Project Period (FY): 2017-04-01 – 2020-03-31
• Keywords: シナプス可塑性 / マウス / 母性記憶

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We found that synaptogenesis occurred in the reward system of a dam which experienced maternal behavior. The synaptogenesis was retained even though the dam was separated from pups after contacting with them for several days. A protein synthesis inhibitor administered intracerebrally during the contact period inhibited the synaptogenesis in the reward system and maternal memory formation. We also found that the Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptor, which is important for induction of the synaptic plasticity in the cultured hippocampal slices, was also involved in maternal memory formation. It is suggested that maternal memory is established by the mechanism similar to synaptic plasticity produced in other brain regions such as the hippocampus. Our finding indicates the possibility that immature maternal behavior can be corrected by repeating appropriate maternal behavior. Elucidation of the cellular mechanism of maternal memory is expected to pave the way for specific correction methods.

Free Research Field

神経生理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

母性記憶という現象は、生得的（本能的）なものとして考えられてきた養育行動が経験により影響を受けることを示している。母性記憶の細胞基盤を明らかにした本研究成果により、適切な経験を繰り返すことで、未熟な母性行動を適切なものへと修正できる可能性を示すことができた。母性記憶形成の細胞メカニズムの解明は、具体的な修正方法への道筋をつけると期待される。