Structural and functional imaging of in maternal oxytocin neural circuits in mice

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K15907
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 46010:Neuroscience-general-related
• Research Institution: Kyoto University (2021-2022); Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (2020)
• Principal Investigator: Yukinaga Hiroko 京都大学, 生命科学研究科, 助教 (30729207)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: メスマウス

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Delivery is regulated by a coordinated network between the endocrine system of the uterus, including the placenta and fetus, and the maternal nervous system. However, few studies have yet explored the dynamics of changes in maternal neural circuits during the perinatal period and their functional analysis. In this application, I investigated the changes in neural circuits during childbirth by trans-synaptic labeling and identified the neuronal cell types involved. We also measured the activation patterns of neurons during childbirth and lactation by fiber photometry. Finally, we aimed to artificially control lactation by altering the activity of target neurons through pharmacogenetics.

Free Research Field

神経科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本成果は、出産や授乳におけるオキシトシン神経細胞の活動を作り出す分子基盤や神経回路基盤の解明に貢献するとともに、授乳の「質」や「量」に影響を与える遺伝的要因と環境因子の探索を促進し、授乳期のQOLの改善に貢献する技術の開発につながるものと期待できる。
特に、母親において子からの吸啜シグナルがオキシトシン神経細胞を強く活性化させる神経経路や増強の仕組みが解明できれば、人為的に効率良くオキシトシン系を活性化させる技術の開発につながる可能性がある。