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Examining the role of endogenous opioids in learned odor–stroke associations in infant rats
Author(s) -
Roth Tania L.,
Sullivan Regina M.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
developmental psychobiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.055
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1098-2302
pISSN - 0012-1630
DOI - 10.1002/dev.20107
Subject(s) - odor , psychology , endogenous opioid , neuroscience , naltrexone , memory consolidation , developmental psychology , opioid , medicine , receptor , hippocampus
Maternal touch profoundly regulates infant neural and behavioral development, and supports learned odor associations necessary for infant attachment. Endogenous opioids are well characterized to mediate the calming and analgesic properties of maternal touch; yet their role in learned odor–touch associations is unknown. We administered naltrexone, an opioid receptor antagonist, before or immediately following classical conditioning with peppermint odor and tactile stimulation (stroking) in rat neonates. Results indicate odor–stroke conditioning produces odor preferences facilitated by endogenous opioids during acquisition and memory consolidation. These results provide additional evidence for the modulatory role of opioids in neonate learning and memory. Disturbances to this system may alter the impact of touch on infant development, particularly in the realm of learning necessary for attachment. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 48: 71–78, 2006.