Sleep and Behavior in Cross-Fostering Rats: Developmental and Sex Aspects

• DOI: 10.5665/sleep.6328
• Publication Date: 2016-11-30T20:00:49Z
• Authors: Olena Santangeli; Henna Lehtikuja; Eeva Palomäki; Henna-Kaisa Wigren; Tiina Paunio; Tarja Porkka-Heis...
• Keywords: Sleep

Adverse early-life events induce behavioral psychopathologies and sleep changes in adulthood. In order to understand the molecular level mechanisms by which maltreatment modifies sleep, valid animal models are needed. Changing pups between mothers at early age (cross-fostering) may satisfyingly model adverse human childhood.Cross-fostering (CF) was used mild stress male female Wistar rats. Behavior BDNF gene expression basal forebrain (BF), cortex, hypothalamus were assessed during adolescence Spontaneous homeostasis, BF extracellular adenosine levels adulthood.CF rats demonstrated increased number of REM onsets light dark periods day. Total NREM duration also period. While homeostasis not severely affected, both CF lower than controls. did lead considerable behavior.Even when consequences observed tests for anxiety depression, they leave a mark brain, can act as vulnerability factor later life. Sleep is sensitive indicator even stress.