Work

Pup Suckling Is More Rewarding Than Cocaine: Evidence from Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Three-Dimensional Computational Analysis

Year: 2005

Type: article

Abstract: Nursing has reciprocal benefits for both mother and infant, helping to promote maternal behavior and bonding. To test the "rewarding" nature of nursing, functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to map brain activity in lactating dams exposed to their suckling pups versus cocaine. Suckling stimulation in lactating dams and cocaine exposure in virgin females activated the dopamine reward system. In contrast, lactating dams exposed to cocaine instead of pups showed a suppression of brain activity in the reward system. These data support the notion that pup stimulation is more reinforcing than cocaine, underscoring the importance of pup seeking over other rewarding stimuli during lactation.

Source: Journal of Neuroscience

DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3156-04.2005

Authors: Craig F. Ferris, Praveen Kulkarni, John M. Sullivan, Josie A. Harder, Tara L. Messenger, Marcelo Febo

Institutions: University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, University of Bradford

Language: English

Topic: Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse