Behavioral and physiological responses to maternal separation in squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus)

This study extends an examination of the behavioral and pituitary-adrenal responses of infant squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) separated from their mothers under different environmental conditions to another physiological system by measuring the metabolites of the central monoamines found in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This study included spectrographic examination of the vocalizations emitted by the infant during separation. Infants were separated from their mothers for 24 hr under 3 conditions: Home, infant remained in its home cage after removal of mother; adjacent, infant was placed in a cage adjacent to its mother; and total, infant was totally isolated. The behavioral results indicated that the number of calls emitted differed with condition (adjacent greater than total greater than home), and the peak frequency of the calls and number of multiple calls was greatest in the total condition. Plasma cortisol elevations after separation differentiated the conditions of separation (total greater than adjacent greater than home greater than base). The elevations in the CSF catecholamine metabolites (3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol and homovanillic acid) were also sensitive to the conditions of separation (total greater than adjacent greater than base). These results are discussed in the context of coping theory.