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Double helix: reciprocity between juvenile play and brain development.
1Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States. bcooke@gsu.edu
Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience
|March 23, 2012
Summary
Juvenile rough-and-tumble play, more common in males, is crucial for brain development. This behavior, influenced by hormones and social experiences, shapes adult social and reproductive functions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Biology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Juvenile rough-and-tumble play is a common mammalian behavior, often exhibiting sex differences.
- This play is mediated by complex neural circuits sensitive to sex steroid hormones.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on the function, sexual differentiation, and neural basis of juvenile rough-and-tumble play.
- To explore the role of play in the development of male-typical adult behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on juvenile play, focusing on neurobiological and hormonal influences.
- Analysis of studies using immediate early gene expression and social isolation paradigms.
Main Results:
- Sex differences in play are influenced by neonatal androgen exposure and testicular androgens during play.
- Social experience during adolescence is critical for the expression of male-typical adult behaviors.
- Play is hypothesized to induce neural plasticity, contributing to brain development.
Conclusions:
- Juvenile play is essential for the development of neural circuits underlying adult social and reproductive behaviors.
- Hormonal factors and social interactions during development are key determinants of play behavior and its long-term consequences.
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