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Rearing experience and biogenic amine activity in infant rhesus monkeys
A S Clarke1, D R Hedeker, M H Ebert
1Asher Center for the Study and Treatment of Depressive Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Biological Psychiatry
|September 1, 1996
Summary
Early social experiences significantly impact brain biogenic amine systems in infant monkeys. Peer-reared monkeys exhibit altered norepinephrine and serotonin levels, highlighting the noradrenergic system's sensitivity to early life.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Psychobiology
Background:
- Early social experiences are critical for neurodevelopment.
- The influence of maternal care on infant neurotransmitter systems is not fully understood.
- Biogenic amine systems, particularly the noradrenergic system, play a key role in stress response and behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of early social rearing (mother vs. peer) on biogenic amine systems in infant primates.
- To examine how these rearing conditions affect neurotransmitter levels in response to environmental changes.
- To determine the sensitivity of specific neurotransmitter systems to early life experiences.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of norepinephrine (NE), 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in mother-reared and peer-reared infant monkeys.
- Longitudinal study over the first 6 months of life.
- Assessment of neurotransmitter responses to housing transitions (separation and group formation).
Main Results:
- Peer-reared monkeys displayed higher CSF NE and MHPG levels compared to mother-reared monkeys during early development.
- Peer-reared monkeys showed a diminished NE response to separation and group formation.
- A greater decline in 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) levels was observed in peer-reared monkeys.
- Significantly lower HVA and DOPAC concentrations were found in peer-reared monkeys at 6-8 months of age.
Conclusions:
- Early social experience, particularly maternal care, profoundly influences the development of central nervous system neurotransmitter systems in primates.
- The noradrenergic system appears highly sensitive to early life experiences.
- Rearing conditions can alter baseline neurotransmitter levels and stress-related neurochemical responses.