A experiência reprodutiva em fêmeas: comportamento maternal, atividade motora, memória e aprendizagem

Abstract

The Reproductive Experience (RE) in females. i.e. pregnancy, childbirth and lactation influence various endocrine, neurochemical and behavioral functions. Thus, the reduction in circulating levels of prolactin led to the discovery of changes in central dopaminergic and serotonergic systems. These modifications result, for example, in the increase of stereotypy induced by a dopaminergic agonist, reduced sensitivity to dopaminergic antagonists, reduced motor activity of the animal and central neurochemical responses. Maternal behavior and the acquisition of reference and operational memory can also be modified according to RE. Thus, the objective of the present study is to observe the influences of RE in rats.