Pup suckling is more rewarding than cocaine: evidence from functional magnetic resonance imaging and three-dimensional computational analysis

Imagen de Marcelo Febo
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TítuloPup suckling is more rewarding than cocaine: evidence from functional magnetic resonance imaging and three-dimensional computational analysis
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2005
AutoresFerris, CF, Kulkarni, P, Sullivan, Jr., JM, Harder, JA, Messenger, TL, Febo, M
JournalJ NeurosciJ Neurosci
Volume25
Pagination149-56
Date PublishedJan 5
ISBN Number1529-2401 (Electronic)<br/>0270-6474 (Linking)
Accession Number15634776
AbstractNursing 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.