Kate Yang Rose Hills
The role of subthalamic Neurotensin neurons in parental behavior
Mammalian parental behavior dictates the survival and welfare of offspring, yet the underlying brain circuits responsible are not fully understood. Existing studies point to the medial preoptic area (MPOA) as the major brain hub for regulating pup care; however, MPOA neurons heavily rely on hormonal signaling to promote parental instinct. Sires and virgin mammals can display parental care despite lacking hormonal priming. Thus, there must exist alternative brain circuits independent of hormonal signaling regulating parental behavior.
Changes in the release of the neuropeptide neurotensin (Nts) have been reported during pregnancy and lactation. To explore its role in parental behavior, I will focus on its presence in highly interconnected brain regions capable of regulating complex behaviors that balance internal needs and external stimuli. Among these regions, previous data from the Lammel Lab posits the zona incerta (ZI) and subthalamic nucleus (STN) as key hubs for controlling functional behaviors and behavioral switching. Thus, I hypothesize that Nts+ neurons in the subthalamic area (ZI + STN) promote transitions into parental behavior such as pup retrieval and nest building.
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