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Carter Final Thesis - Accessible.pdf (668.24 KB)

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The Physiological and Behavioral Effects of a Centrally Administered Oxytocin Receptor Antagonist on Maternal Buffering in Infant Guinea Pigs

Carter, Kendra A.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1716581562582046

Abstract Details

2024, Master of Science (MS), Wright State University, Physiology and Neuroscience.
This study investigates the role of endogenous oxytocin (OT) in maternal buffering of infant stress responses in guinea pigs. Infants received intracerebroventricular infusion of an oxytocin receptor antagonist (OTA) or artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) immediately before being placed with the mother in a novel environment for 60 minutes. Blood cortisol levels and behavioral responses, including vocalizations and crouching, were measured throughout the testing period. Results indicate only a significant effect of time, with cortisol levels increasing with time spent in the novel environment. Otherwise, no significant differences were observed either physiologically or behaviorally between aCSF and OTA conditions. This study contributes to understanding the role of endogenous OT in maternal buffering of infant stress but suggests additional or alternative neural mechanisms may be at play. Further research is crucial to understanding the complexities of maternal buffering in guinea pigs and potentially in other species.
Patricia Schiml, Ph.D. (Committee Co-Chair)
Michael Hennessy, Ph.D. (Committee Co-Chair)
Michal Kraszpulski, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
69 p.
Behavioral Psychology; Developmental Psychology; Physiological Psychology; Psychobiology
Oxytocin; Maternal Buffering; Stress; Social Buffering

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Carter, K. A. (2024). The Physiological and Behavioral Effects of a Centrally Administered Oxytocin Receptor Antagonist on Maternal Buffering in Infant Guinea Pigs [Master's thesis, Wright State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1716581562582046

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Carter, Kendra. The Physiological and Behavioral Effects of a Centrally Administered Oxytocin Receptor Antagonist on Maternal Buffering in Infant Guinea Pigs. 2024. Wright State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1716581562582046.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Carter, Kendra. "The Physiological and Behavioral Effects of a Centrally Administered Oxytocin Receptor Antagonist on Maternal Buffering in Infant Guinea Pigs." Master's thesis, Wright State University, 2024. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1716581562582046

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

wright1716581562582046
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© 2024, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Wright State University and OhioLINK.