Fos expression in the medial preoptic area and nucleus accumbens of female Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) after maternal induction and interaction with chicks

The neural system underlying maternal caregiving has often been studied using laboratory rodents and a few other mammalian species. This research shows that the medial preoptic area (mPOA) integrates sensory cues from young that, along with hormonal environmental signals, control acceptance of neonates. mPOA then activates mesolimbic to drive motivation activities. How components this respond experience exposure in non-mammals rarely examined. To gain more insight into question, virgin female Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) were induced be through four days continuous chicks (Maternal), or not exposed (Non-Maternal). Chicks removed overnight Maternal group half females each for 90 minutes (Exposed), (Non-Exposed), before euthanasia. number Fos-immunoreactive (Fos-ir) cells was examined as marker neuronal activation. As expected, repeated behavior females, which persisted after separation, suggesting formation memory. In contrast, Non-Maternal aggressive rejected when them. Exposed whether they given prior (i.e., regardless if accepted during euthanasia), had Fos-ir compared Non-Exposed females. nucleus accumbens (NAC), high all again lateral bed stria terminalis, site involved general stress responding, groups did differ cells. These data indicate conserved role NAC across vertebrates, acutely responding salience rather than valence offspring cues, showing longer-term changes activity positive even without recent young.