Neural Circuits Related to the Expression of Parental Behavior

Abstract

Parental care is crucial for the survival of young animals. In particular, inappropriate parental behaviors such as abuse and neglect increase the probability of the incidence and severity of mental disorders of the young animals in future. Although the medial preoptic area is known as the most important brain region for controlling parental behavior, it also contributes to various instinctive aspects such as sexual behavior, sleep, and body temperature regulation. The formation of parental behavioral choices remains unclear. Recent advancements in genetic manipulation technologies have enabled the observation and manipulation of specific cell activities in the brains of free-moving animals. Several researchers have investigated the functions and alterations of brain regions associated with parental behavior, including the medial preoptic area. In the present paper, we discuss the latest findings regarding brain function alterations that influence parental behavior and aggression toward their offspring.