Influence of Temperature on Motor Behaviors in Newborn Opossums (Monodelphis domestica): An In Vitro Study.

ABSTRACT: External thermosensation is crucial to regulate animal behavior and homeostasis, but the development of the mammalian thermosensory system is not well known. We investigated whether temperature could play a role in the control of movements in a mammalian model born very immature, the opossum (Monodelphis domestica). Like other marsupials, at birth the opossum performs alternate and rhythmic movements with its forelimbs (FLs) to reach a teat where it attaches in order to continue its development. It was shown that FL movements can be induced by mechanical stimulation of the snout in in vitro preparations of newborns consisting of the neuraxis with skin and FLs intact. In the present study, we used puff ejections of cold, neutral (bath temperature) and hot liquid directed toward the snout to

SUBMITTER: Corriveau-Parenteau E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6553572 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May/Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature