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6815727 
Journal Article 
Review 
The programming of individual differences in defensive responses and reproductive strategies in the rat through variations in maternal care 
Cameron, NM; Champagne, FA; Parent, C; Fish, EW; Ozaki-Kuroda, K; Meaney, MJ 
2005 
Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews
ISSN: 0149-7634
EISSN: 1873-7528 
29 
4-5 
843-865 
English 
There are profound maternal effects on individual differences in defensive responses and reproductive strategies in species ranging literally from plants to insects to birds. Maternal effects commonly reflect the quality of the environment and are most likely mediated by the quality of the maternal provision (egg, propagule, etc.), which in turn determines growth rates and adult phenotype. In this paper, we review data from the rat that suggest comparable forms of maternal effects on both defensive responses to threat and reproductive behavior and which are mediated by variations in maternal behavior. Ultimately, we will need to contend with the reality that neural development, function and health are defined by social and economic influences.