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A study published in Nature by researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine explored brain mechanisms influencing infanticide in female mice. Focusing on the principal nucleus of the bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNSTpr), the research showed that activation of this region drives females to kill young mice, a behavior commonly exhibited before their first birth to conserve food resources. Chemically blocking the BNSTpr almost completely prevented infanticide, while activation prompted mothers and non-mothers to aggressively attack pups.
The study also revealed an antagonistic relationship between the BNSTpr and the medial preoptic area (MPOA), which encourages maternal behaviors. Before giving birth, high activity in the BNSTpr suppressed the MPOA; post-birth, MPOA activity increased, reducing infanticidal tendencies. These findings suggest that both areas are critical in regulating maternal instincts and aggression in females.
The researchers highlight implications for understanding potential child abuse in humans, as equivalent brain structures are present. They propose that stress or postpartum depression could activate infanticidal behaviors. Future research will examine these brain regions in male mice and explore non-invasive methods to deactivate the BNSTpr.
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