Read the Article by Heiming and Colleagues (2013), "To Attack

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The Answer is Heiming and colleagues (2013) used a molecular genetic technique called knockout mice to examine the relationship between the serotonin transporter and maternal aggression in lactating female mice. Knockout mice are genetically modified mice in which a specific gene, in this case the serotonin transporter gene, is either partially or completely inactivated. In this study, the researchers specifically looked at 5HTT-knockout mice, which are mice with altered serotonin transporter function.

The function of the serotonin transporter is to reuptake serotonin, a neurotransmitter, from the synaptic cleft back into the presynaptic neuron. This process regulates the levels of serotonin in the brain, which in turn affects mood, behavior, and various physiological functions.

Both homozygous and heterozygous 5HTT-knockout mice showed less offensive aggression than wild-type controls, suggesting that reduced serotonin transporter activity is associated with decreased maternal aggression. This finding is consistent with previous research indicating that serotonin plays a role in the regulation of aggressive behavior.

Two hypotheses regarding how reduced serotonin transporter activity might mediate offensive maternal aggression are:

1. Hypothesis 1: Reduced serotonin transporter activity leads to lower levels of serotonin reuptake, resulting in higher levels of serotonin in the synaptic cleft. This increased serotonin signaling may lead to a decrease in aggressive behavior, as serotonin is known to have inhibitory effects on aggression.

2. Hypothesis 2: Reduced serotonin transporter activity may lead to altered serotonin levels in brain regions associated with aggression, such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. These altered serotonin levels may disrupt the normal regulation of aggressive behavior, leading to decreased offensive aggression in lactating female mice.

These hypotheses are based on the understanding that serotonin is a key neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of aggression, and that alterations in serotonin transporter function can impact serotonin signaling in the brain.

Read the Article by Heiming and Colleagues (2013), "To Attack

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Read the Article by Heiming and Colleagues (2013), "To Attack

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Correct Answer:
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