Mice reared with rat aunts: Effects in adulthood upon plasma corticosterone and open-field activity

Control mice were reared from birth to weaning in the normal fashion while experimental mice had an adult nonlactating female rat (aunt) present in the maternity cage from 4 days of age until weaning at 21 days.

Abstract

Control mice were reared from birth to weaning in the normal fashion while experimental mice had an adult nonlactating female rat (aunt) present in the maternity cage from 4 days of age until weaning at 21 days. The aunt took over many of the caretaking activities of the mother but could not nurse the young. In adulthood the experimental mice were found to be less active in the open field, to weigh more, and to give a lesser plasma corticosterone response to a novel stimulus.