Infuse oxytocin into the brain of a virgin rat, and she’ll…
““Infuse oxytocin into the brain of a virgin rat, and she’ll act maternally—retrieving, grooming, and licking pups. Block the actions of oxytocin in a rodent mother,*23 and she’ll stop maternal behaviors, including nursing. Oxytocin””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He describes oxytocin’s role in triggering maternal behavior in rats, showing hormonal control of social bonding.
In simple terms: Oxytocin drives motherly actions in rats.
Hormones shape social behavior.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- parental care
- animal research
- psychology
- pharmacology
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Can oxytocin be used to treat social disorders?
- What are the ethical limits of hormonal manipulation?
Human behavior is more complex than a single hormone.