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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” quote by Robert M. Sapolsky
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““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””

Robert M. Sapolsky

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.

Key Takeaway

Hormones shape social behavior.

Themes

biology neuroscience social bonding

Mood

scientific thought‑provoking

Type

educational research

When to use this quote

  • parental care
  • animal research
  • psychology
  • pharmacology

Key Concepts

oxytocin maternal instinct neuroendocrinology

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can oxytocin be used to treat social disorders?
  • What are the ethical limits of hormonal manipulation?
A Different Perspective

Human behavior is more complex than a single hormone.

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