885-Neural Mechanisms of Maternal Aggression Plasticity

Paper Talk · May 1, 2026 · 20m

This research identifies a specific neural pathway that controls maternal aggression in mice, specifically the circuit connecting the posterior amygdala (PA) to the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMHvl). The study demonstrates that PA cells expressing estrogen receptor alpha are essential for driving protective attacks against intruders, showing significantly higher activity and synaptic strength during the lactation period compared to the virgin state. Scientists found that the hormone oxytocin acts as a key modulator, boosting the output of this circuit to increase aggression when pups are…