Presence of mother and unfamiliar female alters levels of testosterone, progesterone, cortisol, adrenocorticotropin, and behavior in maturing guinea pigs (2002)

Hennessy, M. B., Maken, D. S., Graves, F. C.

Abstract

Although the guinea pig is characterized by precocial physical development and minimal active maternal care, studies suggest the presence of the mother can influence neuroendocrine and behavioral activity of offspring even well beyond weaning. ... The present study examined ~40-day-old guinea pigs. ... Offspring housed without the mother for 10 days had the highest progesterone, cortisol, and ACTH levels. ... Regardless of rehousing condition, 60 min isolation in a novel test cage elevated progesterone, cortisol, and ACTH, and reduced testosterone. These effects were all moderated if the subject was tested with the mother or another female. ... Our results corroborate previous findings, ... and indicate that continuous housing with the mother past weaning suppresses circulating progesterone in females and cortisol and ACTH in both sexes.