Is rat-dam licking behavior regulated by pups' preputial gland secretion?

Abstract

Anogenital licking (AGL) is crucial for pups' survival; nonlicked pups cannot defecate, and they die. A cotton swab impregnated with anogenital smears was investigated and the odorous testbox containing it was sniffed by virgins and adult males as well as by dams. When the pups' heads were rubbed with anogenital smears and the perineal area cleaned, the dams licked only the heads. The same results were obtained with a lipidic extract from pups' preputial glands. Chromatographic analysis of that extract showed the same peaks as those obtained from anogenital smears and thus confirmed preputial glands as the source of the attractant, Without pups' preputial glands, AGL did not disappear, but it was disrupted. Some pups were never licked, and died; median licking time increased from 14.5 (control) to 20 sec. Preputial secretions were designated as a regulating factor of AGL. What may induce AGL in the absence of pups' preputial gland secretion is discussed. © 1991 Psychonomic Society, Inc.