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Physiol Behav

Title:		The maternal pheromone and deoxycholic acid in the survival of preweanling rats
Author(s):		Lee TM; Moltz H;
Address:
Journal Title:		Physiol Behav
Year:		1984
Volume:		33
Issue:		6
Page Number:		931 - 935
DOI:		10.1016/0031-9384(84)90232-4
ISSN/ISBN:		0031-9384 (Print) 0031-9384 (Linking)
Abstract:		"Preweanling rats selectively approach and consume pheromone-containing maternal feces. This selectivity suggests that the consumption of maternal feces might be important for the growing pup. We tested the hypothesis that such feces, because of their high deoxycholic acid content, may protect against acute enteritis. A series of experiments was carried out in which pups were denied access to maternal feces. These pups died more often from acute enteritis than control pups. Additional confirmation of the hypothesis was obtained when feces-denied young fed deoxycholic acid showed a significantly lower mortality than feces-denied young fed laboratory chow alone"
Keywords:		"Animals Animals, Suckling Deoxycholic Acid/*physiology Enteritis/*prevention & control Feces/*analysis Female Lactation Pheromones/*physiology Pregnancy Rats;"
Notes:		"MedlineLee, T M Moltz, H eng HD 06872/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/ S07RR0729/RR/NCRR NIH HHS/ Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S. 1984/12/01 Physiol Behav. 1984 Dec; 33(6):931-5. doi: 10.1016/0031-9384(84)90232-4"