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| Pup love makes a happy rat. |
Epigenetics is a new study of how the genome expresses itself
according how the environment impacts DNA. In the brain, the DNA
expression can change in response to stress hormone release, especially
during youth.
A
study performed in rats at McGill University showed that pups who
received loving attention from their mothers were less prone to stress
induced behavior when older. For pups that did not receive
affection, life as an adult was not nearly as tranquil. These nurturing
differences impacted how gene structure in the rats’ memory center
cells developed their adult response to stress. Basically, pups who
were neglected were mentally ill, and were probably experiencing chronic
anxiety.
Researchers later examined the brain cells of people who committed
suicide. In their memory centers similar genetic changes were noted.
The important role of child abuse in development seems to reach to the
genetic level.
Similar epigenetic changes also occur during depression, except in a
different area of the brain. In one of the major reward centers, the
nucleus accumbens, significant changes were found. Mice were made
depressed by being forced into battle and the ones that constantly lost
withdrew from their environment. There is analogue to human experience
as well in this regard, which is where the mouse model for depression
was developed. Using a special form of chemical pumped into this reward
center, called an HDAC inhibitor, the DNA in the nucleus accumbens was
unfurled and the cells there had more access to the genes with which the
mouse was naturally endowed. They behaved as if they felt better.
Though genetic patterns were formerly thought of as immutable
programs, in fact, that does not seem to likely be the absolute case.
Child abuse, and societal problems that lead to such conditions must be
ameliorated. In order to make a difference in society we all must
remember that love is the best medicine.
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