Restoration of Dopamine Signaling to the Dorsal Striatum Is Sufficient for Aspects of Active Maternal Behavior in Female Mice

Striatal dopamine (DA) is important for motivated behaviors, including maternal behavior. Recent evidence linking the dorsal striatum with goal-directed behavior suggests that DA signaling in the dorsal striatum, not just the nucleus accumbens, could be involved in maternal behavior. To investigate this question, we tested the maternal behavior of mice with DA genetically restricted to the dorsal striatum. These mice had a mild deficit in pup retrieval but had normal licking/grooming and nursing behavior; consequently, pups were weaned successfully. We also tested a separate group of mice with severely depleted DA in all striatal areas. They had severe deficits in pup retrieval and licking/grooming behavior, whereas nursing behavior was left intact; again, pups survived to weaning at normal rates. We conclude that DA signaling in the striatum is a part of the circuitry mediating maternal behavior and is specifically relevant for active, but not passive, maternal behaviors. In addition, DA in the dorsal striatum is sufficient to allow for active maternal behavior.