Postnatal exposure to predator odor induces modification in fear-related behaviors at adulthood without changers in corticosterone levels

Environmental stimuli and adverse experiences in early life may result in behavioral and physiological changes in adulthood. In several animal species, the odors cues are crucial in the setting of adaptive behaviors, especially towards predators. However, little is known about the effects of postnatal exposure to predator odor on the later physiological and behavioral responses to this natural stressor. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a postnatal exposure to synthethic predator odor (TMT) in mice pups on later adult fear-related behaviors and corticosterone levels in response to this specific stimulus. Compared to pups only postnatally exposed to water, results showed that behavioral responses were significantly different in the group of mice exposed to TMT, i.e. a decrease of fear-related behaviors while no differences occurred in the corticosterone levels between both groups