[Dynamics of somatic development and formation of behavioral acts in Wistar rat pups under conditions of repeated maternal separations in pre-weaning period].

Comparative analysis of the dynamics of somatic and sensorimotor development was performed in Wistar rat pups subjected to short (30 min) and long (180 min) daily maternal separations in the first 10 days after birth. Somatic and sensorimotor development in the pre-weaning period in rat pups subjected to the long maternal separations was shown to be considerably slower than in those subjected to the short removals from the nest. The most significant delay in the formation of sensorimotor reactions occurred in the second half of pre-weaning period.

The significance of maternal care for the formation of ethanol preference in rats periodically separated from mothers during the first half of the nest period.

The relationship between the process of ethanol preference formation in rat pups periodically separated from mothers during the first half of the nest period and the intensity of maternal behavior of females was studied. The progeny of females with poor maternal behavior and/or separated from mothers is characterized by slow somatic development and high level of ethanol consumption. The quality of maternal care was inessential for the formation of ethanol preference in rats separated from mothers.