Neural plasticity in fathers of human infants.

TitleNeural plasticity in fathers of human infants.
Publication TypeJournal Article
AuthorsKim, P., P. Rigo, L. C. Mayes, R. Feldman, J. F. Leckman, and J. E. Swain
PubMed ID24958358
PubMed Central IDPMC4144350
Grant ListUL1 TR000433 / TR / NCATS NIH HHS / United States
K05MH076273 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
UL1TR000433 / TR / NCATS NIH HHS / United States
5K05DA020091 / DA / NIDA NIH HHS / United States
K05 DA020091 / DA / NIDA NIH HHS / United States
K05 MH076273 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States

Fathering plays an important role in infants' socioemotional and cognitive development. Previous studies have identified brain regions that are important for parenting behavior in human mothers. However, the neural basis of parenting in human fathers is largely unexplored. In the current longitudinal study, we investigated structural changes in fathers' brains during the first 4 months postpartum using voxel-based morphometry analysis. Biological fathers (n = 16) with full-term, healthy infants were scanned at 2-4 weeks postpartum (time 1) and at 12-16 weeks postpartum (time 2). Fathers exhibited increase in gray matter (GM) volume in several neural regions involved in parental motivation, including the hypothalamus, amygdala, striatum, and lateral prefrontal cortex. On the other hand, fathers exhibited decreases in GM volume in the orbitofrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, and insula. The findings provide evidence for neural plasticity in fathers' brains. We also discuss the distinct patterns of associations among neural changes, postpartum mood symptoms, and parenting behaviors among fathers.

Title Neural plasticity in fathers of human infants.
Publication Title Soc Neurosci
Publication Type Journal Article
Published Year 2014
Authors P. Kim; P. Rigo; L.C. Mayes; R. Feldman; J.F. Leckman; J.E. Swain
ISSN Number 1747-0927
PubMed ID 24958358
PubMed Central ID PMC4144350
Grant List
UL1 TR000433 TR NCATS NIH HHS United States
K05MH076273 MH NIMH NIH HHS United States
UL1TR000433 TR NCATS NIH HHS United States
5K05DA020091 DA NIDA NIH HHS United States
K05 DA020091 DA NIDA NIH HHS United States
K05 MH076273 MH NIMH NIH HHS United States

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