The modulation of play fighting in rats: Role of the motor cortex
The cortex is not necessary for rats to engage in play fighting, but it is necessary for them to modify their pattern of play fighting
The cortex is not necessary for rats to engage in play fighting, but it is necessary for them to modify their pattern of play fighting
During playful interactions, rats emit increased levels of 50-kHz vocalizations. It is possible that these vocalizations are used as play signals that promote and maintain
In a series of 3 experiments on rats, 2 hypotheses were tested: (a) that damage to the orbital frontal cortex (OFC) would alter the socially
Juvenile play experiences promote behavioral flexibility in rats. If other early positive experiences, such as tactile stimulation, are given prior to exposure to psychostimulants, the
This study investigated the effect of postnatal tactile stimulation (TS) on juvenile behavior, adult amphetamine (AMPH) sensitization, and the interaction of TS and AMPH on
Autism is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by qualitative impairments in social behavior, communication, and aberrant repetitive behaviors. A major focus of animal models of
The experience of peer play during the juvenile phase in rats is known to be important for the development of adult social competence. Adult social
Although decorticated rats are able to engage in play, their play is abnormal in three ways. First, decorticates do not display the normal, age-related shifts
Neonatal male rats were either injected subcutaneously with testosterone propionate (TP) or oil vehicle. When weaned, each treated pup was paired with an untreated male
Juvenile social interactions have been shown to influence the dendritic complexity of neurons in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). In particular, social play induces pruning of
We compare the effects of psychoactive drugs such as morphine and amphetamine on the synaptic organization of neurons in the orbital frontal (OFC) and medial
Juvenile play behavior in rats promotes later behavioral flexibility and appears to do so by modifying the neural systems that regulate the animal’s response to
Join our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest in play.
NIFPlay and Dr. Stuart Brown have been featured in these media outlets (and more!)
The Institute wants the world to know:
A) Playing, being playful, is the healthiest way to spend your time (after feeding and housing yourself).
B) The activities that evoke playful feelings are unique to each of us.
© Copyright 2007-2025. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Cookie Policy.
National Institute for Play is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, public benefit corporation.
