Effects of maternal methyl-supplemented diet on hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor mRNA expression in rats selected for behavior

Here we report that selection for behavior and maternal methyl-supplemented diet alters rat hippocampus glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mRNA expression. Tame selection is associated with increased GR mRNA expression as compared with aggressive rats, whereas maternal methyl-supplemented diet inhibits tame rat GR gene activity. The gene promoter methylation is a way to alter GR expression

Keywords: rat, selection for behavior, stress, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, glucocorticoid receptor, DNA methylation