Final answer:
A study found that rat pups who experienced abuse during the postnatal period exhibited depressive-like symptoms during adolescence. This study demonstrated a potential relationship between child abuse and alterations in glucocorticoid receptor expression and methylation.
Step-by-step explanation:
A study conducted by Raineki, Cortés, Belnoue, and Sullivan (2012) found that rat pups who experienced abuse during the postnatal period exhibited depressive-like symptoms during adolescence.
This study demonstrated that negative early life experiences, such as abusive treatment, could alter the function of the amygdala and result in behaviors that mimic human mood disorders.
The findings suggest a potential relationship between child abuse and alterations in glucocorticoid receptor expression and methylation, as increased activation of the amygdala was correlated with depressive-like symptoms.