The impact of altered timing and quality of maternal care was assessed using a cross-strain fostering approach, with time-misaligned care being represented by SHR and ‘normal’ care by Wistar rats. In general, the more intensive maternal care of the Wistar rat mothers improved most of the parameters of the abnormal SHR circadian phenotype in adulthood; conversely, the less frequent maternal care of the SHR mothers worsened these parameters in the Wistar rat during the early developmental stages. Altogether, our data provide evidence that the circadian phenotype of a foster mother may positively and negatively affect the regulatory mechanisms of various physiological parameters.

Fig. Cross-strain fostering of SHR pups by a Wistar mother improved heart rate.