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Bode A. Corrigendum: Romantic love evolved by co-opting mother-infant bonding. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1402313. [PMID: 38741753 PMCID: PMC11089465 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1402313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1176067.].
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Bode A. Romantic love evolved by co-opting mother-infant bonding. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1176067. [PMID: 37915523 PMCID: PMC10616966 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1176067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
For 25 years, the predominant evolutionary theory of romantic love has been Fisher's theory of independent emotion systems. That theory suggests that sex drive, romantic attraction (romantic love), and attachment are associated with distinct neurobiological and endocrinological systems which evolved independently of each other. Psychological and neurobiological evidence, however, suggest that a competing theory requires attention. A theory of co-opting mother-infant bonding sometime in the recent evolutionary history of humans may partially account for the evolution of romantic love. I present a case for this theory and a new approach to the science of romantic love drawing on human psychological, neurobiological, and (neuro)endocrinological studies as well as animal studies. The hope is that this theoretical review, along with other publications, will generate debate in the literature about the merits of the theory of co-opting mother-infant bonding and a new evolutionary approach to the science of romantic love.
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Baxter A, Lau AR, Savidge LE, Bales KL. Initial compatibility during a "Speed-Dating" test predicts postpairing affiliation in titi monkeys (Plecturocebus cupreus). Am J Primatol 2023; 85:e23496. [PMID: 37101314 PMCID: PMC10560403 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Behavioral compatibility plays a critical role in shaping how potential mates interact with and evaluate each other and whether they choose to pursue a relationship. Compatibility is especially important for mate choice and relationship quality in pair-bonding species that form long-term attachments between mates. Although this process has been studied in humans and birds, relatively few studies have investigated it in non-human primates. In this study, we investigated whether pairing titi monkeys (Plecturocebus cupreus) based on initial compatibility increased postpairing affiliation between mates. Subjects were 12 unpaired adult titi monkeys (two cohorts of three males and three females). We determined each subject's initial interest in each opposite-sex potential mate in their cohort across a series of six 30-min interaction periods (i.e., "speed-dates"). To determine initial compatibility, we used the Social Relations Model to calculate relationship effects in initial interest (how much each subject uniquely preferred each potential mate beyond their own affiliative disposition and their partner's popularity). We then paired monkeys in a way that maximized net relationship effects between pairs, and measured longitudinal pair affiliation (Proximity, Contact, Tail Twining, and Combined Affiliation) for 6 months postpairing using daily scan-sample observations and monthly home-cage video recordings. Multilevel models showed that, on average, the six speed-dating pairs exhibited higher levels of Tail Twining (determined from scan-sample observations; β = 0.31) compared to a group of 13 age-matched colony pairs that were determined quasi-randomly without quantifying compatibility. The degree of initial compatibility within speed-dating pairs also predicted higher levels of Combined Affiliation (determined from video recordings) at earlier post-pairing time points, with the association peaking at 2 months postpairing (β = 0.57). These findings suggest that initial compatibility facilitates pair bonding in titi monkeys. We conclude by discussing how the speed-dating design can be used for colony management to inform pair-housing decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Baxter
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis
- California National Primate Research Center
| | - Allison R. Lau
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis
- California National Primate Research Center
- Animal Behavior Graduate Group, University of California, Davis
| | - Logan E. Savidge
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis
- California National Primate Research Center
| | - Karen L. Bales
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis
- California National Primate Research Center
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis
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Baxter A, Karaskiewicz CL, Campbell LA, Kinnally EL, Ferrer E, Seelke AHM, Freeman SM, Bales KL. Parental experience is linked with lower vasopressin receptor 1a binding and decreased postpartum androgens in titi monkeys. J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13304. [PMID: 37267441 PMCID: PMC10521943 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Parenting induces many neurological and behavioral changes that enable parents to rear offspring. Vasopressin plays an important role in this process via its effects on cognition, affect, and neuroplasticity, and in some cases, via interactions with decreased parental androgens. Thus far, the role of these hormones has been primarily studied in rodents. To address this gap, we explored vasopressin receptors and androgens in titi monkeys, a pair-bonding and biparental primate species. In Studies 1 and 2, we used receptor autoradiography to correlate arginine vasopressin receptor 1a (AVPR1a) binding in the hippocampus (Study 1, n = 10) and the rest of the forebrain (Study 2, n = 23) with parental status, parental experience, parity, infant carrying, and pair affiliation. We found that parents exhibited lower AVPR1a binding than non-parents throughout most brain regions assessed, with especially strong effects in the hippocampus (β = -.61), superior colliculus (β = -.88), lateral septum (β = -.35), and medial preoptic area (β = -.29). The other measures of parental experience also tended to be negatively associated with AVPR1a binding across different brain regions. In Study 3 (n = 44), we compared pre- and postpartum urinary androgen levels in parents and non-parents and found that mothers exhibited a sustained androgen decrease across 3-4 months postpartum (relative to 3 months prepartum; β ranged from -.72 to -.62 for different comparisons). For males, we found that multiparous fathers exhibited decreased androgen levels at 1-2 weeks postpartum (β = -.25) and at 3-4 months postpartum (β = -.40) compared to the prepartum, indicating both immediate and long-term reductions with subsequent paternal experience. Together, the results of this study suggest that decreases in AVPR1a binding and circulating androgens are associated with parental behavior and physiology in titi monkeys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Baxter
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis
- California National Primate Research Center
| | - Chloe L. Karaskiewicz
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis
- California National Primate Research Center
| | - Lindsey A. Campbell
- California National Primate Research Center
- Department of Animal Biology, University of California, Davis
| | - Erin L. Kinnally
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis
- California National Primate Research Center
| | - Emilio Ferrer
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis
| | - Adele H. M. Seelke
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis
- California National Primate Research Center
| | - Sara M. Freeman
- California National Primate Research Center
- Utah State University, Department of Biology
| | - Karen L. Bales
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis
- California National Primate Research Center
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis
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5
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Abstract
Some paired primates use complex, coordinated vocal signals to communicate within and between family groups. The information encoded within those signals is not well understood, nor is the intricacy of individuals' behavioral and physiological responses to these signals. Considering the conspicuous nature of these vocal signals, it is a priority to better understand paired primates' responses to conspecific calls. Pair-bonded titi monkeys (Plecturocebus cupreus) sing duets comprised of the male and female's long call. Here, we use a playback study to assess female titi monkeys' responses to different vocal stimuli based on the subject's pairing status. Six adult female titi monkeys participated in the study at two timepoints--pre-pairing and post-pairing. At each timepoint, subjects underwent three distinct playbacks--control recording, male solo vocalization, and pair duet. Behaviors such as locomotion and vocalizations were scored during and after the playback, and cortisol and androgen values were assessed via a plasma blood sample. Female titi monkeys attended more to social signals compared to the control, regardless of pairing status. However, in the time immediately following any playback type, female titi monkeys trilled more and spent a greater proportion of time locomoting during pre-pairing timepoints (compared to post-pairing). Female titi monkeys' behavioral responses to social audio stimuli, combined with subjects' increases in cortisol and androgens as paired individuals, imply female titi monkeys attend and respond to social signals territorially.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison R. Lau
- Graduate Group in Animal Behavior, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616
| | - Ashley D. Cunningham
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616
| | - Karen L. Bales
- Graduate Group in Animal Behavior, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616
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6
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Freund-Mercier MJ. [How oxytocin became overtime the attachment-mediating hormone]. Biol Aujourdhui 2023; 216:113-123. [PMID: 36744977 DOI: 10.1051/jbio/2022014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin is a pleiotropic molecule which, in addition to its facilitating action during parturition and milk ejection, is involved in social and prosocial behaviors such as attachment. This article presents, after a brief historical review, the action of oxytocin during the milk ejection reflex. Oxytocin is indeed essential for this vital function in mammals. It is both a neurohormone released into the bloodstream by the axon terminals of the posterior pituitary and a neuromodulator released in the hypothalamus by the soma and dendrites of oxytocinergic magnocellular neurons. In addition, oxytocin is also released by the axon terminals of parvocellular neurons and axon collaterals of magnocellular neurons in the brain. Both maternal attachment in rats and ewes and attachment between sexual partners in the prairie vole, one of the few monogamous rodent species, are mediated by central oxytocin. However, neither administering oxytocin into the brain nor increasing expression of the oxytocin receptor in the nucleus accumbens using a gene transfer technique converts polygamous voles to monogamous ones. Unfortunately, translation of animal data to human remains problematic due to still unsolved difficulties in modifying the level of oxytocin in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-José Freund-Mercier
- Institut des Neurosciences cellulaires et intégratives, UPR CNRS 3212, Université de Strasbourg, 4, rue Blaise Pascal, 67081 Strasbourg, France
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Alexander Baxter, Jessica A. Maxwell, Karen L. Bales, Eli J. Finkel, Emily A. Impett, Paul W. Eastwick. Initial impressions of compatibility and mate value predict later dating and romantic interest. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2206925119. [PMID: 36322750 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2206925119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Romantic first impressions seem to linger, but why? Few studies have investigated how romantic desire during initial interactions predicts later relational outcomes (e.g., later romantic interest, contact attempts) using a design that can tease apart different possible mechanisms (e.g., mate value, selectivity, compatibility). Across three speed-dating studies (n = 559) with longitudinal follow-ups (including college and community samples, and a sample of men who date men), we investigated whether different components of initial romantic impressions predicted later romantic outcomes and relationship initiation. Using the social relations model, we partitioned initial desire at speed dating (determined from 6,600+ total dates) into partner effects (a date's consensual desirability, e.g., mate value), actor effects (a participant's general desirousness, e.g., selectivity), and relationship effects (a participant's unique liking for a date over and beyond partner and actor effects, e.g., compatibility) to predict later evaluations (romantic interest, physical attraction, and desire to know better) and behaviors (direct messaging and going on dates). Meta-analyses across the three studies showed that, across 6,100+ follow-up reports, partner and relationship effects were especially strong predictors of relationship initiation variables. Consistent with evolutionary models of human pair bonding, these findings suggest that both consensually desirable traits and unique impressions of compatibility have lingering effects on relationship development, even from the moment that two potential partners meet.
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Borie AM, Young LJ, Liu RC. Sex-specific and social experience-dependent oxytocin-endocannabinoid interactions in the nucleus accumbens: implications for social behaviour. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210057. [PMID: 35858094 PMCID: PMC9272148 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin modulates social behaviour across diverse vertebrate taxa, but the precise nature of its effects varies across species, individuals and lifetimes. Contributing to this variation is the fact that oxytocin's physiological effects are mediated through interaction with diverse neuromodulatory systems and can depend on the specifics of the local circuits it acts on. Furthermore, those effects can be influenced by both genetics and experience. Here we discuss this complexity through the lens of a specific neuromodulatory system, endocannabinoids, interacting with oxytocin in the nucleus accumbens to modulate prosocial behaviours in prairie voles. We provide a survey of current knowledge of oxytocin-endocannabinoid interactions in relation to social behaviour. We review in detail recent research in monogamous female prairie voles demonstrating that social experience, such as mating and pair bonding, can change how oxytocin modulates nucleus accumbens glutamatergic signalling through the recruitment of endocannabinoids to modulate prosocial behaviour toward the partner. We then discuss potential sex differences in experience-dependent modulation of the nucleus accumbens by oxytocin in voles based on new data in males. Finally, we propose that future oxytocin-based precision medicine therapies should consider how prior social experience interacts with sex and genetics to influence oxytocin actions. This article is part of the theme issue 'Interplays between oxytocin and other neuromodulators in shaping complex social behaviours'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amélie M. Borie
- Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Larry J. Young
- Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Robert C. Liu
- Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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9
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Simmons TC, Freeman SM, Lackey NS, Dreyer BK, Manoli DS, Bales KL. Cannabinoid receptor Type 1 densities reflect social organization in Microtus. J Comp Neurol 2021; 529:1004-1017. [PMID: 33460115 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Across many species, endocannabinoids play an important role in regulating social play, reward, and anxiety. These processes are mediated through at least two distinct cannabinoid receptors (CB), CB1 and CB2. CB1 expression is found in appreciable densities across regions of the brain that integrate memory with socio-spatial information; many of these regions have been directly linked to the neurobiology of pair bonding in monogamous species. Using receptor autoradiography, we provide the first distributional map of CB1 within the brains of closely related monogamous prairie voles and promiscuous meadow voles, and compare receptor densities across sexes and species in limbic regions. We observe CB1-specific signal using [3H] CP-55,940 and [3H] SR141716A, though the latter exhibited a lower signal to noise ratio. We confirmed the presence of CB2 in prairie vole spleen tissue using [3H] CP-55,940. However, we found no evidence of CB2 in the brain using either [3H] CP-55,940 or [3H] A-836,339. The overall distribution of putative CB1 in the brain was similar across vole species and followed the pattern of CB1 expression observed in other species-high intensity binding within the telencephalon, moderate binding within the diencephalon, and mild binding within the mesencephalon and metencephalon (aside from the cerebellar cortex). However, we found profound differences in CB1 densities across species, with prairie voles having higher CB1 binding in regions implicated in social attachment and spatial memory (e.g., periaqueductal gray, hippocampus). These findings suggest that CB1 densities, but not distribution, correlate with the social systems of vole species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trenton C Simmons
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Sara M Freeman
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, California, USA.,Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, USA
| | - Nicholas S Lackey
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Brooke K Dreyer
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Devanand S Manoli
- Center for Integrative Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Karen L Bales
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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Mercier F, Witczak LR, Bales KL. Coppery titi monkey (Plecturocebus cupreus) pairs display coordinated behaviors in response to a simulated intruder. Am J Primatol 2020; 82:e23141. [PMID: 32415703 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Mate guarding and coordinated behaviors between partners are important for the maintenance of monogamous pair bonds. To study the effects of a perceived unfamiliar social intruder on females' behavior, we used coppery titi monkeys (Plecturocebus cupreus). We examined the effects of male aggressive temperament on females' behavior and the effects of each behavior performed by the male on the same female behavior. Using a mirror, we simulated a social intruder in the home territory and scored behaviors using an established ethogram. Based on our analysis of self-directed behaviors, females do not recognize themselves in the mirror. We then used general linear mixed models to predict percent change in females' behaviors as a function of (a) males' temperament, (b) males' behavior, and (c) an interaction between males' temperament and behavior. Male temperament did not significantly predict female behavior for any of our best fitting models. For percent change in female lip-smacking, male lip-smacking significantly predicted female lip-smacking (β = 0.74, SE = 0.22, t = 3.39; p = .004). There was a positive correlation between male and female agonistic behaviors such as back-arching/tail-lashing (β = 0.51, SE = 0.23, t = 2.22; p = .04) and for anxiety-related behaviors such as leaving the partner (β = 0.50, SE = 0.19, t = 2.68; p = .015), locomotion duration (β = 0.19, SE = 0.06, t = 2.98; p = .02), and locomotion frequency (β = 0.71, SE = 0.14, t = 5.17; p < .001). These findings on coordination of pair-mate behaviors may explain how titi monkeys display pair bond strength and ensure their reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Mercier
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Toulouse, France.,California National Primate Research Center, Davis, California
| | - Lynea R Witczak
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, California.,Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Karen L Bales
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, California.,Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
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11
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Tolomeo S, Chiao B, Lei Z, Chew SH, Ebstein RP. A Novel Role of CD38 and Oxytocin as Tandem Molecular Moderators of Human Social Behavior. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 115:251-272. [PMID: 32360414 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin is an important modulator of human affiliative behaviors, including social skills, human pair bonding, and friendship. CD38 will be discussed as an immune marker and then in more detail the mechanisms of CD38 on releasing brain oxytocin. Mention is made of the paralogue of oxytocin, vasopressin, that has often overlapping and complementary functions with oxytocin on social behavior. Curiously, vasopressin does not require CD38 to be released from the brain. This review discusses the social salience hypothesis of oxytocin action, a novel view of how this molecule influences much of human social behaviors often in contradictory ways. The oxytocinergic-vasopressinergic systems are crucial modulators of broad aspects of human personality. Of special interest are studies of these two hormones in trust related behavior observed using behavioral economic games. This review also covers the role of oxytocin in parenting and parental attachment. In conclusion, the effects of oxytocin on human behavior depend on the individual's social context and importantly as well, the individual's cultural milieu, viz. East and West. ACRONYMS: ACC = Anterior Cingulate ADP = Adenosine diphosphate AQ = Autism Quotient cADPR = Cyclic ADP-ribose CNS = Central nervous system DA = Dopamine eQTLC = Expression Quantitative Trait Loci LC-NE = Locus Coeruleus-Norepinephrine MRI = Magnetic Resonance Imaging OFC = Orbitofrontal cortices OXT = Oxytocin RAGE = Receptor for advanced glycation end-products SARM1 = Sterile Alpha and toll/interleukin-1 receptor motif-containing 1 TRPM2= Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel Subfamily M Member 2 AVP = Vasopressin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serenella Tolomeo
- Department of Psychology, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Benjamin Chiao
- CCBEF (China Center for Behavior Economics and Finance) & SOE (School of Economics), Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, Chengdu, China; PSB Paris School of Business, Paris, France
| | - Zhen Lei
- CCBEF (China Center for Behavior Economics and Finance) & SOE (School of Economics), Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, Chengdu, China
| | - Soo Hong Chew
- CCBEF (China Center for Behavior Economics and Finance) & SOE (School of Economics), Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, Chengdu, China.
| | - Richard P Ebstein
- CCBEF (China Center for Behavior Economics and Finance) & SOE (School of Economics), Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, Chengdu, China.
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12
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Lau AR, Clink DJ, Bales KL. Individuality in the vocalizations of infant and adult coppery titi monkeys (Plecturocebus cupreus). Am J Primatol 2020; 82:e23134. [PMID: 32298003 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
As social animals, many primates use acoustic communication to maintain relationships. Vocal individuality has been documented in a diverse range of primate species and call types, many of which have presumably different functions. Auditory recognition of one's neighbors may confer a selective advantage if identifying conspecifics decreases the need to participate in costly territorial behaviors. Alternatively, vocal individuality may be nonadaptive and the result of a unique combination of genetics and environment. Pair-bonded primates, in particular, often participate in coordinated vocal duets that can be heard over long distances by neighboring conspecifics. In contrast to adult calls, infant vocalizations are short-range and used for intragroup communication. Here, we provide two separate but complementary analyses of vocal individuality in distinct call types of coppery titi monkeys (Plecturocebus cupreus) to test whether individuality occurs in call types from animals of different age classes with presumably different functions. We analyzed 600 trill vocalizations from 30 infants and 169 pulse-chirp duet vocalizations from 30 adult titi monkeys. We predicted that duet contributions would exhibit a higher degree of individuality than infant trills, given their assumed function for long-distance, intergroup communication. We estimated 7 features from infant trills and 16 features from spectrograms of adult pulse-chirps, then used discriminant function analysis with leave-one-out cross-validation to classify individuals. We correctly classified infants with 48% accuracy and adults with 83% accuracy. To further investigate variance in call features, we used a multivariate variance components model to estimate variance partitioning in features across two levels: within- and between-individuals. Between-individual variance was the most important source of variance for all features in adults, and three of four features in infants. We show that pulse-chirps of adult titi monkey duets are individually distinct, and infant trills are less individually distinct, which may be due to the different functions of the vocalizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison R Lau
- Animal Behavior Graduate Group, University of California-Davis, Davis, California.,California National Primate Research Center, University of California-Davis, Davis, California
| | - Dena J Clink
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Center for Conservation Bioacoustics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Karen L Bales
- Animal Behavior Graduate Group, University of California-Davis, Davis, California.,California National Primate Research Center, University of California-Davis, Davis, California.,Department of Psychology, University of California-Davis, Davis, California
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13
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Epple G, Alveario MC. Social facilitation of agonistic responses to strangers in pairs of saddle back tamarins (Saguinus fuscicollis). Am J Primatol 2020; 9:207-218. [PMID: 31986793 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.1350090306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/1985] [Accepted: 07/08/1985] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The effect of the presence of a familiar social partner on the interactions of saddle back tamarins with unfamiliar conspecifics was studied. Fifteen adult male-female pairs, of which six were composed of a castrated male and an intact female, served as subjects. All subject pairs were given two social encounters during which both mates met a strange male and two encounters during which they met a strange female. In addition, all subjects were given four encounters during which they met the same strangers while their own pair mates were absent. As a group, the subjects showed higher intensities of injurious aggression and of agonistic displays when they met strangers in the presence of their own pair mates. Females and castrated males, as subgroups, showed significant increases in most agonistic responses when they met strangers in the presence of their pair mates. Intact males, however, did not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisela Epple
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,German Primate Center, Gǒttingen, Federal Republic of Germany
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14
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Alger SJ, Kelm-Nelson CA, Stevenson SA, Juang C, Gammie SC, Riters LV. Complex patterns of dopamine-related gene expression in the ventral tegmental area of male zebra finches relate to dyadic interactions with long-term female partners. Genes Brain Behav 2019; 19:e12619. [PMID: 31634415 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Dopaminergic projections from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to multiple efferent targets are implicated in pair bonding, yet the role of the VTA in the maintenance of long-term pair bonds is not well characterized. Complex interactions between numerous neuromodulators modify activity in the VTA, suggesting that individual differences in patterns of gene expression in this region may explain individual differences in long-term social interactions in bonded pairs. To test this hypothesis we used RNA-seq to measure expression of over 8000 annotated genes in male zebra finches in established male-female pairs. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified a gene module that contained numerous dopamine-related genes with TH found to be the most connected gene of the module. Genes in this module related to male agonistic behaviors as well as bonding-related behaviors produced by female partners. Unsupervised learning approaches identified two groups of males that differed with respect to expression of numerous genes. Enrichment analyses showed that many dopamine-related genes and modulators differed between these groups, including dopamine receptors, synthetic and degradative enzymes, the avian dopamine transporter and several GABA- and glutamate-related genes. Many of the bonding-related behaviors closely associated with VTA gene expression in the two male groups were produced by the male's partner, rather than the male himself. Collectively, results highlight numerous candidate genes in the VTA that can be explored in future studies and raise the possibility that the molecular/genetic organization of the VTA may be strongly shaped by a social partner and/or the strength of the pair bond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Alger
- Department of Biology, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Stevens Point, Wisconsin
| | - Cynthia A Kelm-Nelson
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Sharon A Stevenson
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Charity Juang
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Stephen C Gammie
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Lauren V Riters
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
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15
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Fischer EK, Nowicki JP, O'Connell LA. Evolution of affiliation: patterns of convergence from genomes to behaviour. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 374:20180242. [PMID: 31154971 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2018.0242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Affiliative behaviours have evolved many times across animals. Research on the mechanisms underlying affiliative behaviour demonstrates remarkable convergence across species spanning wide evolutionary distances. Shared mechanisms have been identified with genomic approaches analysing genetic variants and gene expression differences as well as neuroendocrine and molecular approaches exploring the role of hormones and signalling molecules. We review the genomic and neural basis of pair bonding and parental care across diverse taxa to shed light on mechanistic patterns that underpin the convergent evolution of affiliative behaviour. We emphasize that mechanisms underlying convergence in complex phenotypes like affiliation should be evaluated on a continuum, where signatures of convergence may vary across levels of biological organization. In particular, additional comparative studies within and across major vertebrate lineages will be essential in resolving when and why shared neural substrates are repeatedly targeted in the independent evolution of affiliation, and how similar mechanisms are evolutionarily tuned to give rise to species-specific variations in behaviour. This article is part of the theme issue 'Convergent evolution in the genomics era: new insights and directions'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva K Fischer
- Department of Biology, Stanford University , Stanford, CA 95305 , USA
| | - Jessica P Nowicki
- Department of Biology, Stanford University , Stanford, CA 95305 , USA
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16
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Witczak LR, Ferrer E, Bales KL. Effects of aggressive temperament on endogenous oxytocin levels in adult titi monkeys. Am J Primatol 2018; 80:e22907. [PMID: 30106168 PMCID: PMC6719780 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Coordination of oxytocin (OT) activity and partner interactions is important for the facilitation and maintenance of monogamous pair bonds. We used coppery titi monkeys (Callicebus cupreus) to identify the effects of male aggressive temperament on OT activity, affiliative partner-directed behaviors, aggressive partner-directed behaviors, anxiety-related behaviors, and hormone-behavior interactions. We used a mirror technique, simulating an intruder in the home territory of pairs to elicit behavioral responses, and quantified behaviors using an established ethogram. Plasma concentrations of OT (pg/ml) were quantified using enzyme immunoassay. We used general linear mixed models to predict 1) percent change in OT as a function of aggression score, and 2) percent change in behaviors as a function of aggression, OT, and OT by aggression interactions. High-aggressive males exhibited a significant drop in OT concentration relative to control when exposed to the front of the mirror (β = -0.22, SE = 0.10, t = -2.20, p = 0.04). High-aggressive males spent significantly less time in contact with their mates (β = -1.35, SE = 0.60, t = -2.26, p = 0.04) and lip-smacked less (β = -1.02, SE = 0.44, t = -2.32, p = 0.03) relative to control. We also saw a trend toward an interaction effect between OT and proximity such that High-aggressive males displaying a drop in OT exhibited a smaller percent increase in social proximity (β = 6.80, SE = 3.48, t = 1.96, p = 0.07). Males exhibiting a decrease in OT also trended toward back-arching and tail-lashing less in response to the mirror (β = 4.53, SE = 2.5, t = 1.82, p = 0.09). To our knowledge, this is the first empirical study to examine interactions between OT and temperament in adult monogamous primates. Future studies should incorporate measures of pair-mate interactions and early-life experience to further understand variation in responses to social stressors and their effects on pair bonding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynea R Witczak
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, California
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, California
| | - Emilio Ferrer
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Karen L Bales
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, California
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, California
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17
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Kreuder AK, Wassermann L, Wollseifer M, Ditzen B, Eckstein M, Stoffel-Wagner B, Hennig J, Hurlemann R, Scheele D. Oxytocin enhances the pain-relieving effects of social support in romantic couples. Hum Brain Mapp 2018; 40:242-251. [PMID: 30152573 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.24368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Social support plays a vital role in physical and mental well-being. The neuropeptide hormone oxytocin (OXT) has been implicated in modulating pair-bonding and affiliative behaviors, but whether OXT contributes to the analgesic effects of a romantic partner's touch remains elusive. In the present randomized placebo-controlled, between-group, functional magnetic resonance imaging study involving 194 healthy volunteers (97 heterosexual couples), we tested the effects of intranasal OXT (24 IU) on handholding as a common mode of expressing emotional support in romantic couples. We scanned the subjects while brief electric shocks were administered. The subjects assumed that they received social support from either their romantic partner or an unfamiliar person. Unbeknown to the subject, in the partner and stranger support conditions, the same male experimenter always held the subject's left hand. Partner support was most effective in reducing the unpleasantness of electric shocks, and OXT further attenuated the unpleasantness across conditions. On the neural level, OXT significantly augmented the beneficial effects of partner support, as evidenced by a stronger decrease of neural responses to shocks in the anterior insula (AI), a stronger activity increase in the middle frontal gyrus (MFG), and a strengthened functional coupling between the AI and MFG. Our results support the notion that OXT specifically modulates the beneficial effects of social support in romantic couples by concomitantly reducing pain-associated activity and increasing activity linked to cognitive control and pain inhibition. We hypothesize that impaired OXT signaling may contribute to the experience of a lack of partner support.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lea Wassermann
- Division of Medical Psychology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Beate Ditzen
- Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Institute of Medical Psychology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Monika Eckstein
- Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Institute of Medical Psychology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Birgit Stoffel-Wagner
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Juergen Hennig
- Division of Personality Psychology and Individual Differences, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - René Hurlemann
- Division of Medical Psychology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dirk Scheele
- Division of Medical Psychology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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18
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Abstract
Over a lifetime, humans build relationships with family, friends, and partners that are critically important for our mental and physical health. Unlike commonly used laboratory mice and rats, Microtine rodents provide a unique model to study the neurobiology underlying pair bonding and the selective attachments that form between adults. Comparisons between monogamous prairie voles and the closely related but nonmonogamous meadow and montane voles have revealed that brain-region-specific neuropeptide receptor patterning modulates social behavior between and within species. In particular, diversity in vasopressin 1a receptor (V1aR) distribution has been linked to individual and species differences in monogamy-related behaviors such as partner preference, mate guarding, and space use. Given the importance of differential receptor expression for regulating social behavior, a critical question has emerged: What are the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that underlie brain-region-specific receptor patterns? This review will summarize what is known about how the vasopressin (AVP)-V1aR axis regulates social behaviors via signaling in discrete brain regions. From this work, we propose that brain-region-specific regulatory mechanisms facilitate robust evolvability of V1aR expression to generate diverse sociobehavioral traits. Translationally, we provide a perspective on how these studies have contributed to our understanding of human social behaviors and how brain-region-specific regulatory mechanisms might be harnessed for targeted therapies to treat social deficits in psychiatric disorders such as depression, complicated grief, and autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie M. Sadino
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| | - Zoe R. Donaldson
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
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19
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Sandri C, Sammarini C, Regaiolli B, Spiezio C, Piccirillo A. Reproduction and monogamy in captive flock of greater flamingos (Phoenicopterus Roseus). J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2017; 21:256-266. [PMID: 29185798 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2017.1404466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Due to the great number of greater flamingos in captivity and their long life span, studying their behavior and welfare might be useful to improve the husbandry and breeding of this species in zoos. This study aimed to investigate factors affecting the breeding activity of captive greater flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus) from 2012 to 2016. To estimate reproductive success, the number of pairs, eggs laid, and hatchlings were recorded. In addition, information on age, egg-laying history of the partners, and pair composition was collected. An increase in the number of pairs, eggs, and hatchlings was reported over the years. For each breeding season, there were pairs who laid more than once, especially in 2014 and 2015. Approximately 50% of pairs were monogamous between consecutive years; however, the percentage dropped gradually when comparing nonconsecutive years. Senescence and previous experience seemed to affect the reproductive success of the study flamingos. In conclusion, different factors can influence the reproduction of greater flamingos in zoos. All these factors are related to nonhuman animal welfare and need to be considered in developing and improving management practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camillo Sandri
- a Department of Animal Care and Health Management , Parco Natura Viva-Garda Zoological Park , Bussolengo , Italy
| | - Carolina Sammarini
- a Department of Animal Care and Health Management , Parco Natura Viva-Garda Zoological Park , Bussolengo , Italy
| | - Barbara Regaiolli
- b Research & Conservation Department , Parco Natura Viva-Garda Zoological Park , Bussolengo , Italy
| | - Caterina Spiezio
- b Research & Conservation Department , Parco Natura Viva-Garda Zoological Park , Bussolengo , Italy
| | - Alessandra Piccirillo
- c Department of Comparative Biomedicine & Food Science , University of Padua , Padua , Italy
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20
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Lei K, Liu Y, Smith AS, Lonstein JS, Wang Z. Effects of pair bonding on parental behavior and dopamine activity in the nucleus accumbens in male prairie voles. Eur J Neurosci 2017; 46:2276-2284. [PMID: 28858415 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Male parental care is a vital behavior for the development as well as the physical and mental well-being of the young. However, little is known about the neurochemical regulation of male parental behavior, mainly due to the lack of appropriate animal models. In this study, we used the socially monogamous male prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) to investigate the effect of pair-bonding experience on paternal behavior and dopamine (DA) signaling in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) in the brain. We compared sexually naïve males with males that were pair bonded with a female for two weeks. Our data showed that pair-bonded males displayed enhanced paternal behavior, particularly in pup licking/grooming, associated with increased DA type-1 receptor (D1R) protein expression in the NAcc, compared to sexually naïve males. Site-specific brain microdialysis revealed a significant, but transient, increase in DA release in the NAcc associated with pup exposure in both groups of the males. Further, pharmacological blockade of D1R in the NAcc decreased pup licking/grooming in the pair-bonded males. Together, our data demonstrate that pair-bonding experience with a female facilitated male parental behavior via NAcc D1R mediation in male prairie voles.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Lei
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Y Liu
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - A S Smith
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - J S Lonstein
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Z Wang
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
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21
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Coria-Avila GA, Herrera-Covarrubias D, Ismail N, Pfaus JG. The role of orgasm in the development and shaping of partner preferences. Socioaffect Neurosci Psychol 2016; 6:31815. [PMID: 27799080 PMCID: PMC5087697 DOI: 10.3402/snp.v6.31815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Revised: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effect of orgasm on the development and shaping of partner preferences may involve a catalysis of the neurochemical mechanisms of bonding. Therefore, understanding such process is relevant for neuroscience and psychology. METHODS A systematic review was carried out using the terms Orgasm, Sexual Reward, Partner Preference, Pair Bonding, Brain, Learning, Sex, Copulation. RESULTS In humans, concentrations of arousing neurotransmitters and potential bonding neurotransmitters increase during orgasm in the cerebrospinal fluid and the bloodstream. Similarly, studies in animals indicate that those neurotransmitters (noradrenaline, oxytocin, prolactin) and others (e.g. dopamine, opioids, serotonin) modulate the appetitive and consummatory phases of sexual behavior and reward. This suggests a link between the experience of orgasm/sexual reward and the neurochemical mechanisms of pair bonding. Orgasm/reward functions as an unconditioned stimulus (UCS). Some areas in the nervous system function as UCS-detection centers, which become activated during orgasm. Partner-related cues function as conditioned stimuli (CS) and are processed in CS-detector centers. CONCLUSIONS Throughout the article, we discuss how UCS- and CS-detection centers must interact to facilitate memory consolidation and produce recognition and motivation during future social encounters.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Deissy Herrera-Covarrubias
- Centro de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Nafissa Ismail
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - James G Pfaus
- Center for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology, Concordia University, Montréal, Canada
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22
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Resendez SL, Keyes PC, Day JJ, Hambro C, Austin CJ, Maina FK, Eidson LN, Porter-Stransky KA, Nevárez N, McLean JW, Kuhnmuench MA, Murphy AZ, Mathews TA, Aragona BJ. Dopamine and opioid systems interact within the nucleus accumbens to maintain monogamous pair bonds. eLife 2016; 5. [PMID: 27371827 PMCID: PMC4972541 DOI: 10.7554/elife.15325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Prairie vole breeder pairs form monogamous pair bonds, which are maintained through the expression of selective aggression toward novel conspecifics. Here, we utilize behavioral and anatomical techniques to extend the current understanding of neural mechanisms that mediate pair bond maintenance. For both sexes, we show that pair bonding up-regulates mRNA expression for genes encoding D1-like dopamine (DA) receptors and dynorphin as well as enhances stimulated DA release within the nucleus accumbens (NAc). We next show that D1-like receptor regulation of selective aggression is mediated through downstream activation of kappa-opioid receptors (KORs) and that activation of these receptors mediates social avoidance. Finally, we also identified sex-specific alterations in KOR binding density within the NAc shell of paired males and demonstrate that this alteration contributes to the neuroprotective effect of pair bonding against drug reward. Together, these findings suggest motivational and valence processing systems interact to mediate the maintenance of social bonds. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.15325.001 The bond between parents is one of the most important social relationships that humans have. Prairie voles are one of the few other mammals whose individuals also form long-term social bonds after having offspring together, so they have frequently been used to study the brain mechanisms that underlie such bonding. However, most previous studies have focused only on how the bond between a pair of mating partners is formed: little is known about how this bond is then maintained over months and years. When a prairie vole forms a bond with a mate, it will then aggressively reject other prairie voles. This “selective aggression” only happens once a social bond between two mating prairie voles is formed, so this behavior can be used as a proxy to confirm that the social bond exists. In order to study how prairie voles maintain bonds with a mate, Resendez et al. tracked what happens in the brain of a prairie vole during selective aggression. The experiments showed that this aggressive behaviour coincides with changes in gene expression and brain chemistry that make it unpleasant for a prairie vole to be exposed to voles that are not its partner. For male prairie voles – but not females – these changes only happened if the female mating partner became pregnant during the cohabitation period. The changes that occur in the brain as a result of bonding with a partner also mean that drugs that are normally addictive are no longer pleasant and rewarding to the prairie vole. Indeed, forming a social bond between mating animals alters the brain in similar ways to the effects produced by addictive drugs. Thus, in a sense, each member of the mating pair becomes ‘addicted’ to their partner. The results presented by Resendez et al. also have implications for humans. They suggest that having a strong social support network is a powerful way of preventing casual drug use from developing into compulsive drug addiction. This may also mean that positive social relationships could help to treat people with drug addiction problems. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.15325.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanna L Resendez
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States.,University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, United States
| | - Piper C Keyes
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Jeremy J Day
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmangham, United States
| | - Caely Hambro
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Curtis J Austin
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Francis K Maina
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, United States
| | - Lori N Eidson
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, United States
| | - Kirsten A Porter-Stransky
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, United States.,Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, United States
| | - Natalie Nevárez
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - J William McLean
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmangham, United States
| | - Morgan A Kuhnmuench
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Anne Z Murphy
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, United States
| | - Tiffany A Mathews
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, United States
| | - Brandon J Aragona
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States.,Department of Psychology, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, United States
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23
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Baran NM, Tomaszycki ML, Adkins-Regan E. Early Life Manipulations of the Nonapeptide System Alter Pair Maintenance Behaviors and Neural Activity in Adult Male Zebra Finches. Front Behav Neurosci 2016; 10:58. [PMID: 27065824 PMCID: PMC4810809 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2016.00058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult zebra finches (T. guttata) form socially monogamous pair bonds characterized by proximity, vocal communication, and contact behaviors. In this experiment, we tested whether manipulations of the nonapeptide hormone arginine vasotocin (AVT, avian homolog of vasopressin) and the V1a receptor (V1aR) early in life altered species-typical pairing behavior in adult zebra finches of both sexes. Although there was no effect of treatment on the tendency to pair in either sex, males in different treatments exhibited profoundly different profiles of pair maintenance behavior. Following a brief separation, AVT-treated males were highly affiliative with their female partner but sang very little compared to Controls. In contrast, males treated with a V1aR antagonist sang significantly less than Controls, but did not differ in affiliation. These effects on behavior in males were also reflected in changes in the expression of V1aR and immediate early gene activity in three brain regions known to be involved in pairing behavior in birds: the medial amygdala, medial bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and the lateral septum. AVT males had higher V1aR expression in the medial amygdala than both Control and antagonist-treated males and immediate early gene activity of V1aR neurons in the medial amygdala was positively correlated with affiliation. Antagonist treated males showed decreased activity in the medial amygdala. In addition, there was a negative correlation between the activity of V1aR cells in the medial bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and singing. Treatment also affected the expression of V1aR and activity in the lateral septum, but this was not correlated with any behaviors measured. These results provide evidence that AVT and V1aR play developmental roles in specific pair maintenance behaviors and the neural substrate underlying these behaviors in a bird.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Baran
- Department of Psychology, Cornell UniversityIthaca, NY, USA; School of Biology, Georgia Institute of TechnologyAtlanta, GA, USA
| | - Michelle L Tomaszycki
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State UniversityDetroit, MI, USA; Department of Psychology, Lafayette CollegeEaston, PA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Adkins-Regan
- Department of Psychology, Cornell UniversityIthaca, NY, USA; Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell UniversityIthaca, NY, USA
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24
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Martin TJ, Sexton T, Kim SA, Severino AL, Peters CM, Young LJ, Childers SR. Regional differences in mu and kappa opioid receptor G-protein activation in brain in male and female prairie voles. Neuroscience 2015; 311:422-9. [PMID: 26523979 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.10.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Revised: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Prairie voles are unusual mammals in that, like humans, they are capable of forming socially monogamous pair bonds, display biparental care, and engage in alloparental behaviors. Both mu and kappa opioid receptors are involved in behaviors that either establish and maintain, or result from pair bond formation in these animals. Mu and kappa opioid receptors both utilize inhibitory G-proteins in signal transduction mechanisms, however the efficacy by which these receptor subtypes stimulate G-protein signaling across the prairie vole neuraxis is not known. Utilizing [(35)S]GTPγS autoradiography, we characterized the efficacy of G-protein stimulation in coronal sections throughout male and female prairie vole brains by [D-Ala2,NMe-Phe4,Gly-ol5]-enkephalin (DAMGO) and U50,488H, selective mu and kappa opioid agonists, respectively. DAMGO stimulation was highest in the forebrain, similar to that found with other rodent species. U-50,488H produced greater stimulation in prairie voles than is typically seen in mice and rats, particularly in select forebrain areas. DAMGO produced higher stimulation in the core versus the shell of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) in females, while the distribution of U-50,488H stimulation was the opposite. There were no gender differences for U50,488H stimulation of G-protein activity across the regions examined, while DAMGO stimulation was greater in sections from females compared to those from males for NAc core, entopeduncular nucleus, and hippocampus. These data suggest that the kappa opioid system may be more sensitive to manipulation in prairie voles compared to mice and rats, and that female prairie voles may be more sensitive to mu agonists in select brain regions than males.
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Affiliation(s)
- T J Martin
- Pain Mechanisms Laboratory, Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, United States.
| | - T Sexton
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, United States.
| | - S A Kim
- Pain Mechanisms Laboratory, Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, United States.
| | - A L Severino
- Pain Mechanisms Laboratory, Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, United States.
| | - C M Peters
- Pain Mechanisms Laboratory, Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, United States.
| | - L J Young
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Cognition, Center for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States.
| | - S R Childers
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, United States.
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Ma ST, Resendez SL, Aragona BJ. Sex differences in the influence of social context, salient social stimulation and amphetamine on ultrasonic vocalizations in prairie voles. Integr Zool 2015; 9:280-93. [PMID: 24952968 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) are a socially monogamous rodent species and their cooperative behaviors require extensive communication between conspecifics. Rodents use ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) to communicate and because a prairie vole breeder pair must engage in extensive cooperation for successful reproduction, auditory communication may be critical for this species. Therefore, we sought to characterize USVs in adult male and female prairie voles, and to determine how these calls are influenced by social context, salient social stimuli and the psychostimulant drug of abuse amphetamine (AMPH). Here, we characterize prairie vole USVs by showing the range of frequencies of prairie vole USVs, the proportion of various call types, how these call types compare between males and females, and how they are influenced by social stimulation and AMPH. AMPH caused a robust increase in the number of USVs in both males and females and there was a dramatic sex difference in the complexity of call structures of AMPH-induced USVs, with males emitting more elaborate calls. Moreover, we show that novel (i.e. salient) social cues evoked differential increases in USVs across sex, with males showing a much more robust increase in USV production, both with respect to the frequency and complexity of USV production. Exposure to an estrous female in particular caused an extraordinary increase in USVs in male subjects. These data suggest that USVs may be a useful measure of social motivation in this species, including how social behaviors can be impacted by drugs of abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean T Ma
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Abstract
Testosterone (T) can be released by stimuli such as social interactions, and thereby influence future social behaviours. Because the reinforcing effects of T can induce preferences for specific environmental locations, T has the potential to alter behaviour through space use. In a monogamous species, this T pulse may contribute differently to space use in sexually naive (SN) and pair-bonded (PB) males: SN males may be more likely to explore new areas to set up a territory than PB males, which are more likely to defend an existing, established territory. In this study, we test for variation in T-driven space use by examining variation in the formation of conditioned place preferences (CPPs) in SN and PB male California mice. In the three-chambered CPP apparatus, subcutaneous administrations of physiological levels of T were used to repeatedly condition SN and PB males to a side chamber, which is an unfamiliar/neutral environment. The final tests revealed that T-induced CPPs in the side chamber are developed in SN, but not PB males. This study fills a gap in our knowledge about plasticity in the rewarding nature of T pulses, based on past social experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhao
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Catherine A Marler
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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Freeman SM, Walum H, Inoue K, Smith AL, Goodman MM, Bales KL, Young LJ. Neuroanatomical distribution of oxytocin and vasopressin 1a receptors in the socially monogamous coppery titi monkey (Callicebus cupreus). Neuroscience 2014; 273:12-23. [PMID: 24814726 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.04.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Revised: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The coppery titi monkey (Callicebus cupreus) is a socially monogamous New World primate that has been studied in the field and the laboratory to investigate the behavioral neuroendocrinology of primate pair bonding and parental care. Arginine vasopressin has been shown to influence male titi monkey pair-bonding behavior, and studies are currently underway to examine the effects of oxytocin on titi monkey behavior and physiology. Here, we use receptor autoradiography to identify the distribution of arginine vasopressin 1a receptor (AVPR1a) and oxytocin receptors (OXTR) in hemispheres of titi monkey brain (n=5). AVPR1a are diffuse and widespread throughout the brain, but the OXTR distribution is much more limited, with the densest binding being in the hippocampal formation (dentate gyrus, CA1 field) and the presubiculum (layers I and III). Moderate OXTR binding was detected in the nucleus basalis of Meynert, pulvinar, superior colliculus, layer 4C of primary visual cortex, periaqueductal gray (PAG), pontine gray, nucleus prepositus, and spinal trigeminal nucleus. OXTR mRNA overlapped with OXTR radioligand binding, confirming that the radioligand was detecting OXTR protein. AVPR1a binding is present throughout the cortex, especially in cingulate, insular, and occipital cortices, as well as in the caudate, putamen, nucleus accumbens, central amygdala, endopiriform nucleus, hippocampus (CA4 field), globus pallidus, lateral geniculate nucleus, infundibulum, habenula, PAG, substantia nigra, olivary nucleus, hypoglossal nucleus, and cerebellum. Furthermore, we show that, in the titi monkey brain, the OXTR antagonist ALS-II-69 is highly selective for OXTR and that the AVPR1a antagonist SR49059 is highly selective for AVPR1a. Based on these results and the fact that both ALS-II-69 and SR49059 are non-peptide, small-molecule antagonists that should be capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, these two compounds emerge as excellent candidates for the pharmacological manipulation of OXTR and AVPR1a in future behavioral experiments in titi monkeys and other primate species.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Freeman
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.
| | - H Walum
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - K Inoue
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - A L Smith
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Department of Radiology, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - M M Goodman
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Department of Radiology, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - K L Bales
- California National Primate Research Center, One Shields Avenue, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Department of Psychology, 135 Young Hall, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - L J Young
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
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28
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Schneiderman I, Zagoory-Sharon O, Leckman JF, Feldman R. Oxytocin during the initial stages of romantic attachment: relations to couples' interactive reciprocity. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2012; 37:1277-85. [PMID: 22281209 PMCID: PMC3936960 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2011.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2011] [Revised: 12/29/2011] [Accepted: 12/29/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Romantic relationships can have a profound effect on adults' health and well-being whereas the inability to maintain intimate bonds has been associated with physical and emotional distress. Studies in monogamous mammalian species underscore the central role of oxytocin (OT) in pair-bonding and human imaging studies implicate OT-rich brain areas in early romantic love. To assess the role of OT in romantic attachment, we examined plasma OT in 163 young adults: 120 new lovers (60 couples) three months after the initiation of their romantic relationship and 43 non-attached singles. Twenty-five of the 36 couples who stayed together were seen again six months later. Couples were observed in dyadic interactions and were each interviewed regarding relationship-related thoughts and behaviors. OT was significantly higher in new lovers compared to singles, F(1,152)=109.33, p<.001, which may suggest increased activity of the oxytocinergic system during the early stages of romantic attachment. These high levels of OT among new lovers did not decrease six months later and showed high individual stability. OT correlated with the couples' interactive reciprocity, including social focus, positive affect, affectionate touch, and synchronized dyadic states, and with anxieties and worries regarding the partner and the relationship, findings which parallel those described for parent-infant bonding. OT levels at the first assessment differentiated couples who stayed together six months later from those who separated during this period. Regression analysis showed that OT predicted interactive reciprocity independent of sex, relationship duration, and the partner's OT. Findings suggest that OT may play an important role at the first stages of romantic attachment and lend support to evolutionary models suggesting that parental and romantic attachment share underlying bio-behavioral mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inna Schneiderman
- Department of Psychology and the Gonda Brain Sciences Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Orna Zagoory-Sharon
- Department of Psychology and the Gonda Brain Sciences Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | | | - Ruth Feldman
- Department of Psychology and the Gonda Brain Sciences Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel,Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA,Corresponding author at: Department of Psychology and the Gonda Brain Sciences Center Bar-Ilan University Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel. Tel.: +972 3 5317943; fax: +972 3 535 0267. (R. Feldman)
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Goodson JL, Kelly AM, Kingsbury MA. Evolving nonapeptide mechanisms of gregariousness and social diversity in birds. Horm Behav 2012; 61:239-50. [PMID: 22269661 PMCID: PMC3312996 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2012.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2011] [Revised: 01/06/2012] [Accepted: 01/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Of the major vertebrate taxa, Class Aves is the most extensively studied in relation to the evolution of social systems and behavior, largely because birds exhibit an incomparable balance of tractability, diversity, and cognitive complexity. In addition, like humans, most bird species are socially monogamous, exhibit biparental care, and conduct most of their social interactions through auditory and visual modalities. These qualities make birds attractive as research subjects, and also make them valuable for comparative studies of neuroendocrine mechanisms. This value has become increasingly apparent as more and more evidence shows that social behavior circuits of the basal forebrain and midbrain are deeply conserved (from an evolutionary perspective), and particularly similar in birds and mammals. Among the strongest similarities are the basic structures and functions of avian and mammalian nonapeptide systems, which include mesotocin (MT) and arginine vasotocin (VT) systems in birds, and the homologous oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (VP) systems, respectively, in mammals. We here summarize these basic properties, and then describe a research program that has leveraged the social diversity of estrildid finches to gain insights into the nonapeptide mechanisms of grouping, a behavioral dimension that is not experimentally tractable in most other taxa. These studies have used five monogamous, biparental finch species that exhibit group sizes ranging from territorial male-female pairs to large flocks containing hundreds or thousands of birds. The results provide novel insights into the history of nonapeptide functions in amniote vertebrates, and yield remarkable clarity on the nonapeptide biology of dinosaurs and ancient mammals. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Oxytocin, Vasopressin, and Social Behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- James L Goodson
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
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Abstract
The present study describes how the development of a pair bond modifies social, sexual and aggressive behavior. Five heterosexual pairs of marmosets, previously unknown to each other, were formed at the beginning of the study. At the onset of pairing, social, sexual, exploratory and aggressive behaviors were recorded for 40 min. The animals were then observed for 20 min, both in the morning and afternoon for 21 days. The frequency and/or duration of behaviors recorded on Day 1 were compared to those recorded at later observations. The behavior displayed shortly after pairing should be completely unaffected by the pair bond, while such a bond should be present at later observations. Thus, it was possible to determine how the behavior between the pair was modified by the development of a pair bond. Social behaviors increased from Day 1 to Days 2-6 and all subsequent days observed. Conversely, other behaviors, such as open mouth displays (usually considered to be an invitation to sexual activity), had a high frequency during the early part of cohabitation but declined towards the end. Consequently, pair bonding manifests itself in an increased intensity of social behaviors. It is suggested that the intrinsically rewarding properties of grooming and perhaps other social behaviors turn the pair mate into a positive incentive, activating approach and further interactions when possible. Thus, the pair bond may be a motivational state activated by the conditioned incentive properties of the partner. This notion can explain all forms of pair bonds, including those occurring between individuals of the same sex and in promiscuous species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Ågmo
- Department of Psychology, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Adam S. Smith
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Andrew K. Birnie
- Department of Psychology and Callitrichid Research Facility, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Jeffrey A. French
- Department of Psychology and Callitrichid Research Facility, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA
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31
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Keebaugh AC, Young LJ. Increasing oxytocin receptor expression in the nucleus accumbens of pre-pubertal female prairie voles enhances alloparental responsiveness and partner preference formation as adults. Horm Behav 2011; 60:498-504. [PMID: 21851821 PMCID: PMC3210320 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2011.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2011] [Revised: 07/25/2011] [Accepted: 07/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin receptors (OXTR) in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) promote alloparental behavior and partner preference formation in female prairie voles. Within the NAcc there is significant individual variation in OXTR binding and virgin juvenile and adult females with a high density of OXTR in the NAcc display an elevated propensity to engage in alloparental behavior toward novel pups. Over-expression of OXTR in the NAcc of adult female prairie voles using viral vector gene transfer facilitates partner preference formation, but has no effect on alloparental behavior, even though OXTR antagonists infused into the NAcc blocks both behaviors. We therefore hypothesized that long-term increases in OXTR signaling during development may underlie the relationship between adult OXTR density in the NAcc and alloparental behavior. To test this hypothesis, we used viral vector gene transfer to increase OXTR density in the NAcc of prepubertal, 21day old female prairie voles and tested for both alloparental behavior and partner preference formation as adults. Consistent with a developmental impact of OXTR signaling, adults over-expressing OXTR from weaning display both increased alloparental behavior and partner preference formation. Thus, the relatively acute impact of elevated OXTR signaling in the NAcc on partner preference formation previously reported appears to be dissociable from the effects of longer term, developmentally relevant OXTR signaling necessary for modulating alloparental behavior. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that oxytocin can have both long-term "organizational" effects as well as acute "activational" effects on affiliative behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaine C Keebaugh
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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32
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Burkett JP, Spiegel LL, Inoue K, Murphy AZ, Young LJ. Activation of μ-opioid receptors in the dorsal striatum is necessary for adult social attachment in monogamous prairie voles. Neuropsychopharmacology 2011; 36:2200-10. [PMID: 21734650 PMCID: PMC3176565 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2011.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite significant evidence that opioids are involved in attachment by mediating social reward and motivation, the role of opioids in the formation of adult social attachments has not been explored. We used the socially monogamous prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) to explore the role of endogenous opioids in social bonding by examining partner preference formation in female prairie voles. We hypothesized that μ-opioid receptors (MORs) in the striatum have a critical role in partner preference formation. We therefore predicted that peripheral administration of an opioid receptor antagonist would inhibit partner preference formation, and more specifically, that μ-opioid selective receptor blockade within the striatum would inhibit partner preference formation. To test our hypotheses, we first administered the non-selective opioid antagonist naltrexone peripherally to females during an 18-h cohabitation with a male and later tested the female with a partner preference test (PPT). Females showed a dose schedule-dependent decrease in partner preference in the PPT, with females in the continuous dose group displaying stranger preferences. Next, we administered microinjections of the MOR selective antagonist D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Arg-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH2 (CTAP) into either the nucleus accumbens shell (NAS) or the caudate-putamen (CP) immediately before a 24-h cohabitation with a male, and later tested the female with a PPT. Females receiving CTAP into the CP, but not the NAS, showed no preference in the PPT, indicating an inhibition of partner preference formation. We show here for the first time that MORs modulate partner preference formation in female prairie voles by acting in the CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P Burkett
- Division of Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA,Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lauren L Spiegel
- Division of Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kiyoshi Inoue
- Division of Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anne Z Murphy
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Atlanta, GA, USA,Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Larry J Young
- Division of Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA,Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Atlanta, GA, USA,Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA. Tel: +1 404 727 8272; Fax: +1 404 727 8070; E-mail:
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33
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Young KA, Liu Y, Gobrogge KL, Dietz DM, Wang H, Kabbaj M, Wang Z. Amphetamine alters behavior and mesocorticolimbic dopamine receptor expression in the monogamous female prairie vole. Brain Res 2011; 1367:213-22. [PMID: 20933511 PMCID: PMC3143067 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.09.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2010] [Revised: 09/29/2010] [Accepted: 09/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We have recently established the socially monogamous prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) as an animal model with which to investigate the involvement of mesocorticolimbic dopamine (DA) in the amphetamine (AMPH)-induced impairment of social behavior. As the majority of our work, to date, has focused on males, and sex differences are commonly reported in the behavioral and neurobiological responses to AMPH, the current study was designed to examine the behavioral and neurobiological effects of AMPH treatment in female prairie voles. We used a conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm to determine a dose-response curve for the behavioral effects of AMPH in female prairie voles, and found that conditioning with low to intermediate (0.2 and 1.0 mg/kg), but not very low (0.1 mg/kg), doses of AMPH induced a CPP. We also found that exposure to a behaviorally relevant dose of AMPH (1.0 mg/kg) induced an increase in DA concentration in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) and caudate putamen but not the medial prefrontal cortex or ventral tegmental area (VTA). Finally, repeated AMPH exposure (1.0 mg/kg once per day for 3 consecutive days; an injection paradigm that has been recently shown to alter DA receptor expression and impair social bonding in male prairie voles) increased D1, but not D2, receptor mRNA in the NAcc, and decreased D2 receptor mRNA and D2-like receptor binding in the VTA. Together, these data indicate that AMPH alters mesocorticolimbic DA neurotransmission in a region- and receptor-specific manner, which, in turn, could have profound consequences on social behavior in female prairie voles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A. Young
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Kyle L. Gobrogge
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - David M. Dietz
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Mohamed Kabbaj
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Zuoxin Wang
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
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Hedges VL, Staffend NA, Meisel RL. Neural mechanisms of reproduction in females as a predisposing factor for drug addiction. Front Neuroendocrinol 2010; 31:217-31. [PMID: 20176045 PMCID: PMC2857768 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2010.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2009] [Revised: 02/12/2010] [Accepted: 02/13/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
There is an increasing awareness that adolescent females differ from males in their response to drugs of abuse and consequently in their vulnerability to addiction. One possible component of this vulnerability to drug addiction is the neurobiological impact that reproductive physiology and behaviors have on the mesolimbic dopamine system, a key neural pathway mediating drug addiction. In this review, we examine animal models that address the impact of ovarian cyclicity, sexual affiliation, sexual behavior, and maternal care on the long-term plasticity of the mesolimbic dopamine system. The thesis is that this plasticity in synaptic neurotransmission stemming from an individual's normal life history contributes to the pathological impact of drugs of abuse on the neurobiology of this system. Hormones released during reproductive cycles have only transient effects on these dopamine systems, whereas reproductive behaviors produce a persistent sensitization of dopamine release and post-synaptic neuronal responsiveness. Puberty itself may not represent a neurobiological risk factor for drug abuse, but attendant behavioral experiences may have a negative impact on females engaging in drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie L Hedges
- Department of Neuroscience and Graduate Neuroscience Program, 6-145 Jackson Hall, 321 Church St. SE, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
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35
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Young KA, Liu Y, Wang Z. The neurobiology of social attachment: A comparative approach to behavioral, neuroanatomical, and neurochemical studies. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2008; 148:401-10. [PMID: 18417423 PMCID: PMC2683267 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2008.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2008] [Revised: 02/25/2008] [Accepted: 02/25/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The formation and maintenance of social bonds in adulthood is an essential component of human health. However studies investigating the underlying neurobiology of such behaviors have been scarce. Microtine rodents offer a unique comparative animal model to explore the neural processes responsible for pair bonding and its associated behaviors. Studies using monogamous prairie voles and other related species have recently offered insight into the neuroanatomical, neurobiological, and neurochemical underpinnings of social attachment. In this review, we will discuss the utility of the microtine rodents in comparative studies by exploring their natural history and social behavior in the laboratory. We will then summarize the data implicating vasopressin, oxytocin, and dopamine in the regulation of pair bonding. Finally, we will discuss the ways in which these neurochemical systems may interact to mediate this complex behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A Young
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1270, USA
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36
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Abstract
A wide variety of maternal, social and sexual bonding strategies have been described across mammalian species, including humans. Many of the neural and hormonal mechanisms that underpin the formation and maintenance of these bonds demonstrate a considerable degree of evolutionary conservation across a representative range of these species. However, there is also a considerable degree of diversity in both the way these mechanisms are activated and in the behavioural responses that result. In the majority of small-brained mammals (including rodents), the formation of a maternal or partner preference bond requires individual recognition by olfactory cues, activation of neural mechanisms concerned with social reward by these cues and gender-specific hormonal priming for behavioural output. With the evolutionary increase of neocortex seen in monkeys and apes, there has been a corresponding increase in the complexity of social relationships and bonding strategies together with a significant redundancy in hormonal priming for motivated behaviour. Olfactory recognition and olfactory inputs to areas of the brain concerned with social reward are downregulated and recognition is based on integration of multimodal sensory cues requiring an expanded neocortex, particularly the association cortex. This emancipation from olfactory and hormonal determinants of bonding has been succeeded by the increased importance of social learning that is necessitated by living in a complex social world and, especially in humans, a world that is dominated by cultural inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - E.B Keverne
- Sub-Department of Animal Behaviour, University of CambridgeMadingley, Cambridge CB3 8AA, UK
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37
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Aragona BJ, Liu Y, Curtis JT, Stephan FK, Wang Z. A critical role for nucleus accumbens dopamine in partner-preference formation in male prairie voles. J Neurosci 2003; 23:3483-90. [PMID: 12716957 PMCID: PMC6742315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the role of nucleus accumbens (NAcc) dopamine (DA) in reward learning has been extensively studied, few investigations have addressed its involvement in learning socially relevant information. Here, we have examined the involvement of NAcc DA in social attachment of the "monogamous" prairie vole (Microtus orchrogaster). We first demonstrated that DA is necessary for the formation of social attachment in male prairie voles, because administration of haloperidol blocked, whereas apomorphine induced, partner-preference formation. We then provided the first descriptions of DA neuroanatomy and tissue content in vole NAcc, and mating appeared to induce a 33% increase in DA turnover. We also showed that administration of haloperidol directly into the NAcc blocked partner preferences induced by mating and apomorphine. In addition, administration of apomorphine into the NAcc but not the caudate putamen induced partner preferences in the absence of mating. Together, our data support the hypothesis that NAcc DA is critical for pair-bond formation in male prairie voles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon J Aragona
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306-1270, USA.
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