1
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Witczak LR, Samra J, Dufek M, Goetze LR, Freeman SM, Lau AR, Rothwell ES, Savidge LE, Arias-Del Razo R, Baxter A, Karaskiewicz CL, Ferrer E, Bales KL. Expression of bond-related behaviors affects titi monkey responsiveness to oxytocin and vasopressin treatments. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2024; 1534:118-129. [PMID: 38442081 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.15119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Social bonds influence physiology and behavior, which can shape how individuals respond to physical and affective challenges. Coppery titi monkey (Plecturocebus cupreus) offspring form selective bonds with their fathers, making them ideal for investigating how father-daughter bonds influence juveniles' responses to oxytocin (OT) and arginine-vasopressin (AVP) manipulations. We quantified the expression of father-daughter bond-related behaviors in females (n = 10) and gave acute intranasal treatments of saline, low/medium/high OT, low/high AVP, or an OT receptor antagonist (OTA) to subjects prior to a parent preference test. While females spent more time in proximity to their parents than strangers, we found a large degree of individual variation. Females with greater expression of bonding behaviors responded to OT treatments in a dose-dependent manner. Subjects also spent less time in proximity to strangers when treated with High OT (p = 0.003) and Low OT (p = 0.007), but more time when treated with High AVP (p = 0.007), Low AVP (p = 0.009), and OTA (p = 0.001). Findings from the present study suggest that variation in the expression of bond-related behaviors may alter responsiveness to OT and AVP, increasing engagement with unfamiliar social others. This enhanced sociality with strangers may promote the formation of pair bonds with partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynea R Witczak
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Jaclyn Samra
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Madison Dufek
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Leana R Goetze
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Sara M Freeman
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, USA
| | - Allison R Lau
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Animal Behavior Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Emily S Rothwell
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Animal Behavior Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Logan E Savidge
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Rocío Arias-Del Razo
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Alexander Baxter
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Chloe L Karaskiewicz
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Emilio Ferrer
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Karen L Bales
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Animal Behavior Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
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2
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Karaskiewicz CL, Ramirez M, Bales KL. Physiological and behavioral effects of hormonal contraceptive treatment in captive, pair-bonded primates ( Plecturocebus cupreus). JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE : JAALAS 2023; 62:494-501. [PMID: 37973152 PMCID: PMC10772904 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-jaalas-23-000017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Hormonal contraception is an effective, reversible tool for managing birth rates in humans and nonhuman animals alike. However, manipulating reproductive hormones has behavioral consequences that can impact social and sexual behavior between conspecifics. First, we studied 18 pairs of nonreproductive titi monkeys (Plecturocebus cupreus) to test the efficacy of a novel method of hormonal contraception (deslorelin acetate implants) on reproductive hormone cycling in females and found significant reductions in urinary estrogens and progestagens among treated females compared to untreated controls. We then studied 35 nonreproductive pairs of coppery titi monkeys (Plecturocebus cupreus) to ascertain whether treating females with one of 2 different forms of hormonal contraception (deslorelin acetate implants (n = 17) or medroxyprogesterone acetate injections (n = 9)) would influence the relationship between pair mates compared to the relationship between untreated females and their vasectomized male mates (n = 9). Over a 5-month period, we found no differences in affiliative behaviors between pairs containing untreated females compared to pairs in which the female was treated with either deslorelin acetate or medroxyprogesterone acetate. Similarly, we found no differences in affiliation between pairs in the 2 treatment groups. This study is the first to examine behavioral consequences of hormonal contraception in a pair-bonding species. The results are encouraging for captive, managed breeding colonies of such social animals, especially those used in behavioral research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe L Karaskiewicz
- Department of Psychology, University of California Davis, Davis, California
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, California; and
| | - Melissa Ramirez
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, California; and
| | - Karen L Bales
- Department of Psychology, University of California Davis, Davis, California
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, California; and
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California Davis, Davis, California
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3
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Cerrito P, Spear JK. Lack of evidence for coevolution between oxytocin receptor N-terminal variants and monogamy in placental mammals. Horm Behav 2023; 156:105437. [PMID: 37806189 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) is a neurohypophyseal hormone that influences a wide range of affiliative behaviors, such as pair-bonding and infant care, across mammals. The effects of OXT depend significantly on an adequate interaction with its receptor, OXTR. OXTR belongs to the G-protein coupled receptor family. The extracellular N-terminal domain of OXTR interacts with the linear C-terminal tail of OXT and is required for OXT binding. Across mammalian species there is a genetic diversity in OXTR terminal sequence. Previous work on primates has shown an association between OXTR phylogeny and monogamy. However, it is not clear whether this variation coevolved with either mating system (monogamy) or infant care behaviors (such as allomaternal care). Here, we take a phylogenetic comparative and evolutionary modeling approach across a wide range of placental mammals (n = 60) to test whether OXTR N-terminal variants co-evolved with either monogamy or allomaternal care behaviors. Our results indicate that the diversity in OXTR N-terminal region is unlikely to provide the underlying genetic bases for variation in mating system and/or allomaternal behavior as we find no evidence for co-evolution between protein sequence and affiliative behaviors. Hence, the role played by OXT in influencing affiliative behaviors is unlikely to be mediated by the genetic diversity of its receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Cerrito
- Department of Anthropology, New York University, New York, NY, USA; New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, New York, NY, USA; Collegium Helveticum, ETH, Zürich, Switzerland; Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Jeffrey K Spear
- Department of Anthropology, New York University, New York, NY, USA; New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, New York, NY, USA.
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4
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Witczak LR, Samra J, Dufek M, Goetze LR, Freeman SM, Arias-Del Razo R, Baxter A, Karaskiewicz C, Lau AR, Rothwell ES, Savidge LE, Ferrer E, Bales KL. Titi monkey father-daughter bond-related behaviors explain stress response variability. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 157:106362. [PMID: 37586274 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Social interactions regulate our behavior and physiology, and strong social bonds can buffer us from stress. Coppery titi monkeys (Plecturocebus cupreus) are socially monogamous South American monkeys that display strong social bonds. Infants form selective bonds with their fathers, making them ideal for studying father-daughter bonds. We established a method for quantifying variability in expression of bond-related behaviors in females (n = 12), and the present study is the second to use this method for explaining titi monkey responses to behavioral tests. We also investigated how manipulations of oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) influenced juvenile behavior and physiology. Subjects received acute intranasal treatments of saline, low/medium/high OT, low/high AVP, or OT receptor antagonist (OTA) prior to an acute social separation. General linear mixed-effects model results revealed fathers were significant behavioral and physiological stress buffers for their daughters, as evidenced by fewer distress vocalizations (p < 0.001), less locomotion (p < 0.001), and lower plasma cortisol (p < 0.001) in a social separation paradigm. Females vocalized less if they exhibited greater expression of bond-related behaviors with their fathers as infants (p = 0.01), and this stress-buffering effect remained even when the daughter was separated from the father (p = 0.001). While treatments did not alter behaviors, OTA treatment caused the largest rise in plasma cortisol (p < 0.001), suggesting blockade of OT receptors can inhibit fathers' stress-buffering effects. Remarkably, females with greater expression of father-daughter bond-related behaviors exhibited an overall reduced physiological separation distress response (p = 0.04). Findings from the present study advance current knowledge of the neurobiological mechanisms foundational to female bonds and help inform how social disruptions may differently impact individuals based on expression of bond-related behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynea R Witczak
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Jaclyn Samra
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Madison Dufek
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Leana R Goetze
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Sara M Freeman
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84332, USA
| | - Rocío Arias-Del Razo
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Alexander Baxter
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Chloe Karaskiewicz
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Allison R Lau
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Animal Behavior Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Emily S Rothwell
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Animal Behavior Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Logan E Savidge
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Emilio Ferrer
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Karen L Bales
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Animal Behavior Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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5
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Berendzen KM, Bales KL, Manoli DS. Attachment across the lifespan: Examining the intersection of pair bonding neurobiology and healthy aging. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 153:105339. [PMID: 37536581 PMCID: PMC11073483 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that intact social bonds are protective against age-related morbidity, while bond disruption and social isolation increase the risk for multiple age-related diseases. Social attachments, the enduring, selective bonds formed between individuals, are thus essential to human health. Socially monogamous species like the prairie vole (M. ochrogaster) form long-term pair bonds, allowing us to investigate the mechanisms underlying attachment and the poorly understood connection between social bonds and health. In this review, we explore several potential areas of focus emerging from data in humans and other species associating attachment and healthy aging, and evidence from prairie voles that may clarify this link. We examine gaps in our understanding of social cognition and pair bond behavior. Finally, we discuss physiologic pathways related to pair bonding that promote resilience to the processes of aging and age-related disease. Advances in the development of molecular genetic tools in monogamous species will allow us to bridge the mechanistic gaps presented and identify conserved research and therapeutic targets relevant to human health and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen M. Berendzen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, CA 95158, USA
- Center for Integrative Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, CA 95158, USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, CA 95158, USA
- Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, CA 95158, USA
| | - Karen L. Bales
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis; Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis; Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Devanand S. Manoli
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, CA 95158, USA
- Center for Integrative Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, CA 95158, USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, CA 95158, USA
- Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, CA 95158, USA
- Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, CA 95158, USA
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6
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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] [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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7
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Zablocki-Thomas PB, Savidge LE, Witczak LR, Ferrer E, Hobson BA, Chaudhari AJ, Freeman SM, Bales KL. Neural correlates and effect of jealousy on cognitive flexibility in the female titi monkey (Plecturocebus cupreus). Horm Behav 2023; 152:105352. [PMID: 37018894 PMCID: PMC10957291 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
Jealousy is a social emotion that manifests as behavioral reactions from an individual toward a threat to a valuable relationship. Monogamous species exhibit jealousy-type behaviors as an adaptive response to preserve the relationship. Jealousy is also a complex, negatively-valenced emotion which may include fear of loss, anxiety, suspiciousness, and anger. Negative emotion may impair cognitive processes such as cognitive flexibility, an ability important for coping with new situations. However, little is known about how complex social emotions influence cognitive flexibility. To understand the interaction between jealousy and cognitive flexibility, we examined the neural, physiological, and behavioral factors involved in jealousy and cognitive flexibility in female titi monkeys. We presented subjects with a jealousy provoking scenario, followed by a reversal learning task and a PET scan with a glucose-analog radiotracer. We found that female titi monkeys reacted to a jealousy provoking scenario with increased locomotor behavior and higher glucose uptake in the cerebellum; however, hormone measures and were not affected. As only two females demonstrated cognitive flexibility, the effects of jealousy were difficult to interpret. Locomotion behavior was also negatively correlated with glucose uptake in brain areas linked with motivation, sociality, and cognitive flexibility. Surprisingly, glucose uptake in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) was significantly decreased during jealousy scenarios, while uptake in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) was decreased during reversal tasks. Our findings suggest that the presence of an intruder produces less visible behavioral reactions in female titis than in males, while still reducing activity in the OFC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Logan E Savidge
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, United States; Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Lynea R Witczak
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, United States; Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Emilio Ferrer
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Brad A Hobson
- Center for Molecular and Genomic Imaging, University of California, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Abhijit J Chaudhari
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, United States; Center for Molecular and Genomic Imaging, University of California, Davis, CA, United States; Department of Radiology, University of California, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Sara M Freeman
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States of America
| | - Karen L Bales
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, United States; Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, United States; Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis, CA, United States
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8
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Escriche Chova P, Ferrer E, Goetze LR, Dufek ME, Freeman SM, Bales KL. Neural and behavioral reactions to partners and strangers in monogamous female titi monkeys (Plecturocebus cupreus). Behav Brain Res 2023; 443:114334. [PMID: 36781020 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Pair bonding in humans and other socially monogamous species can have positive effects on health and well-being. These attachments also come with the potential for challenges such as separation, jealousy, or grief. Much of the work on the neurobiology of pair bonding in non-human primates has been carried out in coppery titi monkeys (Plecturocebus cupreus), a monogamous South American monkey, although these studies have been primarily in males. In the current study, we utilized female titi monkeys to experimentally examine responses to their monogamous male partner vs. a male stranger or being alone. Positron emission tomography (PET) scans were performed on eight adult female titi monkeys from well-established pairs. We used a within-subjects design in which each female underwent three different conditions after the fluorodeoxyglucose F18 (FDG) injection: a) the subject was reunited with her partner, b) encountered a stranger, or c) was alone in the experimental cage. Behavioural observations were recorded, and plasma assayed for cortisol. Females housed alone showed higher cortisol compared with either the partner or stranger conditions. FDG uptake was higher in the amygdala and hippocampus when interacting with the stranger than the partner. Proximity modulated the relationship between social condition and FDG uptake in several areas. Females entered into mutual proximity more frequently with the partner than with the stranger. Female titi monkeys have different physiological, neural, and behavioural reactions to being with their partner, a stranger male, or being alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Escriche Chova
- California National Primate Research Center, UC-Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Emilio Ferrer
- Department of Psychology, UC-Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Leana R Goetze
- California National Primate Research Center, UC-Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Madison E Dufek
- California National Primate Research Center, UC-Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Sara M Freeman
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, 5305 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322, USA.
| | - Karen L Bales
- California National Primate Research Center, UC-Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Department of Psychology, UC-Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, UC-Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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9
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Turano A, Brummer SP, Young JK, Freeman SM. Can a traditional partner preference test quantify monogamous behavior in captive coyotes? Behav Processes 2023; 206:104832. [PMID: 36693577 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2023.104832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Social monogamy is a unique social system exhibited by only 3-5% of mammalian taxa; however, all wild canid species exhibit this social system. Despite the high prevalence of social monogamy among canids, little is known about how they form selective social attachment relationships among non-kin. Thus, we aimed to quantify monogamous behavior in a highly ubiquitous canid, the coyote (Canis latrans). We adapted the three-chambered partner preference test, which was originally developed for prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), to assess social preference in mated pairs of captive coyotes at the USDA Predator Research Facility. We quantified monogamy-related behaviors, such as time spent in spatial proximity to a pair-mate versus a stranger. Our behavioral ethogram also included visual seeking, olfactory investigations, ears down, scent marking, and affiliative behavior. Test subjects showed significantly greater affiliative behavior toward their partner than toward a stranger. However, there was extremely high variability both within and between coyote pairs across behavioral measures. These data suggest the need for larger sample sizes when working with species with high individual variability, as well as the need for species- and facility-specific modifications to this testing paradigm and/or ethogram to better adapt it from its laboratory and rodent-based origins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stacey P Brummer
- National Wildlife Research Center - Predator Research Facility, USDA, Logan, UT, USA.
| | - Julie K Young
- Utah State University, Department of Wildland Resources and Ecology Center, Logan, UT, USA.
| | - Sara M Freeman
- Utah State University, Biology Department, Logan, UT, USA.
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10
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Witczak LR, Blozis SA, Bales KL. Assessing variability in affiliative maintenance behaviours in captive coppery titi monkeys, Plecturocebus cupreus. Anim Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2022.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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11
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Bales KL, Rogers FD. Interactions between the
κ
opioid system, corticotropin-releasing hormone and oxytocin in partner loss. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210061. [PMID: 35858099 PMCID: PMC9272146 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Selective adult social attachments, or ‘pair bonds’, represent central relationships for individuals in a number of social species, including humans. Loss of a pair mate has emotional consequences that may or may not diminish over time, and that often translate into impaired psychological and physical health. In this paper, we review the literature on the neuroendocrine mechanisms for the emotional consequences of partner loss, with a special focus on hypothesized interactions between oxytocin, corticotropin-releasing hormone and the κ opioid system. 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)
- Karen L. Bales
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Forrest D. Rogers
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, NJ 08540, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, NJ 08540, USA
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12
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Arias del Razo R, Velasco Vazquez MDL, Turcanu P, Legrand M, Lau AR, Weinstein TAR, Goetze LR, Bales KL. Effects of Chronic and Acute Intranasal Oxytocin Treatments on Temporary Social Separation in Adult Titi Monkeys (Plecturocebus cupreus). Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:877631. [PMID: 35813591 PMCID: PMC9257099 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.877631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In socially monogamous titi monkeys, involuntary separation from a pair mate can produce behavioral distress and increased cortisol production. The neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) is thought to play an important role in the separation response of pair-bonded species. Previous studies from our lab have shown that chronic intranasal oxytocin (IN OXT) during development can have long-term effects on adult social behavior. In the current study, we examined the chronic and acute effects of IN OXT or Saline (SAL) on the subjects’ response to a brief separation from their pair mates. Subjects with a history of chronic IN OXT or SAL treatment during development received a single dose of OXT or SAL as adults 30 min before being separated from their pair mate. Chronic treatment consisted of a daily dose of IN OXT (0.8 IU/kg) or SAL (control) from 12 to 18 months of age. Subjects (N = 29) were introduced to a pair mate at 30 months of age. After the pairs had cohabitated for 5 months, pairs underwent two “Brief Separation” (OXT and SAL) and two “Non-Separation” (OXT and SAL) test sessions. Vocalizations and locomotion were measured as behavioral indices of agitation or distress during the Brief Separation and Non-Separation periods (30 min each). We collected blood samples after the Brief Separation and Non-Separation periods to measure cortisol levels. Our results showed subjects treated with chronic OXT had a reduction in long call and peep vocalizations compared to subjects treated with chronic SAL. Subjects treated with chronic SAL and acute OXT produced more peeps and long calls compared to animals treated with acute SAL; however, patterns in this response depended on sex. Cortisol and locomotion were significantly higher during the Brief Separation period compared to the Non-Separation period; however, we did not find any treatment or sex effects. We conclude that chronic IN OXT given during development blunts the separation response, while acute OXT in chronic SAL subjects had sexually dimorphic effects, which could reflect increased partner seeking behaviors in males and increased anxiety in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Arias del Razo
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, United States
| | | | - Petru Turcanu
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Mathieu Legrand
- CNRS, LNCA UMR 7364, Strasbourg, France
- Centre de Primatologie de l’Université de Strasbourg, Niederhausbergen, France
| | - Allison R. Lau
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, United States
- Animal Behavior Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | | | - Leana R. Goetze
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Karen L. Bales
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, United States
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Karen L. Bales
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13
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Mederos SL, Duarte RC, Mastoras M, Dennis MY, Settles ML, Lau AR, Scott A, Woodward K, Johnson C, Seelke AMH, Bales KL. Effects of pairing on color change and central gene expression in lined seahorses. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2022; 21:e12812. [PMID: 35652318 PMCID: PMC9744553 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Social monogamy is a reproductive strategy characterized by pair living and defense of a common territory. Pair bonding, sometimes displayed by monogamous species, is an affective construct that includes preference for a specific partner, distress upon separation, and the ability of the partner to buffer against stress. Many seahorse species show a monogamous social structure in the wild, but their pair bond has not been well studied. We examined the gene expression of lined seahorses (Hippocampus erectus) during and after the process of pairing in the laboratory as well as color change (luminance), a potential form of social communication and behavioral synchrony between pair mates. When a seahorse of either sex was interacting with its pair mate, their changes in luminance ("brightness") were correlated and larger than when interacting with an opposite-sex stranger. At the conclusion of testing, subjects were euthanized, RNA was extracted from whole brains and analyzed via RNA sequencing. Changes in gene expression in paired males versus those that were unpaired included processes governing metabolic activity, hormones and cilia. Perhaps most interesting is the overlap in gene expression change induced by pairing in both male seahorses and male prairie voles, including components of hormone systems regulating reproduction. Because of our limited sample size, we consider our results and interpretations to be preliminary, and prompts for further exploration. Future studies will expand upon these findings and investigate the neuroendocrine and genetic basis of these behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina L. Mederos
- Animal Behavior Graduate GroupUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Rafael C. Duarte
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e HumanasUniversidade Federal do ABC (UFABC)Santo AndréBrazil
| | - Mira Mastoras
- Genome Center, MIND Institute, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Megan Y. Dennis
- Genome Center, MIND Institute, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Allison R. Lau
- Animal Behavior Graduate GroupUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
- California National Primate Research CenterUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Alexandria Scott
- California National Primate Research CenterUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Kacie Woodward
- Campus Veterinary ServicesUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Adele M. H. Seelke
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and BehaviorUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Karen L. Bales
- California National Primate Research CenterUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and BehaviorUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
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14
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Razo RAD, Velasco Vazquez MDL, Turcanu P, Legrand M, Floch M, Weinstein TAR, Goetze LR, Freeman SM, Baxter A, Witczak LR, Sahagún E, Berger T, Jacob S, Lawrence RH, Rothwell ES, Savidge LE, Solomon M, Mendoza SP, Bales KL. Long term effects of chronic intranasal oxytocin on adult pair bonding behavior and brain glucose uptake in titi monkeys (Plecturocebus cupreus). Horm Behav 2022; 140:105126. [PMID: 35123106 PMCID: PMC9250651 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Intranasal oxytocin (IN OXT) administration has been proposed as a pharmacological treatment for a range of biomedical conditions including neurodevelopmental disorders. However, studies evaluating the potential long-lasting effects of chronic IN OXT during development are still scarce. Here we conducted a follow-up study of a cohort of adult titi monkeys that received intranasal oxytocin 0.8 IU/kg (n = 15) or saline (n = 14) daily for six months during their juvenile period (12 to 18 months of age), with the goal of evaluating the potential long-lasting behavioral and neural effects one year post-treatment. Subjects were paired with an opposite-sex mate at 30 months of age (one year post-treatment). We examined pair affiliative behavior in the home cage during the first four months and tested for behavioral components of pair bonding at one week and four months post-pairing. We assessed long-term changes in brain glucose uptake using 18FDG positron emission tomography (PET) scans. Our results showed that OXT-treated animals were more affiliative across a number of measures, including tail twining, compared to SAL treated subjects (tail twining is considered the "highest" type of affiliation in titi monkeys). Neuroimaging showed no treatment differences in glucose uptake between SAL and OXT-treated animals; however, females showed higher glucose uptake in whole brain at 23 months, and in both the whole brain and the social salience network at 33 months of age compared to males. Our results suggest that chronic IN OXT administration during development can have long-term effects on adult social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Arias-Del Razo
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, United States of America; California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | | | - Petru Turcanu
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | | | | | - Tamara A R Weinstein
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - Leana R Goetze
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - Sara M Freeman
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, United States of America; Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States of America
| | - Alexander Baxter
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, United States of America; California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - Lynea R Witczak
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, United States of America; California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Sahagún
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, United States of America; Department of Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States of America
| | - Trish Berger
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - Suma Jacob
- University of Minnesota, Department of Psychiatry Center for Neurobehavioral Development, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Rebecca H Lawrence
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, United States of America; California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - Emily S Rothwell
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, United States of America; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States of America
| | - Logan E Savidge
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, United States of America; California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - Marjorie Solomon
- MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - Sally P Mendoza
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, United States of America; California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - Karen L Bales
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, United States of America; California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, United States of America; Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis, CA, United States of America.
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15
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Witczak LR, Arias Del Razo R, Baxter A, Conley AJ, Cotterman R, Dufek M, Goetze LR, Lau AR, Mendoza SP, Savidge LE, Bales KL. Relationships between cortisol and urinary androgens in female titi monkeys (Plecturocebus cupreus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 314:113927. [PMID: 34653435 PMCID: PMC9250648 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Steroid hormones are critical to the regulation of sociosexual behavior. Their role in the formation of pair bonds is complicated by the relative scarcity of this social system in mammals, as well as species and taxonomic differences in endocrine systems. In the present study, we experimentally manipulated the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in female titi monkeys (Plecturocebus cupreus), a neotropical monkey studied for its strong, selective pair bonds. We validated an assay for plasma and urinary cortisol in this species, showing a strong suppression of cortisol following dexamethasone injection, and a significant but somewhat blunted response to adrenocorticotrophin hormone (ACTH) stimulation. Urinary androgens did not change in response to dexamethasone or ACTH. Plasma and urinary cortisol were moderately correlated, whereas urinary cortisol and androgens were only correlated when extreme cortisol values were included. In this study, we laid groundwork for studying the role of glucocorticoids and androgens (and eventually, their interactions with peptides) in the behavioral endocrinology of pair bonds in female titi monkeys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynea R Witczak
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, United States; California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Rocío Arias Del Razo
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, United States; California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Alexander Baxter
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, United States; California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Alan J Conley
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Rebecca Cotterman
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Madison Dufek
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Leana R Goetze
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Allison R Lau
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, United States; Graduate Program in Animal Behavior, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Sally P Mendoza
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, United States; California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Logan E Savidge
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, United States; California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Karen L Bales
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, United States; California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, United States; Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis, United States; Graduate Program in Animal Behavior, University of California, Davis, United States.
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16
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Lin T, Liu X, Zhang D. Does the female seahorse still prefer her mating partner after a period of separation? JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2021; 99:1613-1621. [PMID: 34331361 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
For species showing sexual monogamy, once one male and one female form a mating pair bond, they will be faithful to each other in subsequent breeding events. However, if their pair bond is broken for some reason, do they continue to prefer their partner when they come together again for mating? In other words, can the broken pair bond of sexually monogamous species be repaired? This is an interesting question but not yet well answered. To address this question, in the present study we used the lined seahorse (Hippocampus erectus), a typical sexually monogamous species, to study the partner preference of a female individual who experienced a complete separation followed by a reunion with her partner. Our main findings are as follows: (i) The female seahorse no longer prefers her partner after a separation, whether it is a former partner or a recent partner. No preference for partner-males may indicate that the broken pair bond cannot be repaired. (ii) The female seahorse maintains sexual fidelity to her partner in the absence of separation. However, once the health of her partner decreases, the female will switch mate, and her courtship with the new partner can take place during the pregnancy of her original partner. The first finding may provide insight into whether monogamous species still have an opportunity to reselect a new partner in the future to correct their poor choice once they have mated with a low-quality partner. The answer is that they can still gain an opportunity as long as the pair bonds with their current partners are broken. The second finding may reveal the conditions and timing at which a female seahorse switches her mate. These findings help us better understand the mating system of the seahorse H. erectus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Lin
- Key Laboratory of East China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation, Ministry of Agriculture, East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Key Laboratory of East China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation, Ministry of Agriculture, East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of East China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation, Ministry of Agriculture, East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai, China
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17
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Bales KL, Ardekani CS, Baxter A, Karaskiewicz CL, Kuske JX, Lau AR, Savidge LE, Sayler KR, Witczak LR. What is a pair bond? Horm Behav 2021; 136:105062. [PMID: 34601430 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2021.105062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Pair bonding is a psychological construct that we attempt to operationalize via behavioral and physiological measurements. Yet, pair bonding has been both defined differently in various taxonomic groups as well as used loosely to describe not just a psychological and affective phenomenon, but also a social structure or mating system (either social monogamy or just pair living). In this review, we ask the questions: What has been the historical definition of a pair bond? Has this definition differed across taxonomic groups? What behavioral evidence do we see of pair bonding in these groups? Does this observed evidence alter the definition of pair bonding? Does the observed neurobiology underlying these behaviors affect this definition as well? And finally, what are the upcoming directions in which the study of pair bonding needs to head?
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L Bales
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, United States of America; Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis, United States of America; California National Primate Research Center, United States of America.
| | - Cory S Ardekani
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, United States of America
| | - Alexander Baxter
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, United States of America; California National Primate Research Center, United States of America
| | - Chloe L Karaskiewicz
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, United States of America; California National Primate Research Center, United States of America
| | - Jace X Kuske
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, United States of America
| | - Allison R Lau
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, United States of America; California National Primate Research Center, United States of America
| | - Logan E Savidge
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, United States of America; California National Primate Research Center, United States of America
| | - Kristina R Sayler
- Department of Human Ecology, University of California, Davis, United States of America
| | - Lynea R Witczak
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, United States of America; California National Primate Research Center, United States of America
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18
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Abstract
In contrast to traditional laboratory animals, prairie voles form socially monogamous partnerships in the wild and exhibit lasting social preferences for familiar individuals-both mates and same-sex peers-in the laboratory. Decades of research into the mechanisms supporting pair bonding behavior have made prairie voles an important model organism for the study of social relationships. The partner preference test is a laboratory test of familiarity preference that takes place over an extended interval (typically 3 hr), during which test subjects can directly interact with conspecifics and often engage in resting side-by-side contact (i.e., huddling). The use of this test has enabled study of the neural pathways and mechanisms involved in promoting or impairing relationship formation. The tendency to form partner preferences is also used as a behavioral indicator of the effects of early life experiences and environmental exposures. While this test was developed to assess the extent of social preference for mates in prairie voles, it has been adapted for use in other social contexts and in multiple other species. This article provides instructions for conducting the classic partner preference test, as well as variations including same-sex "peer" partner preference tests. The effects of several protocol variations are examined, including duration of cohousing, separation interval, use of tethers versus barriers, linear versus branched apparatus configuration, and duration of the test. The roles of social variables including sex of the focal individual, sex of conspecifics, reproductive state, and use of the test in other species are then considered. Finally, sample data are provided along with discussion of scoring and statistical analysis of partner preference tests. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol: Partner preference test Support Protocol: Behavioral scoring.
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19
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Beery AK, Shambaugh KL. Comparative Assessment of Familiarity/Novelty Preferences in Rodents. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:648830. [PMID: 33927601 PMCID: PMC8076734 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.648830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Sociality-i.e., life in social groups-has evolved many times in rodents, and there is considerable variation in the nature of these groups. While many species-typical behaviors have been described in field settings, the use of consistent behavioral assays in the laboratory provides key data for comparisons across species. The preference for interaction with familiar or novel individuals is an important dimension of social behavior. Familiarity preference, in particular, may be associated with more closed, less flexible social groups. The dimension from selectivity to gregariousness has been used as a factor in classification of social group types. Laboratory tests of social choice range from brief (10 minutes) to extended (e.g., 3 hours). As familiarity preferences typically need long testing intervals to manifest, we used 3-hour peer partner preference tests to test for the presence of familiarity preferences in same-sex cage-mates and strangers in rats. We then conducted an aggregated analysis of familiarity preferences across multiple rodent species (adult male and female rats, mice, prairie voles, meadow voles, and female degus) tested with the same protocol. We found a high degree of consistency within species across data sets, supporting the existence of strong, species-typical familiarity preferences in prairie voles and meadow voles, and a lack of familiarity preferences in other species tested. Sociability, or total time spent near conspecifics, was unrelated to selectivity in social preference. These findings provide important background for interpreting the neurobiological mechanisms involved in social behavior in these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annaliese K Beery
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States.,Neuroscience Program, Departments of Psychology and Biology, Smith College, Northampton, MA, United States
| | - Katharine L Shambaugh
- Neuroscience Program, Departments of Psychology and Biology, Smith College, Northampton, MA, United States
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20
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Oxytocin receptor binding in the titi monkey hippocampal formation is associated with parental status and partner affiliation. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17301. [PMID: 33057124 PMCID: PMC7560868 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74243-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Social cognition is facilitated by oxytocin receptors (OXTR) in the hippocampus, a brain region that changes dynamically with pregnancy, parturition, and parenting experience. We investigated the impact of parenthood on hippocampal OXTR in male and female titi monkeys, a pair-bonding primate species that exhibits biparental care of offspring. We hypothesized that in postmortem brain tissue, OXTR binding in the hippocampal formation would differ between parents and non-parents, and that OXTR density would correlate with frequencies of observed parenting and affiliative behaviors between partners. Subjects were 10 adult titi monkeys. OXTR binding in the hippocampus (CA1, CA2/3, CA4, dentate gyrus, subiculum) and presubiculum layers (PSB1, PSB3) was determined using receptor autoradiography. The average frequency of partner affiliation (Proximity, Contact, and Tail Twining) and infant carrying were determined from longitudinal observations (5-6 per day). Analyses showed that parents exhibited higher OXTR binding than non-parents in PSB1 (t(8) = - 2.33, p = 0.048), and that OXTR binding in the total presubiculm correlated negatively with Proximity (r = - 0.88) and Contact (r = - 0.91), but not Tail Twining or infant carrying. These results suggest that OXTR binding in the presubiculum supports pair bonding and parenting behavior, potentially by mediating changes in hippocampal plasticity.
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21
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Rothwell ES, Carp SB, Savidge LE, Mendoza SP, Bales KL. Relationship tenure differentially influences pair-bond behavior in male and female socially monogamous titi monkeys (Callicebus cupreus). Am J Primatol 2020; 82:e23181. [PMID: 32748458 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Pair-bonded primates have uniquely enduring relationships and partners engage in a suite of behaviors to maintain these close bonds. In titi monkeys, pair bond formation has been extensively studied, but changes across relationship tenure remain unstudied. We evaluated differences in behavioral indicators of pair bonding in newly formed (~6 months paired, n = 9) compared to well-established pairs (average 3 years paired, n = 8) of titi monkeys (Callicebus cupreus) as well as sex differences within the pairs. We hypothesized that overall males would contribute more to maintenance than females, but that the pattern of maintenance behaviors would differ between newly formed and well-established pairs. Each titi monkey (N = 34) participated in a partner preference test (PPT), where the subject was placed in a middle test cage with grated windows separating the subject from the partner on one side and an opposite-sex stranger on the other side. During this 150-min behavioral test, we quantified four key behaviors: time in proximity to the partner or stranger as well as aggressive displays toward the partner or stranger. Overall, we found different behavioral profiles representing newly formed and well-established pair-bond relationships in titi monkeys and male-biased relationship maintenance. Males spent ∼40% of their time in the PPT maintaining proximity to the female partner, regardless of relationship tenure. Males from well-established bonds spent less time (14%) near the female stranger compared to males from newly formed bonds (21%) at the trend level. In contrast, females from well-established bonds spent less (23%) time near the male partner in the PPT compared to females from newly formed bonds (47%). Aggressive displays were more frequent in newly formed bonds compared to well-established bonds, especially for females. Scan sampling for homecage affiliation showed that newly formed pairs were more likely to be found tail twining than well-established pairs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily S Rothwell
- Neuroscience and Behavior Unit, California National Primate Research Center, University of California-Davis, Davis, California.,Animal Behavior Graduate Group, University of California-Davis, Davis, California
| | - Sarah B Carp
- Neuroscience and Behavior Unit, California National Primate Research Center, University of California-Davis, Davis, California
| | - Logan E Savidge
- Neuroscience and Behavior Unit, California National Primate Research Center, University of California-Davis, Davis, California.,Department of Psychology, University of California-Davis, Davis, California
| | - Sally P Mendoza
- Department of Psychology, University of California-Davis, Davis, California
| | - Karen L Bales
- Neuroscience and Behavior Unit, California National Primate Research Center, University of California-Davis, Davis, California.,Animal Behavior Graduate Group, University of California-Davis, Davis, California.,Department of Psychology, University of California-Davis, Davis, California
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22
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Insel N, Shambaugh KL, Beery AK. Female degus show high sociality but no preference for familiar peers. Behav Processes 2020; 174:104102. [PMID: 32145271 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2020.104102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Group-living animals vary in social behavior across multiple dimensions, including in the selectivity of social interactions with familiar versus unfamiliar peers. Standardized behavioral tests can be used to tease apart different dimensions of behavior. These serve a dual function-on one hand, helping to isolate behavioral factors that may support collective behavior in natural habitats, and, on another, providing a basis for comparative approaches to understanding physiological mechanisms of behavior. Degus (Octodon degus) are South American caviomorph rodents that nest and forage in groups with relatively low genetic relatedness. Flexibility in group membership is likely supported by gregariousness toward strangers, but the relative preference for strangers compared with familiar individuals has not been systematically tested. We assessed the specificity of social preferences in female degus using a same-sex partner preference test. Degus huddled extensively with both familiar and unfamiliar peers, with no average preference for one over the other. Detailed analysis of social interactions demonstrated an effect of familiarity on social investigation and aggressive behaviors, indicating that degus distinguished between familiar and unfamiliar conspecifics, even though it did not impact huddling. This behavioral profile is thus far unique to degus; in similar tests, meadow and prairie voles exhibit strong partner preferences for known peers, while mice exhibit low social huddling and spend relatively less time in social chambers. Understanding how group-living species differ in specific aspects of social behavior such as familiarity/novelty preference and propensity for social contact will offer a foundation to interpret differences in neural systems supporting sociality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Insel
- Department of Psychology & Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, 59812, USA
| | - Katharine L Shambaugh
- Department of Psychology, Department of Biology, Program in Neuroscience. Smith College, Northampton, MA, 01063, USA
| | - Annaliese K Beery
- Department of Psychology, Department of Biology, Program in Neuroscience. Smith College, Northampton, MA, 01063, USA.
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23
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Arias del Razo R, Berger T, Conley AJ, Freeman SM, Goetze LR, Jacob S, Lawrence RH, Mendoza SP, Rothwell ES, Savidge LE, Solomon M, Weinstein TA, Witczak LR, Bales KL. Effects of chronic intranasal oxytocin on behavior and cerebral glucose uptake in juvenile titi monkeys. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 113:104494. [PMID: 31862614 PMCID: PMC7909742 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.104494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Intranasal oxytocin (IN OXT) has been proposed as a treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, little is known about the effects of long-term exposure. This is the first study in a non-human primate species to examine how developmental exposure to chronic IN OXT affects juvenile's interactions with family members, social preference for parents versus strangers, anxiety-like behavior, and cerebral glucose metabolism. Titi monkeys are socially monogamous and biparental; their family bonds share important characteristics with human family bonds. Fourteen males and 15 females were treated intranasally with saline (n = 14) or 0.8 IU/kg OXT (n = 15), daily from 12 to 18 months of age. Compared to SAL-treated animals, OXT-treated animals of both sexes spent significantly more time grooming other family members (F1 = 8.97, p = 0.006). Overall, OXT-treated subjects were more social (F1 = 8.35, p = 0.005) during preference tests. OXT-treated females displayed an enhanced preference for their parents (t = 2.265, p = 0.026). OXT-treated males had a blunted preference for their parents and an increase in the time spent near unfamiliar pairs (F1 = 10.89, p = 0.001). During anxiety tests, OXT-treated males refused to complete the task more often than SAL-treated males and had longer latencies (p < 0.0001). Neuroimaging studies revealed that OXT-treated animals had higher glucose uptake across the social salience network as a whole after one month of treatment (F1,9 = 1.07, p = 0.042). Our results suggest moderate prosocial effects of chronic IN OXT, that did not depend on anxiolytic properties. We also found important sex differences that should be considered in a translational context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Arias del Razo
- University of California-Davis, Department of Psychology, California National Primate Research Center, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Trish Berger
- University of California-Davis, Department of Animal Science, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Alan J. Conley
- University of California-Davis, Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Sara M. Freeman
- University of California-Davis, Department of Psychology, California National Primate Research Center, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Leana R. Goetze
- University of California-Davis, Department of Psychology, California National Primate Research Center, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Suma Jacob
- University of Minnesota, Department of Psychiatry Center for Neurobehavioral Development, 2450 Riverside Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA
| | - Rebecca H. Lawrence
- University of California-Davis, Department of Psychology, California National Primate Research Center, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Sally P. Mendoza
- University of California-Davis, Department of Psychology, California National Primate Research Center, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Emily S. Rothwell
- University of California-Davis, Department of Psychology, California National Primate Research Center, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Logan E. Savidge
- University of California-Davis, Department of Psychology, California National Primate Research Center, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Marjorie Solomon
- University of California-Davis, MIND Institute, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Tamara A.R. Weinstein
- University of California-Davis, Department of Psychology, California National Primate Research Center, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Lynea R. Witczak
- University of California-Davis, Department of Psychology, California National Primate Research Center, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Karen L. Bales
- University of California-Davis, Department of Psychology, California National Primate Research Center, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
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24
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Singletary B, Tecot S. Multimodal pair-bond maintenance: A review of signaling across modalities in pair-bonded nonhuman primates. Am J Primatol 2020; 82:e23105. [PMID: 32011759 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Only a handful of primate species exhibit the social relationship of pair-bonding. Efficient communication is critical for behavioral coordination within pair-bonds to maintain proximity and respond appropriately to extra-pair individuals, and possibly coordinate infant care. The use of complex signaling across modalities may help individuals improve communicative outcomes. We review many ways that pair-bonded species use signals to communicate and maintain bonds, though little previous research has taken a truly multimodal approach within a single species. We make a call for further investigation into pair-bonded communication using a multimodal approach to better understand how these species use all their senses to build, maintain, and advertise their bonds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stacey Tecot
- School of Anthropology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.,Laboratory for the Evolutionary Endocrinology of Primates, School of Anthropology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
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25
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Tchabovsky AV, Savinetskaya LE, Ovchinnikova NL, Safonova A, Ilchenko ON, Sapozhnikova SR, Vasilieva NA. Sociability and pair-bonding in gerbils: a comparative experimental study. Curr Zool 2019; 65:363-373. [PMID: 31413709 PMCID: PMC6688578 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoy078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In a study of gerbils with contrasting social and mating systems (group-living monogamous Mongolian gerbil Meriones unguiculatus, solitary nonterritorial promiscuous midday jird M. meridianus, and solitary territorial promiscuous pale gerbil Gerbillus perpallidus), we employed partner preference tests (PPTs) to assess among-species variation in sociability and pair-bonding patterns and tested whether the nature of contact between individuals: direct contact (DC) versus nondirect contact (NDC) affected our results. We measured male preferences as the time: 1) spent alone, 2) with familiar (partner), and 3) unfamiliar (stranger) female in the 3-chambered apparatus. Gerbil species differed strongly in sociability and male partner preferences. The time spent alone was a reliable indicator of species sociability independent of the nature of contact, whereas the pattern and level of between-species differences in male partner preferences depended on contact type: DC PPTs, unlike NDC-tests, discriminated well between monogamous and promiscuous species. In the DC-tests, stranger-directed aggression and stranger avoidance were observed both in the highly social monogamous M. unguiculatus and the solitary territorial promiscuous G. perpallidus, but not in the nonterritorial promiscuous M. meridianus. In M. unguiculatus, stranger avoidance in the DC-tests increased the time spent with the partner, thus providing evidence of a partner preference that was not found in the NDC-tests, whereas in G. perpallidus, stranger avoidance increased the time spent alone. This first comparative experimental study of partner preferences in gerbils provides new insights into the interspecific variation in gerbil sociality and mating systems and sheds light on behavioral mechanisms underlying social fidelity and pair-bonding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey V Tchabovsky
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ludmila E Savinetskaya
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalia L Ovchinnikova
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexandra Safonova
- Laboratory for Population Ecology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Russia
| | | | | | - Nina A Vasilieva
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Moscow, Russia
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26
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Rothwell ES, Mendoza SP, Ragen BJ, Bales KL. Dopamine D1-like receptors regulate agonistic components of pair bond maintenance behaviors in male titi monkeys (Callicebus cupreus). Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 106:259-267. [PMID: 31022585 PMCID: PMC7430189 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Several neurobiological mechanisms are implicated in the formation of selective pair bonds in socially monogamous mammals, however much less is known about the mechanisms that underlie the long-term behavioral maintenance of these bonds. In prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), agonistic behavior that contributes to pair bond maintenance are regulated by dopamine activity at D1-like receptors (D1R) within the mesocorticolimbic system. Evidence suggests D1Rs similarly regulate the behavioral components of pair bond maintenance in socially monogamous titi monkeys (Callicebus cupreus); however, evaluation with behavioral pharmacology is necessary to evaluate this hypothesis. In the current study we evaluated the role of D1Rs in behavioral components of pair bond maintenance in captive male titi monkeys (N = 8). We administered two doses of a D1R selective antagonist, SCH23390, (0.1 mg/kg, 0.01 mg/kg) or saline vehicle to male titi monkeys and presented pairs with a simulated intruder monkey via the use of a mirror stimulus. The non-reflective back of the mirror stimulus was used for control sessions. We video recorded responses to the five-minute stimulus presentations and later scored for arousal and agonistic behaviors relevant to mate guarding as well as affiliative behavior between the pair mates. We also conducted a locomotor assessment to evaluate the potential side effect for SCH23390 of impaired locomotion. Finally, we collected blood samples at the end of each session to assay for plasma cortisol responses. We found evidence of locomotor impairment only with the high dose of SCH23390, and therefore analyses were conducted comparing only test sessions where low dose SCH23390 and saline were administered. With saline administration, males displayed more agonistic behavior via back arching and tail lashing as well as restraining their female partners when viewing the mirror compared to the back of the mirror. D1R antagonist treatment attenuated these agonistic behaviors indicative of mate guarding when males viewed the mirror. Results also indicated that this reduction in agonistic behavior occurred without evidence of overall behavioral blunting or generally reduced social interest. Likewise changes in agonistic behavior were not driven by differences in HPA activity across testing sessions. Mate-directed affiliative behavior, including lip smacks and approaches to female partners, were not altered by D1R antagonist treatment. Dyadic social contact was higher with D1R antagonist treatment, but this was due to a reduction in contact termination by the treated males, which was typically followed by an approach or arousal display to the simulated intruder. These results provide further evidence that D1R activity regulates mate guarding behaviors in titi monkeys and suggests that the dopamine system plays a similar role in the agonistic behavioral components of pair bond maintenance behavior in non-human primates and rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily S Rothwell
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California- Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA; Animal Behavior Graduate Group, University of California- Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
| | - Sally P Mendoza
- Department of Psychology, University of California- Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Benjamin J Ragen
- Department of Psychology, University of California- Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Karen L Bales
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California- Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA; Animal Behavior Graduate Group, University of California- Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA; Department of Psychology, University of California- Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
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27
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Carp SB, Taylor JH, French JA. Dopamine receptor manipulation does not alter patterns of partner preference in long-term marmoset pairs. Physiol Behav 2019; 204:290-296. [PMID: 30853621 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between socially monogamous mates is dynamic and regulated by neurobiological influences. Research in rodent models has indicated a key role for the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) and its receptors (DAR) in mediating the formation and maintenance of monogamous bonds. DAR activation was pharmacologically manipulated in marmosets housed in long-term pairs. Marmosets exposed to DAR manipulation were tested in a partner preference test under two social conditions: one in which their mate could visually observe their interactions with an opposite-sex individual, and one in which their pair mate could not visually observe these interactions. Marmosets displayed a spatial preference for the mate compared to an unfamiliar conspecific, however, they displayed a sexual preference for an unfamiliar conspecific over their mate. D1R manipulation had no impact on marmoset partner preference. However, activation of D2Rs reduced the time marmosets spent in contact with either stimulus animal, indicating a decrease in social interest, but did not reduce time spent in proximity to the stimulus animals nor number of sexual solicitations. Additionally, social context (visibility of the mate) did not influence marmoset behavior. These findings suggest that D2Rs may be involved in regulating generalized, but not partner-specific, social interest in marmoset monkeys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah B Carp
- Department of Psychology, Callitrichid Research Center, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 6001 Dodge St, Omaha, NE 68182, United States.
| | - Jack H Taylor
- Department of Psychology, Callitrichid Research Center, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 6001 Dodge St, Omaha, NE 68182, United States
| | - Jeffrey A French
- Department of Psychology, Callitrichid Research Center, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 6001 Dodge St, Omaha, NE 68182, United States
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28
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29
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Sabol AC, Solomon NG, Dantzer B. How to Study Socially Monogamous Behavior in Secretive Animals? Using Social Network Analyses and Automated Tracking Systems to Study the Social Behavior of Prairie Voles. Front Ecol Evol 2018. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2018.00178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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30
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French JA, Cavanaugh J, Mustoe AC, Carp SB, Womack SL. Social Monogamy in Nonhuman Primates: Phylogeny, Phenotype, and Physiology. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2018; 55:410-434. [PMID: 28704071 PMCID: PMC6004613 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2017.1339774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Monogamy as a social system has been both a scientific puzzle and a sociocultural issue for decades. In this review, we examine social monogamy from a comparative perspective with a focus on primates, our closest genetic relatives. We break down monogamy into component elements, including pair-bonding and partner preference, mate guarding or jealousy, social attachment, and biparental care. Our survey of primates shows that not all features are present in species classified as socially monogamous, in the same way that human monogamous relationships may not include all elements-a perspective we refer to as "monogamy à la carte." Our review includes a survey of the neurobiological correlates of social monogamy in primates, exploring unique or common pathways for the elemental components of monogamy. This compilation reveals that the components of monogamy are modulated by a suite of androgenic steroids, glucocorticoid hormones, the nonapeptide hormones oxytocin and vasopressin, and other neurotransmitter systems (e.g., dopamine and opioids). We propose that efforts to understand the biological underpinnings of complex human and animal sociosexual relationships will be well served by exploring individual phenotypic traits, as opposed to pursuing these questions with the assumption that monogamy is a unitary trait or a species-specific characteristic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A French
- a Department of Psychology and Department of Biology , University of Nebraska Omaha
| | - Jon Cavanaugh
- b Department of Psychology , University of Nebraska Omaha
| | - Aaryn C Mustoe
- b Department of Psychology , University of Nebraska Omaha
| | - Sarah B Carp
- b Department of Psychology , University of Nebraska Omaha
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31
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Beery AK, Christensen JD, Lee NS, Blandino KL. Specificity in Sociality: Mice and Prairie Voles Exhibit Different Patterns of Peer Affiliation. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:50. [PMID: 29615879 PMCID: PMC5868120 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Social behavior is often described as a unified concept, but highly social (group-living) species exhibit distinct social structures and may make different social decisions. Prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) are socially monogamous rodents that often reside in extended family groups, and exhibit robust preferences for familiar social partners (same- and opposite-sex) during extended choice tests, although short-term preferences are not known. Mice (Mus musculus) are gregarious and colonial, but in brief laboratory tests of social preference they typically prefer social novelty. This preference for novel vs. familiar peers may represent a species-specific difference in social decision-making between mice and prairie voles. However, the tests used to measure preferences in each species differ markedly in duration and degree of contact, such that the behaviors cannot be directly compared. We assessed whether social preferences for novelty or familiarity differed between mice and prairie voles of both sexes when assessed with matching protocols: the sociability/social preference test (SPT) typically used in mice (short, no direct contact), and the partner preference test (PPT) used in voles (long, direct contact). A subset of voles also underwent a PPT using barriers (long, no direct contact). In the short SPT, behavior did not differ between species. In the longer test, pronounced partner preferences emerged in prairie voles, but mice exhibited no social preferences and rarely huddled. No sex differences were evident in either test. Direct physical contact was required for partner preferences in huddling time in voles, but preference for the partner chamber was evident with or without contact. Both prairie voles and mice are social, but they exhibit important differences in the specificity and extent of their social behavior. While mice are often used to study social approach and other behaviors, voles are a more suitable species for the study of selective social relationships. Consideration of these differences will be important for studies examining the neural mechanisms supporting different kinds of peer social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annaliese K Beery
- Department of Psychology and Biology, Program in Neuroscience, Smith College, Northampton, MA, United States.,Neuroscience and Behavior Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Jennifer D Christensen
- Neuroscience and Behavior Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Nicole S Lee
- Neuroscience and Behavior Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Katrina L Blandino
- Department of Psychology and Biology, Program in Neuroscience, Smith College, Northampton, MA, United States
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32
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Maninger N, Mendoza SP, Williams DR, Mason WA, Cherry SR, Rowland DJ, Schaefer T, Bales KL. Imaging, Behavior and Endocrine Analysis of "Jealousy" in a Monogamous Primate. Front Ecol Evol 2017; 5. [PMID: 29682503 DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2017.00119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the neurobiology of social bonding in non-human primates is a critical step in understanding the evolution of monogamy, as well as understanding the neural substrates for emotion and behavior. Coppery titi monkeys (Callicebus cupreus) form strong pair bonds, characterized by selective preference for their pair mate, mate-guarding, physiological and behavioral agitation upon separation, and social buffering. Mate-guarding, or the "maintenance" phase of pair bonding, is relatively under-studied in primates. In the current study, we used functional imaging to examine how male titi monkeys viewing their pair mate in close proximity to a stranger male would change regional cerebral glucose metabolism. We predicted that this situation would challenge the pair bond and induce "jealousy" in the males. Animals were injected with [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), returned to their cage for 30 min of conscious uptake, placed under anesthesia, and then scanned for 1 hour on a microPET P4 scanner. During the FDG uptake, males (n=8) had a view of either their female pair mate next to a stranger male ("jealousy" condition) or a stranger female next to a stranger male (control condition). Blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected and assayed for testosterone, cortisol, oxytocin, and vasopressin. Positron emission tomography (PET) was co-registered with structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and region of interest analysis was carried out. Bayesian multivariate multilevel analyses found that the right lateral septum (Pr(b>0)=93%), left posterior cingulate cortex (Pr(b>0)=99%), and left anterior cingulate (Pr(b>0)=96%) showed higher FDG uptake in the jealousy condition compared to the control condition, while the right medial amygdala (Pr(b>0)=85%) showed lower FDG uptake. Plasma testosterone and cortisol concentrations were higher during the jealousy condition. During the jealousy condition, duration of time spent looking across at the pair mate next to a stranger male was associated with higher plasma cortisol concentrations. The lateral septum has been shown to be involved in mate-guarding and mating-induced aggression in monogamous rodents, while the cingulate cortex has been linked to territoriality. These neural and physiological changes may underpin the emotion of jealousy, which can act in a monogamous species to preserve the long-term integrity of the pair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Maninger
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Sally P Mendoza
- Department of Psychology, University of California-Davis, Davis, California
| | - Donald R Williams
- Department of Psychology, University of California-Davis, Davis, California
| | - William A Mason
- Department of Psychology, University of California-Davis, Davis, California
| | - Simon R Cherry
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, California.,Center for Molecular and Genomic Imaging, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Douglas J Rowland
- Center for Molecular and Genomic Imaging, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Thomas Schaefer
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Karen L Bales
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of California-Davis, Davis, California
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33
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Bales KL, Arias del Razo R, Conklin QA, Hartman S, Mayer HS, Rogers FD, Simmons TC, Smith LK, Williams A, Williams DR, Witczak LR, Wright EC. Titi Monkeys as a Novel Non-Human Primate Model for the Neurobiology of Pair Bonding
. THE YALE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2017; 90:373-387. [PMID: 28955178 PMCID: PMC5612182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
It is now widely recognized that social bonds are critical to human health and well-being. One of the most important social bonds is the attachment relationship between two adults, known as the pair bond. The pair bond involves many characteristics that are inextricably linked to quality of health, including providing a secure psychological base and acting as a social buffer against stress. The majority of our knowledge about the neurobiology of pair bonding comes from studies of a socially monogamous rodent, the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster), and from human imaging studies, which inherently lack control. Here, we first review what is known of the neurobiology of pair bonding from humans and prairie voles. We then present a summary of the studies we have conducted in titi monkeys (Callicebus cupreus)-a species of socially monogamous New World primates. Finally, we construct a neural model based on the location of neuropeptide receptors in the titi monkey brain, as well as the location of neural changes in our imaging studies, with some basic assumptions based on the prairie vole model. In this model, we emphasize the role of visual mating stimuli as well as contributions of the dopaminergic reward system and a strong role for the lateral septum. This model represents an important step in understanding the neurobiology of social bonds in non-human primates, which will in turn facilitate a better understanding of these mechanisms in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L. Bales
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA,California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA,To whom all correspondence should be addressed: Karen L. Bales, Department of Psychology, One Shields Ave., University of California, Davis, CA, 95616. Tel: 530-754-5890; Fax: 530-752-2087;
| | - Rocío Arias del Razo
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA,California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA
| | - Quinn A. Conklin
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA,Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, CA
| | - Sarah Hartman
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of California, Davis, CA
| | | | | | | | - Leigh K. Smith
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA
| | - Alexia Williams
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA
| | | | - Lynea R. Witczak
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA,California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA
| | - Emily C. Wright
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA
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34
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Keane B, Castelli FR, Davis H, Crist TO, Solomon NG. Effects of
avpr1a
length polymorphism on male social behavior and reproduction in semi‐natural populations of prairie voles (
Microtus ochrogaster
). Ethology 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Brian Keane
- Department of Biology Center for Animal Behavior Miami University‐Hamilton Hamilton OH USA
| | - Frank R. Castelli
- Department of Biology Center for Animal Behavior Miami University Oxford OH USA
| | - Haley Davis
- Department of Biology Center for Animal Behavior Miami University Oxford OH USA
| | - Thomas O. Crist
- Department of Biology Center for Animal Behavior Miami University Oxford OH USA
| | - Nancy G. Solomon
- Department of Biology Center for Animal Behavior Miami University Oxford OH USA
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Maninger N, Hinde K, Mendoza SP, Mason WA, Larke RH, Ragen BJ, Jarcho MR, Cherry SR, Rowland DJ, Ferrer E, Bales KL. Pair bond formation leads to a sustained increase in global cerebral glucose metabolism in monogamous male titi monkeys (Callicebus cupreus). Neuroscience 2017; 348:302-312. [PMID: 28242440 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2016] [Revised: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Social bonds, especially attachment relationships, are crucial to our health and happiness. However, what we know about the neural substrates of these bonds is almost exclusively limited to rodent models and correlational experiments in humans. Here, we used socially monogamous non-human primates, titi monkeys (Callicebus cupreus) to experimentally examine changes in regional and global cerebral glucose metabolism (GCGM) during the formation and maintenance of pair bonds. Baseline positron emission tomography (PET) scans were taken of thirteen unpaired male titi monkeys. Seven males were then experimentally paired with females, scanned and compared, after one week, to six age-matched control males. Five of the six control males were then also paired and scanned after one week. Scans were repeated on all males after four months of pairing. PET scans were coregistered with structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and region of interest (ROI) analysis was carried out. A primary finding was that paired males showed a significant increase in [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in whole brain following one week of pairing, which is maintained out to four months. Dopaminergic, "motivational" areas and those involved in social behavior showed the greatest change in glucose uptake. In contrast, control areas changed only marginally more than GCGM. These findings confirm the large effects of social bonds on GCGM. They also suggest that more studies should examine how social manipulations affect whole-brain FDG uptake, as opposed to assuming that it does not change across condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Maninger
- California National Primate Research Center, UC-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States.
| | - Katie Hinde
- California National Primate Research Center, UC-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States; School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States.
| | - Sally P Mendoza
- California National Primate Research Center, UC-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States; Department of Psychology, UC-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States.
| | - William A Mason
- California National Primate Research Center, UC-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States; Department of Psychology, UC-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States.
| | - Rebecca H Larke
- California National Primate Research Center, UC-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States; Department of Psychology, UC-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States.
| | - Benjamin J Ragen
- California National Primate Research Center, UC-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States; Department of Psychology, UC-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States.
| | - Michael R Jarcho
- California National Primate Research Center, UC-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States; Department of Psychology, Siena College, Loudonville, NY 12211, United States.
| | - Simon R Cherry
- California National Primate Research Center, UC-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, UC-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States.
| | - Douglas J Rowland
- Center for Molecular and Genomic Imaging, UC-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States.
| | - Emilio Ferrer
- Department of Psychology, UC-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States.
| | - Karen L Bales
- California National Primate Research Center, UC-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States; Department of Psychology, UC-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States.
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Perkeybile AM, Bales KL. Intergenerational transmission of sociality: the role of parents in shaping social behavior in monogamous and non-monogamous species. J Exp Biol 2017; 220:114-123. [PMID: 28057834 PMCID: PMC5278619 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.142182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Social bonds are necessary for many mammals to survive and reproduce successfully. These bonds (i.e. pair-bonds, friendships, filial bonds) are characterized by different periods of development, longevity and strength. Socially monogamous species display certain behaviors not seen in many other mammals, such as adult pair-bonding and male parenting. In our studies of prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) and titi monkeys (Callicebus cupreus), we have examined the neurohormonal basis of these bonds. Here, we discuss the evidence from voles that aspects of adolescent and adult social behavior are shaped by early experience, including changes to sensory systems and connections, neuropeptide systems such as oxytocin and vasopressin, and alterations in stress responses. We will compare this with what is known about these processes during development and adulthood in other mammalian species, both monogamous and non-monogamous, and how our current knowledge in voles can be used to understand the development of and variation in social bonds. Humans are endlessly fascinated by the variety of social relationships and family types displayed by animal species, including our own. Social relationships can be characterized by directionality (either uni- or bi-directional), longevity, developmental epoch (infant, juvenile or adult) and strength. Research on the neurobiology of social bonds in animals has focused primarily on 'socially monogamous' species, because of their long-term, strong adult affiliative bonds. In this Review, we attempt to understand how the ability and propensity to form these bonds (or lack thereof), as well as the display of social behaviors more generally, are transmitted both genomically and non-genomically via variation in parenting in monogamous and non-monogamous species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M Perkeybile
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Karen L Bales
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Hinde K, Muth C, Maninger N, Ragen BJ, Larke RH, Jarcho MR, Mendoza SP, Mason WA, Ferrer E, Cherry SR, Fisher-Phelps ML, Bales KL. Challenges to the Pair Bond: Neural and Hormonal Effects of Separation and Reunion in a Monogamous Primate. Front Behav Neurosci 2016; 10:221. [PMID: 27895565 PMCID: PMC5107580 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2016.00221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Social monogamy at its most basic is a group structure in which two adults form a unit and share a territory. However, many socially monogamous pairs display attachment relationships known as pair bonds, in which there is a mutual preference for the partner and distress upon separation. The neural and hormonal basis of this response to separation from the adult pair mate is under-studied. In this project, we examined this response in male titi monkeys (Callicebus cupreus), a socially monogamous New World primate. Males underwent a baseline scan, a short separation (48 h), a long separation (approximately 2 weeks), a reunion with the female pair mate and an encounter with a female stranger (with nine males completing all five conditions). Regional cerebral glucose metabolism was measured via positron emission tomography (PET) imaging using [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) co-registered with structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and region of interest (ROI) analysis was carried out. In addition, plasma was collected and assayed for cortisol, oxytocin (OT), vasopressin (AVP), glucose and insulin concentrations. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected and assayed for OT and AVP. We used generalized estimating equations (GEE) to examine significant changes from baseline. Short separations were characterized by decreases in FDG uptake, in comparison to baseline, in the lateral septum (LS), ventral pallidum (VP), paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), periaqueductal gray (PAG), and cerebellum, as well as increases in CSF OT, and plasma cortisol and insulin. Long separations differed from baseline in reduced FDG uptake in the central amygdala (CeA), reduced whole brain FDG uptake, increased CSF OT and increased plasma insulin. The response on encounter with a stranger female depended on whether or not the male had previously reproduced with his pair mate, suggesting that transitions to fatherhood contribute to the neurobiology underlying response to a novel female. Reunion with the partner appeared to stimulate coordinated release of central and peripheral OT. The observed changes suggest the involvement of OT and AVP systems, as well as limbic and striatal areas, during separation and reunion from the pair mate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Hinde
- California National Primate Research Center, University of CaliforniaDavis, CA, USA; School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State UniversityTempe, AZ, USA; Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State UniversityTempe, AZ, USA
| | - Chelsea Muth
- Department of Psychology, University of CaliforniaDavis, CA, USA; Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State UniversityPennsylvania, PA, USA
| | - Nicole Maninger
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California Davis, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin J Ragen
- California National Primate Research Center, University of CaliforniaDavis, CA, USA; Department of Psychology, University of CaliforniaDavis, CA, USA
| | - Rebecca H Larke
- California National Primate Research Center, University of CaliforniaDavis, CA, USA; Department of Psychology, University of CaliforniaDavis, CA, USA
| | | | - Sally P Mendoza
- California National Primate Research Center, University of CaliforniaDavis, CA, USA; Department of Psychology, University of CaliforniaDavis, CA, USA
| | - William A Mason
- California National Primate Research Center, University of CaliforniaDavis, CA, USA; Department of Psychology, University of CaliforniaDavis, CA, USA
| | - Emilio Ferrer
- Department of Psychology, University of California Davis, CA, USA
| | - Simon R Cherry
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Davis, CA, USA
| | - Marina L Fisher-Phelps
- California National Primate Research Center, University of CaliforniaDavis, CA, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech UniversityLubbock, TX, USA
| | - Karen L Bales
- California National Primate Research Center, University of CaliforniaDavis, CA, USA; Department of Psychology, University of CaliforniaDavis, CA, USA
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Larke RH, Maninger N, Ragen BJ, Mendoza SP, Bales KL. Serotonin 1A agonism decreases affiliative behavior in pair-bonded titi monkeys. Horm Behav 2016; 86:71-77. [PMID: 27712925 PMCID: PMC5159202 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Relatively little is known about serotonergic involvement in pair-bonding despite its putative role in regulating social behavior. Here we sought to determine if pharmacological elevation of serotonin 1A (5-HT1A) receptor activity would lead to changes in social behavior in pair-bonded male titi monkeys (Callicebus cupreus). Adult males in established heterosexual pairs were injected daily with the selective 5-HT1A agonist 8-OH-DPAT or saline for 15days using a within-subjects design. Social behavior with the female pair-mate was quantified, and plasma concentrations of oxytocin, vasopressin, and cortisol were measured. When treated with saline, subjects showed reduced plasma oxytocin concentrations, while 8-OH-DPAT treatment buffered this decrease. Treatment with 8-OH-DPAT also led to decreased plasma cortisol 15minutes post-injection and decreased social behavior directed toward the pair-mate including approaching, initiating contact, lipsmacking, and grooming. The reduction in affiliative behavior seen with increased activity at 5-HT1A receptors indicates a substantial role of serotonin activity in the expression of social behavior. In addition, results indicate that the effects of 5-HT1A agonism on social behavior in adulthood differ between rodents and primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca H Larke
- University of California, Davis, Department of Psychology, Davis, CA, USA; California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
| | - Nicole Maninger
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin J Ragen
- University of California, Davis, Department of Psychology, Davis, CA, USA; California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA; New York University, Department of Anthropology, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sally P Mendoza
- University of California, Davis, Department of Psychology, Davis, CA, USA; California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Karen L Bales
- University of California, Davis, Department of Psychology, Davis, CA, USA; California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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Rothwell PE. Autism Spectrum Disorders and Drug Addiction: Common Pathways, Common Molecules, Distinct Disorders? Front Neurosci 2016; 10:20. [PMID: 26903789 PMCID: PMC4742554 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and drug addiction do not share substantial comorbidity or obvious similarities in etiology or symptomatology. It is thus surprising that a number of recent studies implicate overlapping neural circuits and molecular signaling pathways in both disorders. The purpose of this review is to highlight this emerging intersection and consider implications for understanding the pathophysiology of these seemingly distinct disorders. One area of overlap involves neural circuits and neuromodulatory systems in the striatum and basal ganglia, which play an established role in addiction and reward but are increasingly implicated in clinical and preclinical studies of ASDs. A second area of overlap relates to molecules like Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) and methyl CpG-binding protein-2 (MECP2), which are best known for their contribution to the pathogenesis of syndromic ASDs, but have recently been shown to regulate behavioral and neurobiological responses to addictive drug exposure. These shared pathways and molecules point to common dimensions of behavioral dysfunction, including the repetition of behavioral patterns and aberrant reward processing. The synthesis of knowledge gained through parallel investigations of ASDs and addiction may inspire the design of new therapeutic interventions to correct common elements of striatal dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick E Rothwell
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN, USA
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