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Antunes DF, Stettler PR, Taborsky B. The role of serotonin in modulating social competence in a cooperatively breeding fish. Behav Brain Res 2024; 461:114819. [PMID: 38141783 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Behavioural interactions between conspecifics rely on the appreciation of social cues, which is achieved through biochemical switching of pre-existing neurophysiological pathways. Serotonin is one of the major neurotransmitters in the central nervous system responsible for the modulation of physiological and behavioural traits, in particular social behaviour. The relative importance of serotonin in modulating optimal social responses to the available social information (i.e., social competence) is yet unknown. Here we investigate how serotonin and the serotonin 1 A receptor (5-HT1A) modulate social competence in a competitive context. In the cooperatively breeding cichlid Neolamprologus pulcher, we pharmacologically manipulated the serotonin availability and 5-HT1A activity to test their effects on social behaviours during an asymmetric contest between the owner of a defended territory containing a shelter and an intruder devoid of a territory. In this contest, the adequate response by the intruders, the focal individuals in our study, is to show submissive behaviour in order to avoid eviction from the vicinity of the shelter. While the serotonin enhancer Fluoxetine did not affect the frequency of submission towards territory owners, reducing serotonin by a low dosage of 4-Chloro-DL-phenylalanine (PCPA) increased submissive behaviour. Furthermore, threat displays towards territory owners were reduced at high dosages of Fluoxetine and also at the lowest dosage of PCPA. 5-HT1A activation increased threat displays by intruders, indicating that this receptor may not be involved in regulating social competence. We conclude that serotonin, but not its receptor 5-HT1A plays an important role in the regulation of social competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo F Antunes
- Division of Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50A, 3032 Hinterkappelen, Switzerland; Laboratoire Évolution & Diversité Biologique (EDB UMR 5174), Université de Toulouse III, CNRS, IRD, UPS, 118 route de Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse, France.
| | - Pia R Stettler
- Division of Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50A, 3032 Hinterkappelen, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Taborsky
- Division of Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50A, 3032 Hinterkappelen, Switzerland
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2
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Staubli V, Bshary R, Triki Z. The serotonin blocker Ketanserin reduces coral reef fish Ctenochaetus striatus aggressive behaviour during between-species social interactions. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16858. [PMID: 38313029 PMCID: PMC10838075 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
A multitude of species engages in social interactions not only with their conspecifics but also with other species. Such interspecific interactions can be either positive, like helping, or negative, like aggressive behaviour. However, the physiological mechanisms of these behaviours remain unclear. Here, we manipulated the serotonin system, a well-known neurohormone for regulating intraspecific aggressive behaviour, to investigate its role in interspecific aggression. We tested whether serotonin blockade affects the aggressive behaviour of a coral reef fish species (Ctenochaetus striatus) that engages in mutualistic interactions with another species, the cleaner fish (Labroides dimidiatus). Although this mutualistic cleaning relationship may appear positive, cleaner fish do not always cooperate and remove ectoparasites from the other coral reef fish ("clients") but tend to cheat and bite the client's protective layer of mucus. Client fish thus often apply control mechanisms, like chasing, to deter their cleaner fish partners from cheating. Our findings show that blocking serotonin receptors 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C with ketanserin reduced the client fish's aggressive behaviour towards cleaner fish, but in the context where the latter did not cheat. These results are evidence of the involvement of serotonin in regulating aggressive behaviour at the between-species social interactions level. Yet, the direction of effect we found here is the opposite of previous findings using a similar experimental set-up and ecological context but with a different client fish species (Scolopsis bilineatus). Together, it suggests that serotonin's role in aggressive behaviour is complex, and at least in this mutualistic ecological context, its function is species-dependent. This warrants, to some extent, careful interpretations from single-species studies looking into the physiological mechanisms of social behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Staubli
- Faculty of Science, University of Neuchatel, Neuchatel, Switzerland
| | - Redouan Bshary
- Faculty of Science, University of Neuchatel, Neuchatel, Switzerland
| | - Zegni Triki
- Faculty of Science, University of Neuchatel, Neuchatel, Switzerland
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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3
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Rodnyy AY, Kondaurova EM, Tsybko AS, Popova NK, Kudlay DA, Naumenko VS. The brain serotonin system in autism. Rev Neurosci 2024; 35:1-20. [PMID: 37415576 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2023-0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are among the most common neurodevelopmental diseases. These disorders are characterized by lack of social interaction, by repetitive behavior, and often anxiety and learning disabilities. The brain serotonin (5-HT) system is known to be crucially implicated in a wide range of physiological functions and in the control of different kinds of normal and pathological behavior. A growing number of studies indicate the involvement of the brain 5-HT system in the mechanisms underlying both ASD development and ASD-related behavioral disorders. There are some review papers describing the role of separate key players of the 5-HT system in an ASD and/or autistic-like behavior. In this review, we summarize existing data on the participation of all members of the brain 5-HT system, namely, 5-HT transporter, tryptophan hydroxylase 2, MAOA, and 5-HT receptors, in autism in human and various animal models. Additionally, we describe the most recent studies involving modern techniques for in vivo regulation of gene expression that are aimed at identifying exact roles of 5-HT receptors, MAOA, and 5-HT transporter in the mechanisms underlying autistic-like behavior. Altogether, results of multiple research articles show that the brain 5-HT system intimately partakes in the control of some types of ASD-related behavior, and that specific changes in a function of a certain 5-HT receptor, transporter, and/or enzyme may normalize this aberrant behavior. These data give hope that some of clinically used 5-HT-related drugs have potential for ASD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Ya Rodnyy
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentyeva Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Elena M Kondaurova
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentyeva Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Anton S Tsybko
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentyeva Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Nina K Popova
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentyeva Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Dmitry A Kudlay
- NRC Institute of Immunology FMBA of Russia, Kashirskoe Highway 24, Moscow 115522, Russia
- Sechenov's University, 8-2 Trubetskaya Str., Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Vladimir S Naumenko
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentyeva Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
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Bales KL. Oxytocin: A developmental journey. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2023; 16:100203. [PMID: 38108037 PMCID: PMC10724731 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2023.100203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide hormone oxytocin is involved in many processes in our bodies, linking our social lives to our internal states. I started out my career studying primate families, an interest that expanded into the role of oxytocin in family-oriented behaviors such as pair bonding and parenting in prairie voles, humans, and other primates. Starting as a post-doc with Dr. C. Sue Carter, I also became interested in the role of oxytocin during development and the way that we manipulate oxytocin clinically. During that post-doc and then as a faculty member at the University of California, Davis, I have worked on a number of these questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L. Bales
- Department of Psychology, Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
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5
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Zablocki-Thomas P, Lau A, Witczak L, Dufek M, Wright A, Savidge L, Paulus J, Baxter A, Karaskiewicz C, Seelke AMH, Freeman SM, Ferrer E, Bales KL. Intranasal oxytocin does not change partner preference in female titi monkeys (Plecturocebus cupreus), but intranasal vasopressin decreases it. J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13339. [PMID: 37705310 PMCID: PMC10957293 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13339] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Strong social bonds are critical to human health; however, the mechanisms by which social bonds are formed and maintained are still being elucidated. The neurohormones oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) are considered likely candidates. Primate females, both human and nonhuman, remain understudied populations. Here, we conducted a pharmacological study coupled with a behavioral partner preference test (PPT) to better understand the mechanistic basis of attachment in adult female titi monkeys (Plecturocebus cupreus). This pair-bonding species shares a conserved form of oxytocin with humans and is an excellent model organism to study the neural basis of social bonding. We performed intranasal administration of three doses of oxytocin (IN-OT), two doses of vasopressin (IN-AVP), one dose of an oxytocin antagonist (IN-OTA) and one dose of a saline treatment. We found that compared to the saline control, the IN-AVP treatment (lower dose, 40 IU/kg) decreased the time spent in proximity to the partner and increased lip-smacking toward the stranger. We found no effects of IN-OT or IN-OTA manipulation on partner preference. In contrast, low-dose IN-AVP weakened the partner preference in female titi monkeys.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Allison Lau
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA
- Graduate Group in Animal Behavior, University of California, Davis, CA
| | - Lynea Witczak
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA
| | - Madison Dufek
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA
| | - Amber Wright
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA
| | - Logan Savidge
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA
| | - John Paulus
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA
- Graduate Group in Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, CA
| | - Alexander Baxter
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA
| | - Chloe Karaskiewicz
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA
| | - Adele M. H. Seelke
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis, CA
| | - Sara M. Freeman
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT
| | - Emilio Ferrer
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis, CA
| | - Karen L. Bales
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis, CA
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6
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On the role of serotonin 5-HT 1A receptor in autistic-like behavior: сross talk of 5-HT and BDNF systems. Behav Brain Res 2023; 438:114168. [PMID: 36280010 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114168] [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: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are some of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders; however, the mechanisms underlying ASDs are still poorly understood. Serotonin (5-HT) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are known as key players in brain and behavioral plasticity and interact with each other. 5-HT1A receptor is a principal regulator of the brain 5-HT system, which modulates normal and pathological behavior. Here we investigated effects of adeno-associated-virus-based 5-HT1A receptor overexpression in the hippocampus of BTBR mice (which are a model of autism) on various types of behavior and on the expression of 5-HT7 receptor, proBDNF, mature BDNF, and BDNF receptors (TrkB and p75NTR). The 5-HT1A receptor overexpression in BTBR mice reduced stereotyped behavior in the marble-burying test and extended the time spent in the center in the open field test. Meanwhile, this overexpression failed to affect social behavior in the three-chambered test, immobility time in the tail suspension test, locomotor activity in the open field test, and associative learning within the "operant wall" paradigm. The 5-HT1A receptor overexpression in the hippocampus raised hippocampal 5-HT7 receptor mRNA and protein levels. Additionally, the 5-HT1A receptor overexpression lowered both mRNA and protein levels of TrkB receptor but failed to affect proBDNF, mature BDNF, and p75NTR receptor expression in the hippocampus of BTBR mice. Thus, obtained results suggest the involvement of the 5-HT and BDNF systems' interaction mediated by 5-HT1A and TrkB receptors in the mechanisms underlying autistic-like behavior in BTBR mice.
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López-Gutiérrez MF, Mejía-Chávez S, Alcauter S, Portillo W. The neural circuits of monogamous behavior. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:978344. [PMID: 36247729 PMCID: PMC9559370 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.978344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The interest in studying the neural circuits related to mating behavior and mate choice in monogamous species lies in the parallels found between human social structure and sexual behavior and that of other mammals that exhibit social monogamy, potentially expanding our understanding of human neurobiology and its underlying mechanisms. Extensive research has suggested that social monogamy, as opposed to non-monogamy in mammals, is a consequence of the neural encoding of sociosensory information from the sexual partner with an increased reward value. Thus, the reinforced value of the mate outweighs the reward value of mating with any other potential sexual partners. This mechanism reinforces the social relationship of a breeding pair, commonly defined as a pair bond. In addition to accentuated prosocial behaviors toward the partner, other characteristic behaviors may appear, such as territorial and partner guarding, selective aggression toward unfamiliar conspecifics, and biparental care. Concomitantly, social buffering and distress upon partner separation are also observed. The following work intends to overview and compare known neural and functional circuits that are related to mating and sexual behavior in monogamous mammals. We will particularly discuss reports on Cricetid rodents of the Microtus and Peromyscus genus, and New World primates (NWP), such as the Callicebinae subfamily of the titi monkey and the marmoset (Callithrix spp.). In addition, we will mention the main factors that modulate the neural circuits related to social monogamy and how that modulation may reflect phenotypic differences, ultimately creating the widely observed diversity in social behavior.
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Serotonin Receptors as Therapeutic Targets for Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126515. [PMID: 35742963 PMCID: PMC9223717 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by repetitive and stereotyped behaviors as well as difficulties with social interaction and communication. According to reports for prevalence rates of ASD, approximately 1~2% of children worldwide have been diagnosed with ASD. Although there are a couple of FDA (Food and Drug Administration)—approved drugs for ASD treatment such as aripiprazole and risperidone, they are efficient for alleviating aggression, hyperactivity, and self-injury but not the core symptoms. Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) as a neurotransmitter plays a crucial role in the early neurodevelopmental stage. In particular, 5-HT has been known to regulate a variety of neurobiological processes including neurite outgrowth, dendritic spine morphology, shaping neuronal circuits, synaptic transmission, and synaptic plasticity. Given the roles of serotonergic systems, the 5-HT receptors (5-HTRs) become emerging as potential therapeutic targets in the ASD. In this review, we will focus on the recent development of small molecule modulators of 5-HTRs as therapeutic targets for the ASD treatment.
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9
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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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10
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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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11
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Stettler PR, F Antunes D, Taborsky B. The serotonin 1A receptor modulates the social behaviour within groups of a cooperatively-breeding cichlid. Horm Behav 2021; 129:104918. [PMID: 33428923 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) reduces aggressive behaviour in a number of vertebrates, and the 5-HT1A receptor is known to be involved in this regulation. However, the role of this receptor in the modulation of sociopositive behaviour remains largely unknown. Here we investigated the role of the 5-HT1A receptor in the regulation of aggressive, submissive and affiliative behaviour in the cooperatively-breeding cichlid Neolamprologus pulcher. In two experiments, we performed intramuscular injections of a 5-HT1A agonist (8-OH-DPAT) and antagonist (Way-100635) followed by recordings of social behaviour of injected fish within their social groups. We determined the concentrations and post-injection times when the drugs had the greatest effect on social behaviour. We recorded spontaneous social behaviour in both experiments. In the second experiment we also recorded behaviour after social groups received a territorial challenge by live presentations of either conspecifics or egg predators. The 5-HT1A agonist caused an increase in aggression and a decrease in submission and affiliation, whereas the antagonist had the opposite effects. Thus, the 5-HT1A receptor plays an important regulatory role not only for aggressive but also sociopositive behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia R Stettler
- Division of Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50A, 3032 Hinterkappelen, Switzerland.
| | - Diogo F Antunes
- Division of Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50A, 3032 Hinterkappelen, Switzerland.
| | - Barbara Taborsky
- Division of Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50A, 3032 Hinterkappelen, Switzerland.
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12
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Staes N, Sherwood CC, Freeman H, Brosnan SF, Schapiro SJ, Hopkins WD, Bradley BJ. Serotonin Receptor 1A Variation Is Associated with Anxiety and Agonistic Behavior in Chimpanzees. Mol Biol Evol 2020; 36:1418-1429. [PMID: 31045220 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msz061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in regulating behavior and personality in humans and other mammals. Polymorphisms in genes coding for the serotonin receptor subtype 1A (HTR1A), the serotonin transporter (SLC6A4), and the serotonin degrading enzyme monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) are associated with anxiety, impulsivity, and neurotic personality in humans. In primates, previous research has largely focused on SLC6A4 and MAOA, with few studies investigating the role of HTR1A polymorphic variation on behavior. Here, we examined variation in the coding region of HTR1A across apes, and genotyped polymorphic coding variation in a sample of 214 chimpanzees with matched measures of personality and behavior. We found evidence for positive selection at three amino acid substitution sites, one in chimpanzees-bonobos (Thr26Ser), one in humans (Phe33Val), and one in orangutans (Ala274Gly). Investigation of the HTR1A coding region in chimpanzees revealed a polymorphic site, where a C/A single nucleotide polymorphism changes a proline to a glutamine in the amino acid sequence (Pro248Gln). The substitution is located in the third intracellular loop of the receptor, a region important for serotonin signal transduction. The derived variant is the major allele in this population (frequency 0.67), and is associated with a reduction in anxiety, decreased rates of male agonistic behavior, and an increase in socio-positive behavior. These results are the first evidence that the HTR1A gene may be involved in regulating social behavior in chimpanzees and encourage further systematic investigation of polymorphic variation in other primate populations with corresponding data on behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicky Staes
- Department of Anthropology, Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC.,Department of Biology, Behavioral Ecology and Ecophysiology Group, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Centre for Research and Conservation, Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Chet C Sherwood
- Department of Anthropology, Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Hani Freeman
- Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterBastrop, TX
| | - Sarah F Brosnan
- Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterBastrop, TX.,Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA.,Neuroscience Institute and Language Research Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Steven J Schapiro
- Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterBastrop, TX
| | - William D Hopkins
- Neuroscience Institute and Language Research Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA.,Ape Cognition and Conservation Initiative, Des Moines, IA
| | - Brenda J Bradley
- Department of Anthropology, Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC
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13
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Abstract
Love is one of our most powerful emotions, inspiring some of the greatest art, literature and conquests of human history. Although aspects of love are surely unique to our species, human romantic relationships are displays of a mating system characterized by pair bonding, likely built on ancient foundational neural mechanisms governing individual recognition, social reward, territorial behaviour and maternal nurturing. Studies in monogamous prairie voles and mice have revealed precise neural mechanisms regulating processes essential for the pair bond. Here, we discuss current viewpoints on the biology underlying pair bond formation, its maintenance and associated behaviours from neural and evolutionary perspectives.
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14
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Witczak LR, Ferrer E, Bales KL. Effects of aggressive temperament on endogenous oxytocin levels in adult titi monkeys. Am J Primatol 2018; 80:e22907. [PMID: 30106168 PMCID: PMC6719780 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Coordination of oxytocin (OT) activity and partner interactions is important for the facilitation and maintenance of monogamous pair bonds. We used coppery titi monkeys (Callicebus cupreus) to identify the effects of male aggressive temperament on OT activity, affiliative partner-directed behaviors, aggressive partner-directed behaviors, anxiety-related behaviors, and hormone-behavior interactions. We used a mirror technique, simulating an intruder in the home territory of pairs to elicit behavioral responses, and quantified behaviors using an established ethogram. Plasma concentrations of OT (pg/ml) were quantified using enzyme immunoassay. We used general linear mixed models to predict 1) percent change in OT as a function of aggression score, and 2) percent change in behaviors as a function of aggression, OT, and OT by aggression interactions. High-aggressive males exhibited a significant drop in OT concentration relative to control when exposed to the front of the mirror (β = -0.22, SE = 0.10, t = -2.20, p = 0.04). High-aggressive males spent significantly less time in contact with their mates (β = -1.35, SE = 0.60, t = -2.26, p = 0.04) and lip-smacked less (β = -1.02, SE = 0.44, t = -2.32, p = 0.03) relative to control. We also saw a trend toward an interaction effect between OT and proximity such that High-aggressive males displaying a drop in OT exhibited a smaller percent increase in social proximity (β = 6.80, SE = 3.48, t = 1.96, p = 0.07). Males exhibiting a decrease in OT also trended toward back-arching and tail-lashing less in response to the mirror (β = 4.53, SE = 2.5, t = 1.82, p = 0.09). To our knowledge, this is the first empirical study to examine interactions between OT and temperament in adult monogamous primates. Future studies should incorporate measures of pair-mate interactions and early-life experience to further understand variation in responses to social stressors and their effects on pair bonding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynea R Witczak
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, California
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, California
| | - Emilio Ferrer
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Karen L Bales
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, California
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, California
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15
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Reales G, Paixão-Côrtes VR, Cybis GB, Gonçalves GL, Pissinatti A, Salzano FM, Bortolini MC. Serotonin, behavior, and natural selection in New World monkeys. J Evol Biol 2018; 31:1180-1192. [DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Reales
- Departamento de Genética; Instituto de Biociências; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Porto Alegre RS Brazil
| | | | - Gabriela B. Cybis
- Departamento de Estatística; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Porto Alegre RS Brazil
| | - Gislene L. Gonçalves
- Departamento de Genética; Instituto de Biociências; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Porto Alegre RS Brazil
| | | | - Francisco M. Salzano
- Departamento de Genética; Instituto de Biociências; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Porto Alegre RS Brazil
| | - Maria Cátira Bortolini
- Departamento de Genética; Instituto de Biociências; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Porto Alegre RS Brazil
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16
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Putnam PT, Young LJ, Gothard KM. Bridging the gap between rodents and humans: The role of non-human primates in oxytocin research. Am J Primatol 2018; 80:e22756. [PMID: 29923206 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT), a neuropeptide that acts in the brain as a neuromodulator, has been long known to shape maternal physiology and behavior in mammals, however its role in regulating social cognition and behavior in primates has come to the forefront only in the recent decade. Many of the current perspectives on the role of OT in modulating social behavior emerged first from studies in rodents, where invasive techniques with a high degree of precision have permitted the mechanistic dissection of OT-related behaviors, as well as their underlying neural circuits in exquisite detail. In parallel, behavioral and imaging studies in humans have suggested that brain OT may similarly influence human social behavior and neural activity. These studies in rodents and humans have spurred interest in the therapeutic potential of targeting the OT system to remedy deficits in social cognition and behavior that are present across numerous psychiatric disorders. Yet there remains a tremendous gap in our mechanistic understanding of the influence of brain OT on social neural circuitry between rodents and man. In fact, very little is known regarding the neural mechanisms by which exogenous or endogenous OT influences human social cognition, limiting its therapeutic potential. Here we discuss how non-human primates (NHPs) are uniquely positioned to now bridge the gaps in knowledge provided by the precise circuit-level approaches widely used in rodent models and the behavioral, imaging, and clinical studies in humans. This review provides a perspective on what has been achieved, and what can be expected from exploring the role of OT in shaping social behaviors in NHPs in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip T Putnam
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.,Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Larry J Young
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Atlanta, Georgia.,Department of Psychiatry, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Katalin M Gothard
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.,Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Atlanta, Georgia
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17
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Kanthaswamy S, Bales KL. Evaluating the genetic status of a closed colony of titi monkeys (Callicebus cupreus) using multigenerational pedigrees. J Med Primatol 2018; 47:139-141. [PMID: 29388214 PMCID: PMC5843535 DOI: 10.1111/jmp.12331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Pedigree metrics are essential for investigating colony genetic structure. The genetic structure of a closed Callicebus cupreus colony was examined using multigenerational pedigrees. Inbreeding was low, but genetic drift caused the loss of founder genome representation. Pedigrees can be used to detect founder representation and prevent bottlenecks and allele loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sree Kanthaswamy
- School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University (ASU) at the West Campus, Glendale, AZ, USA
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Karen L. Bales
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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