Alloparenting

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Clive W. Coen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • telencephalic binding sites for oxytocin and social organization a comparative study of eusocial naked mole rats and solitary cape mole rats
    The Journal of Comparative Neurology, 2010
    Co-Authors: Theodosis Kalamatianos, Chris G Faulkes, Ravi Poorun, Nigel C Bennett, Maria K. Oosthuizen, Clive W. Coen
    Abstract:

    African mole-rats provide a unique taxonomic group for investigating the evolution and neurobiology of sociality. The two species investigated here display extreme differences in social organization and reproductive strategy. Naked mole-rats (NMRs) live in colonies, dominated by a queen and her consorts; most members remain nonreproductive throughout life but cooperate in burrowing, foraging, and caring for pups, for which they are not biological parents (Alloparenting). In contrast, Cape mole-rats (CMRs) are solitary and intolerant of conspecifics, except during fleeting seasonal copulation or minimal maternal behavior. Research on other mammals suggests that oxytocin receptors at various telencephalic sites regulate social recognition, monogamous pair bonding, and maternal/allomaternal behavior. Current paradigms in this field derive from monogamous and polygamous species of New World voles, which are evolutionarily remote from Old World mole-rats. The present findings indicate that NMRs exhibit a considerably greater level of oxytocin receptor (OTR) binding than CMRs in the: nucleus accumbens; indusium griseum; central, medial, and cortical amygdaloid nuclei; bed nucleus of the stria terminalis; and CA1 hippocampal subfield. In contrast, OTR binding in the piriform cortex is intense in CMRs but undetectable in NMRs. We speculate that the abundance of OTR binding and oxytocin-neurophysin-immunoreactive processes in the nucleus accumbens of NMRs reflects their sociality, Alloparenting behavior, and potential for reproductive attachments. In contrast, the paucity of oxytocin and its receptors at this site in CMRs may reflect a paucity of prosocial behaviors. Whether similarities in OTR expression between eusocial mole-rats and monogamous voles are due to gene conservation or convergent evolution remains to be determined. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:1792–1813, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  • Telencephalic binding sites for oxytocin and social organization: A comparative study of eusocial naked mole‐rats and solitary cape mole‐rats
    The Journal of Comparative Neurology, 2010
    Co-Authors: Theodosis Kalamatianos, Chris G Faulkes, Ravi Poorun, Nigel C Bennett, Maria K. Oosthuizen, Clive W. Coen
    Abstract:

    African mole-rats provide a unique taxonomic group for investigating the evolution and neurobiology of sociality. The two species investigated here display extreme differences in social organization and reproductive strategy. Naked mole-rats (NMRs) live in colonies, dominated by a queen and her consorts; most members remain nonreproductive throughout life but cooperate in burrowing, foraging, and caring for pups, for which they are not biological parents (Alloparenting). In contrast, Cape mole-rats (CMRs) are solitary and intolerant of conspecifics, except during fleeting seasonal copulation or minimal maternal behavior. Research on other mammals suggests that oxytocin receptors at various telencephalic sites regulate social recognition, monogamous pair bonding, and maternal/allomaternal behavior. Current paradigms in this field derive from monogamous and polygamous species of New World voles, which are evolutionarily remote from Old World mole-rats. The present findings indicate that NMRs exhibit a considerably greater level of oxytocin receptor (OTR) binding than CMRs in the: nucleus accumbens; indusium griseum; central, medial, and cortical amygdaloid nuclei; bed nucleus of the stria terminalis; and CA1 hippocampal subfield. In contrast, OTR binding in the piriform cortex is intense in CMRs but undetectable in NMRs. We speculate that the abundance of OTR binding and oxytocin-neurophysin-immunoreactive processes in the nucleus accumbens of NMRs reflects their sociality, Alloparenting behavior, and potential for reproductive attachments. In contrast, the paucity of oxytocin and its receptors at this site in CMRs may reflect a paucity of prosocial behaviors. Whether similarities in OTR expression between eusocial mole-rats and monogamous voles are due to gene conservation or convergent evolution remains to be determined. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:1792–1813, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Maria K. Oosthuizen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • telencephalic binding sites for oxytocin and social organization a comparative study of eusocial naked mole rats and solitary cape mole rats
    The Journal of Comparative Neurology, 2010
    Co-Authors: Theodosis Kalamatianos, Chris G Faulkes, Ravi Poorun, Nigel C Bennett, Maria K. Oosthuizen, Clive W. Coen
    Abstract:

    African mole-rats provide a unique taxonomic group for investigating the evolution and neurobiology of sociality. The two species investigated here display extreme differences in social organization and reproductive strategy. Naked mole-rats (NMRs) live in colonies, dominated by a queen and her consorts; most members remain nonreproductive throughout life but cooperate in burrowing, foraging, and caring for pups, for which they are not biological parents (Alloparenting). In contrast, Cape mole-rats (CMRs) are solitary and intolerant of conspecifics, except during fleeting seasonal copulation or minimal maternal behavior. Research on other mammals suggests that oxytocin receptors at various telencephalic sites regulate social recognition, monogamous pair bonding, and maternal/allomaternal behavior. Current paradigms in this field derive from monogamous and polygamous species of New World voles, which are evolutionarily remote from Old World mole-rats. The present findings indicate that NMRs exhibit a considerably greater level of oxytocin receptor (OTR) binding than CMRs in the: nucleus accumbens; indusium griseum; central, medial, and cortical amygdaloid nuclei; bed nucleus of the stria terminalis; and CA1 hippocampal subfield. In contrast, OTR binding in the piriform cortex is intense in CMRs but undetectable in NMRs. We speculate that the abundance of OTR binding and oxytocin-neurophysin-immunoreactive processes in the nucleus accumbens of NMRs reflects their sociality, Alloparenting behavior, and potential for reproductive attachments. In contrast, the paucity of oxytocin and its receptors at this site in CMRs may reflect a paucity of prosocial behaviors. Whether similarities in OTR expression between eusocial mole-rats and monogamous voles are due to gene conservation or convergent evolution remains to be determined. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:1792–1813, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  • Telencephalic binding sites for oxytocin and social organization: A comparative study of eusocial naked mole‐rats and solitary cape mole‐rats
    The Journal of Comparative Neurology, 2010
    Co-Authors: Theodosis Kalamatianos, Chris G Faulkes, Ravi Poorun, Nigel C Bennett, Maria K. Oosthuizen, Clive W. Coen
    Abstract:

    African mole-rats provide a unique taxonomic group for investigating the evolution and neurobiology of sociality. The two species investigated here display extreme differences in social organization and reproductive strategy. Naked mole-rats (NMRs) live in colonies, dominated by a queen and her consorts; most members remain nonreproductive throughout life but cooperate in burrowing, foraging, and caring for pups, for which they are not biological parents (Alloparenting). In contrast, Cape mole-rats (CMRs) are solitary and intolerant of conspecifics, except during fleeting seasonal copulation or minimal maternal behavior. Research on other mammals suggests that oxytocin receptors at various telencephalic sites regulate social recognition, monogamous pair bonding, and maternal/allomaternal behavior. Current paradigms in this field derive from monogamous and polygamous species of New World voles, which are evolutionarily remote from Old World mole-rats. The present findings indicate that NMRs exhibit a considerably greater level of oxytocin receptor (OTR) binding than CMRs in the: nucleus accumbens; indusium griseum; central, medial, and cortical amygdaloid nuclei; bed nucleus of the stria terminalis; and CA1 hippocampal subfield. In contrast, OTR binding in the piriform cortex is intense in CMRs but undetectable in NMRs. We speculate that the abundance of OTR binding and oxytocin-neurophysin-immunoreactive processes in the nucleus accumbens of NMRs reflects their sociality, Alloparenting behavior, and potential for reproductive attachments. In contrast, the paucity of oxytocin and its receptors at this site in CMRs may reflect a paucity of prosocial behaviors. Whether similarities in OTR expression between eusocial mole-rats and monogamous voles are due to gene conservation or convergent evolution remains to be determined. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:1792–1813, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Theodosis Kalamatianos - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • telencephalic binding sites for oxytocin and social organization a comparative study of eusocial naked mole rats and solitary cape mole rats
    The Journal of Comparative Neurology, 2010
    Co-Authors: Theodosis Kalamatianos, Chris G Faulkes, Ravi Poorun, Nigel C Bennett, Maria K. Oosthuizen, Clive W. Coen
    Abstract:

    African mole-rats provide a unique taxonomic group for investigating the evolution and neurobiology of sociality. The two species investigated here display extreme differences in social organization and reproductive strategy. Naked mole-rats (NMRs) live in colonies, dominated by a queen and her consorts; most members remain nonreproductive throughout life but cooperate in burrowing, foraging, and caring for pups, for which they are not biological parents (Alloparenting). In contrast, Cape mole-rats (CMRs) are solitary and intolerant of conspecifics, except during fleeting seasonal copulation or minimal maternal behavior. Research on other mammals suggests that oxytocin receptors at various telencephalic sites regulate social recognition, monogamous pair bonding, and maternal/allomaternal behavior. Current paradigms in this field derive from monogamous and polygamous species of New World voles, which are evolutionarily remote from Old World mole-rats. The present findings indicate that NMRs exhibit a considerably greater level of oxytocin receptor (OTR) binding than CMRs in the: nucleus accumbens; indusium griseum; central, medial, and cortical amygdaloid nuclei; bed nucleus of the stria terminalis; and CA1 hippocampal subfield. In contrast, OTR binding in the piriform cortex is intense in CMRs but undetectable in NMRs. We speculate that the abundance of OTR binding and oxytocin-neurophysin-immunoreactive processes in the nucleus accumbens of NMRs reflects their sociality, Alloparenting behavior, and potential for reproductive attachments. In contrast, the paucity of oxytocin and its receptors at this site in CMRs may reflect a paucity of prosocial behaviors. Whether similarities in OTR expression between eusocial mole-rats and monogamous voles are due to gene conservation or convergent evolution remains to be determined. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:1792–1813, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  • Telencephalic binding sites for oxytocin and social organization: A comparative study of eusocial naked mole‐rats and solitary cape mole‐rats
    The Journal of Comparative Neurology, 2010
    Co-Authors: Theodosis Kalamatianos, Chris G Faulkes, Ravi Poorun, Nigel C Bennett, Maria K. Oosthuizen, Clive W. Coen
    Abstract:

    African mole-rats provide a unique taxonomic group for investigating the evolution and neurobiology of sociality. The two species investigated here display extreme differences in social organization and reproductive strategy. Naked mole-rats (NMRs) live in colonies, dominated by a queen and her consorts; most members remain nonreproductive throughout life but cooperate in burrowing, foraging, and caring for pups, for which they are not biological parents (Alloparenting). In contrast, Cape mole-rats (CMRs) are solitary and intolerant of conspecifics, except during fleeting seasonal copulation or minimal maternal behavior. Research on other mammals suggests that oxytocin receptors at various telencephalic sites regulate social recognition, monogamous pair bonding, and maternal/allomaternal behavior. Current paradigms in this field derive from monogamous and polygamous species of New World voles, which are evolutionarily remote from Old World mole-rats. The present findings indicate that NMRs exhibit a considerably greater level of oxytocin receptor (OTR) binding than CMRs in the: nucleus accumbens; indusium griseum; central, medial, and cortical amygdaloid nuclei; bed nucleus of the stria terminalis; and CA1 hippocampal subfield. In contrast, OTR binding in the piriform cortex is intense in CMRs but undetectable in NMRs. We speculate that the abundance of OTR binding and oxytocin-neurophysin-immunoreactive processes in the nucleus accumbens of NMRs reflects their sociality, Alloparenting behavior, and potential for reproductive attachments. In contrast, the paucity of oxytocin and its receptors at this site in CMRs may reflect a paucity of prosocial behaviors. Whether similarities in OTR expression between eusocial mole-rats and monogamous voles are due to gene conservation or convergent evolution remains to be determined. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:1792–1813, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

C. Sue Carter - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • The neurobiological causes and effects of Alloparenting.
    Developmental neurobiology, 2016
    Co-Authors: William M. Kenkel, Allison M. Perkeybile, C. Sue Carter
    Abstract:

    Alloparenting, defined as care provided by individuals other than parents, is a universal behavior among humans that has shaped our evolutionary history and remains important in contemporary society. Dysfunctions in Alloparenting can have serious and sometimes fatal consequences for vulnerable infants and children. In spite of the importance of Alloparenting, we still have much to learn regarding the underlying neurobiological systems governing its expression. Here, we review how a lack of alloparental behavior among traditional laboratory species has led to a blind spot in our understanding of this critical facet of human social behavior and the relevant neurobiology. Based on what is known, we draw from model systems ranging from voles to meerkats to primates to describe a conserved set of neuroendocrine mechanisms supporting the expression of alloparental care. In this review we describe the neurobiological and behavioral prerequisites, ontogeny, and consequences of alloparental care. Lastly, we identify several outstanding topics in the area of alloparental care that deserve further research efforts to better advance human health and wellbeing. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

  • Both oxytocin and vasopressin may influence alloparental behavior in male prairie voles
    Hormones and behavior, 2004
    Co-Authors: Karen L. Bales, Albert J Kim, Antoniah D. Lewis-reese, C. Sue Carter
    Abstract:

    Neuropeptides, especially oxytocin (OT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP), have been implicated in several features of monogamy including Alloparenting. The purpose of the present study was to examine the role of OT and AVP in alloparental behavior in reproductively naive male prairie voles. Males received intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections of artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF), OT, an OT receptor antagonist (OTA), AVP, an AVP receptor antagonist (AVPA), or combinations of OTA and AVPA and were subsequently tested for parental behavior. Approximately 45 min after treatment, animals were tested for behavioral responses to stimulus pups. In a 10-min test, spontaneous alloparental behavior was high in control animals. OT and AVP did not significantly increase the number of males that showed parental behavior, although more subtle behavioral changes were observed. Combined treatment with AVPA and OTA (10 ng each) significantly reduced male parental behavior and increased attacks; following a lower dose (1 ng OTA/1 ng AVPA), males were less likely to display kyphosis and tended to be slower to approach pups than controls. Since treatment with only one antagonist did not interfere with the expression of Alloparenting, these results suggest that access to either OT or AVP receptors may be sufficient for the expression of Alloparenting.

  • Sex differences and developmental effects of manipulations of oxytocin on Alloparenting and anxiety in prairie voles
    Developmental psychobiology, 2004
    Co-Authors: Karen L. Bales, Lisa A. Pfeifer, C. Sue Carter
    Abstract:

    In adult animals, peptide hormones, including oxytocin and arginine vasopressin, have been implicated in both parental behavior and the modulation of anxiety. The purpose of this study was to examine the consequences of developmental manipulations of oxytocin for the later expression of alloparental behavior as well as behavioral responses to a novel environment, the elevated plus maze (EPM). Prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), a cooperatively breeding species, were selected for this study. On neonatal Day 1, pups received an ip injection of oxytocin or oxytocin antagonist, or were controls, receiving either saline or handling only. At 21 and approximately 60 days of age, each animal was tested for parental care toward novel stimulus pups. At approximately 67 days, an EPM test was administered. Control females at 60 days of age were more likely to attack pups and spent less time in the open arm of the EPM, both of which might reflect higher levels of anxiety in females than males. In males, neonatal treatment with oxytocin antagonist was associated with reductions in parental care, especially during the initial exposure to pups on Day 21. Female behavior was not significantly changed as a function of neonatal treatments. Findings to date implicate vasopressin in the behavioral changes in males, that in later life followed a single exposure to an oxytocin antagonist, and suggest caution in the clinical use of agents such as Atosiban, which may have the potential to influence infant development.

  • Cooperative breeding and monogamy in prairie voles: influence of the sire and geographical variation
    Animal behaviour, 1998
    Co-Authors: R. Lucille Roberts, Jessie R. Williams, Alicia K. Wang, C. Sue Carter
    Abstract:

    Mammalian monogamy is characterized by pair bonding and a relative absence of sexual dimorphism in body size. Alloparental behaviour is a characteristic of mammalian cooperative breeding systems. Studies of prairie voles,Microtus ochrogaster, from stock captured in a resource-abundant habitat in Illinois have supported the assumption that this species is a monogamous, cooperative breeder, while other studies of prairie voles from a more arid habitat in Kansas have called this assumption into question. We hypothesized that reported differences between these populations represented true intraspecific variation. Patterns of sexual dimorphism in body size, partner preferences and parental contact behaviour were compared in prairie voles from stocks originating in Illinois or Kansas. Both Illinois and Kansas voles showed a strong preference for a familiar partner, which is suggestive of monogamy. Sexual dimorphism in body size was observed in Kansas, but not Illinois voles. Illinois voles displayed significantly higher levels of parental contact behaviour than did voles from Kansas. When animals from Illinois and Kansas were crossed, the expression of parental contact behaviour of the ‘hybrid’ offspring followed the pattern seen in the population of origin of the sire. Removal of the sire prior to the birth of the litter increased Alloparenting in Kansas voles, but removal of the sire was associated with lower levels of Alloparenting in Illinois voles. Thus, some traits associated with the social system may show intraspecific variation and can be influenced by the presence or absence of the sire during rearing.

Karen L. Bales - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Is it all in the family? The effects of early social structure on neural-behavioral systems of prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster).
    Neuroscience, 2012
    Co-Authors: Gian D. Greenberg, J. A. Van Westerhuyzen, Karen L. Bales, Brian C. Trainor
    Abstract:

    The transition to parenthood is generally associated with a reduction in anxiety or anxiety-like behavior across a wide range of species. In some species, juveniles provide supplementary parental care for younger siblings, a behavior known as Alloparenting. Although the fitness consequences of Alloparenting behavior have been a focus of evolutionary research, less is known about how Alloparenting behavior impacts affective states. In the socially monogamous prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster), most juveniles exhibit Alloparenting behavior, making the species an ideal model for examining the effects of Alloparenting on future behavioral outcomes. We randomly assigned juvenile voles to Alloparenting (AL) or no Alloparenting (NoAL) groups and behaviorally phenotyped them for anxiety-like and social behaviors using the elevated plus maze (EPM), open field test (OFT), startle box, social interaction test, juvenile affiliation test, and partner preference test. AL voles displayed more anxiety-like and less exploratory behaviors than NoAL voles, spending significantly less time in the open arms of the EPM and center of an open field. We dissected the CA1 region of the hippocampus and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) from brains of behaviorally phenotyped voles and nontested siblings as well. Decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in CA1 has generally been associated with increased anxiety-like behavior in other rodents, while an anxiogenic role for BDNF in BNST is less established. Western blot analyses showed that Alloparenting experience increased expression of BDNF in the BNST but decreased BDNF expression in the CA1 region of hippocampus (CA1) of nontested voles. There were similar differences in BNST BDNF of behaviorally phenotyped voles, and BDNF levels within this region were negatively correlated with exploratory behavior (i.e. time in center of OFT). Our results suggest that BDNF signaling in BNST and CA1 fluctuate with Alloparenting experience, and they contribute to an increasingly complex "BDNF hypothesis" in which behavioral effects of this molecule are region-specific.

  • Alloparenting experience affects future parental behavior and reproductive success in prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster)
    Behavioural processes, 2009
    Co-Authors: Anita I. Stone, Denise Mathieu, Luana L. Griffin, Karen L. Bales
    Abstract:

    Various hypotheses have been proposed to explain the function of alloparental behavior in cooperatively breeding species. We examined whether alloparental experience as juveniles enhanced later parental care and reproductive success in the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster), a cooperatively breeding rodent. Juveniles cared for one litter of siblings (1EX), two litters of siblings (2EX) or no siblings (0EX). As adults, these individuals were mated to other 0EX, 1EX or 2EX voles, yielding seven different pair combinations, and we recorded measures of parental behaviors, reproductive success, and pup development. As juveniles, individuals caring for siblings for the first time were more alloparental; and as adults, 0EX females paired with 0EX males spent more time in the nest with their pups. Taken together, these results suggest that inexperienced animals spend more time in infant care. As parents, 1EX males spent more time licking their pups than 2EX and 0EX males. Pups with either a 1EX or 2EX parent gained weight faster than pups with 0EX parents during certain developmental periods. While inexperienced animals may spend more time in pup care, long-term benefits of Alloparenting may become apparent in the display of certain, particularly important parental behaviors such as licking pups, and in faster weight gain of offspring.

  • Both oxytocin and vasopressin may influence alloparental behavior in male prairie voles
    Hormones and behavior, 2004
    Co-Authors: Karen L. Bales, Albert J Kim, Antoniah D. Lewis-reese, C. Sue Carter
    Abstract:

    Neuropeptides, especially oxytocin (OT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP), have been implicated in several features of monogamy including Alloparenting. The purpose of the present study was to examine the role of OT and AVP in alloparental behavior in reproductively naive male prairie voles. Males received intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections of artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF), OT, an OT receptor antagonist (OTA), AVP, an AVP receptor antagonist (AVPA), or combinations of OTA and AVPA and were subsequently tested for parental behavior. Approximately 45 min after treatment, animals were tested for behavioral responses to stimulus pups. In a 10-min test, spontaneous alloparental behavior was high in control animals. OT and AVP did not significantly increase the number of males that showed parental behavior, although more subtle behavioral changes were observed. Combined treatment with AVPA and OTA (10 ng each) significantly reduced male parental behavior and increased attacks; following a lower dose (1 ng OTA/1 ng AVPA), males were less likely to display kyphosis and tended to be slower to approach pups than controls. Since treatment with only one antagonist did not interfere with the expression of Alloparenting, these results suggest that access to either OT or AVP receptors may be sufficient for the expression of Alloparenting.

  • Sex differences and developmental effects of manipulations of oxytocin on Alloparenting and anxiety in prairie voles
    Developmental psychobiology, 2004
    Co-Authors: Karen L. Bales, Lisa A. Pfeifer, C. Sue Carter
    Abstract:

    In adult animals, peptide hormones, including oxytocin and arginine vasopressin, have been implicated in both parental behavior and the modulation of anxiety. The purpose of this study was to examine the consequences of developmental manipulations of oxytocin for the later expression of alloparental behavior as well as behavioral responses to a novel environment, the elevated plus maze (EPM). Prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), a cooperatively breeding species, were selected for this study. On neonatal Day 1, pups received an ip injection of oxytocin or oxytocin antagonist, or were controls, receiving either saline or handling only. At 21 and approximately 60 days of age, each animal was tested for parental care toward novel stimulus pups. At approximately 67 days, an EPM test was administered. Control females at 60 days of age were more likely to attack pups and spent less time in the open arm of the EPM, both of which might reflect higher levels of anxiety in females than males. In males, neonatal treatment with oxytocin antagonist was associated with reductions in parental care, especially during the initial exposure to pups on Day 21. Female behavior was not significantly changed as a function of neonatal treatments. Findings to date implicate vasopressin in the behavioral changes in males, that in later life followed a single exposure to an oxytocin antagonist, and suggest caution in the clinical use of agents such as Atosiban, which may have the potential to influence infant development.