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Karen L Bales - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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relationship tenure differentially influences Pair Bond behavior in male and female socially monogamous titi monkeys callicebus cupreus
American Journal of Primatology, 2020Co-Authors: Emily S Rothwell, Sally P Mendoza, Karen L Bales, Sarah B Carp, Logan E SavidgeAbstract: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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dopamine d1 like receptors regulate agonistic components of Pair Bond maintenance behaviors in male titi monkeys callicebus cupreus
Psychoneuroendocrinology, 2019Co-Authors: Emily S Rothwell, Sally P Mendoza, Benjamin J Ragen, Karen L BalesAbstract: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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the effects of morphine naloxone and κ opioid manipulation on endocrine functioning and social behavior in monogamous titi monkeys callicebus cupreus
Neuroscience, 2015Co-Authors: Sally P Mendoza, Benjamin J Ragen, Karen L Bales, Nicole ManingerAbstract:The μ opioid receptor (MOR) and κ opioid receptor (KOR) have been implicated in Pair-Bond formation and maintenance in socially monogamous species. Utilizing monogamous titi monkeys (Callicebus cupreus), the present study examined the potential role opioids play in modulating the response to separation, a potent challenge to the Pair-Bond. In Experiment 1, Paired male titi monkeys were separated from their Pair-mate for 30-min and then received saline, naloxone (1.0mg/kg), morphine (0.25mg/kg), or the KOR agonist, U50,488 (0.01, 0.03, or 0.1mg/kg) in a counter-balanced fashion, immediately prior to a 30-min reunion with their mate. Blood samples were collected immediately prior to and after the reunion. Males receiving morphine approached females less, initiated contact less, and females broke contact with the males less. The increase in cortisol in response to naloxone was greater compared to vehicle, and the increase in cortisol in response to the high dose of U50,488 compared to vehicle approached significance. In Experiment 2, Paired males were treated with the KOR antagonist, GNTI (0.1, 0.3, or 1.0mg/kg), or saline 24h prior to a 60-min separation from their mate. Blood samples were collected at the time of injection and immediately before and after separation. Administration of the low dose of GNTI decreased the locomotor component of the separation response compared to vehicle. The present study found that the opioid system is involved in both the affiliative and separation distress components of a Pair-Bond, and these components are regulated by different opioid receptors.
David M Bird - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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changes in reproductive courtship behaviors of adult american kestrels falco sparverius exposed to environmentally relevant levels of the polybrominated diphenyl ether mixture de 71
Toxicological Sciences, 2008Co-Authors: Kimberly J Fernie, John L Shutt, James I Ritchie, Katrina M Sullivan, Robert J. Letcher, David M BirdAbstract:Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are increasing in biota. Here, captive adult American kestrels were exposed daily by diet to safflower oil (controls), or one of two levels of a pentaBDE technical formulation, DE-71 (0.3 or 1.6 ppm), for approximately 75 days, commencing 21 days before breeding. This exposure resulted in eggs having PBDE concentrations similar (low exposure) or within the same order of magnitude (high exposure) reported for wild American kestrels and gulls in the Great Lakes. Compared to controls, kestrels in both exposure groups copulated less, spent less time in their nest boxes, and participated in fewer PairBonding behaviors. Furthermore, the timing of these behaviors, which is important to creating and maintaining the Pair-Bond, also differed significantly from the controls. The females in the lowexposure group made fewer compatible trilling calls and ate less frequently. These behavioral changes were compounded by increasing exposure to DE-71 during the 9-day courtship period immediately preceding egg laying, a standard measure of the kestrel courtship period. The birds in the high-exposure group made more food transfers, excited ‘‘klee’’ calls, and copulations, the latter only when compared to the low-exposure birds, whereas the low-exposure males performed fewer Pair-Bonding behaviors. This study demonstrates that the exposure of kestrels to environmentally relevant levels of DE-71 modifies the quality of the Pair-Bond, affects the reproductive behavior of both sexes, and occurs when birds are exposed for a short period as adults. In addition, these behavioral effects are consistent with the observed reproductive changes in these birds.
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changes in reproductive courtship behaviors of adult american kestrels falco sparverius exposed to environmentally relevant levels of the polybrominated diphenyl ether mixture de 71
Toxicological Sciences, 2008Co-Authors: Kimberly J Fernie, John L Shutt, James I Ritchie, Katrina M Sullivan, Robert J. Letcher, David M BirdAbstract:Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are increasing in biota. Here, captive adult American kestrels were exposed daily by diet to safflower oil (controls), or one of two levels of a pentaBDE technical formulation, DE-71 (0.3 or 1.6 ppm), for approximately 75 days, commencing 21 days before breeding. This exposure resulted in eggs having PBDE concentrations similar (low exposure) or within the same order of magnitude (high exposure) reported for wild American kestrels and gulls in the Great Lakes. Compared to controls, kestrels in both exposure groups copulated less, spent less time in their nest boxes, and participated in fewer PairBonding behaviors. Furthermore, the timing of these behaviors, which is important to creating and maintaining the Pair-Bond, also differed significantly from the controls. The females in the lowexposure group made fewer compatible trilling calls and ate less frequently. These behavioral changes were compounded by increasing exposure to DE-71 during the 9-day courtship period immediately preceding egg laying, a standard measure of the kestrel courtship period. The birds in the high-exposure group made more food transfers, excited ‘‘klee’’ calls, and copulations, the latter only when compared to the low-exposure birds, whereas the low-exposure males performed fewer Pair-Bonding behaviors. This study demonstrates that the exposure of kestrels to environmentally relevant levels of DE-71 modifies the quality of the Pair-Bond, affects the reproductive behavior of both sexes, and occurs when birds are exposed for a short period as adults. In addition, these behavioral effects are consistent with the observed reproductive changes in these birds.
Emily S Rothwell - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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relationship tenure differentially influences Pair Bond behavior in male and female socially monogamous titi monkeys callicebus cupreus
American Journal of Primatology, 2020Co-Authors: Emily S Rothwell, Sally P Mendoza, Karen L Bales, Sarah B Carp, Logan E SavidgeAbstract: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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dopamine d1 like receptors regulate agonistic components of Pair Bond maintenance behaviors in male titi monkeys callicebus cupreus
Psychoneuroendocrinology, 2019Co-Authors: Emily S Rothwell, Sally P Mendoza, Benjamin J Ragen, Karen L BalesAbstract: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.
Benjamin J Ragen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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dopamine d1 like receptors regulate agonistic components of Pair Bond maintenance behaviors in male titi monkeys callicebus cupreus
Psychoneuroendocrinology, 2019Co-Authors: Emily S Rothwell, Sally P Mendoza, Benjamin J Ragen, Karen L BalesAbstract: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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challenges to the Pair Bond neural and hormonal effects of separation and reunion in a monogamous primate
Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 2016Co-Authors: Benjamin J Ragen, Katherine Hinde, Chelsea Muth, Nicole Maninger, Rebecca H Larke, Michael R JarchoAbstract: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 hours), a long separation (app. two 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 MRI, and region of interest 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 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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the effects of morphine naloxone and κ opioid manipulation on endocrine functioning and social behavior in monogamous titi monkeys callicebus cupreus
Neuroscience, 2015Co-Authors: Sally P Mendoza, Benjamin J Ragen, Karen L Bales, Nicole ManingerAbstract:The μ opioid receptor (MOR) and κ opioid receptor (KOR) have been implicated in Pair-Bond formation and maintenance in socially monogamous species. Utilizing monogamous titi monkeys (Callicebus cupreus), the present study examined the potential role opioids play in modulating the response to separation, a potent challenge to the Pair-Bond. In Experiment 1, Paired male titi monkeys were separated from their Pair-mate for 30-min and then received saline, naloxone (1.0mg/kg), morphine (0.25mg/kg), or the KOR agonist, U50,488 (0.01, 0.03, or 0.1mg/kg) in a counter-balanced fashion, immediately prior to a 30-min reunion with their mate. Blood samples were collected immediately prior to and after the reunion. Males receiving morphine approached females less, initiated contact less, and females broke contact with the males less. The increase in cortisol in response to naloxone was greater compared to vehicle, and the increase in cortisol in response to the high dose of U50,488 compared to vehicle approached significance. In Experiment 2, Paired males were treated with the KOR antagonist, GNTI (0.1, 0.3, or 1.0mg/kg), or saline 24h prior to a 60-min separation from their mate. Blood samples were collected at the time of injection and immediately before and after separation. Administration of the low dose of GNTI decreased the locomotor component of the separation response compared to vehicle. The present study found that the opioid system is involved in both the affiliative and separation distress components of a Pair-Bond, and these components are regulated by different opioid receptors.
Brandon J Aragona - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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μ opioid receptors within subregions of the striatum mediate Pair Bond formation through parallel yet distinct reward mechanisms
The Journal of Neuroscience, 2013Co-Authors: Shanna L. Resendez, Mackenzie Dome, Gwen Gormley, Dena Franco, Natalie Nevarez, Arif Hamid, Brandon J AragonaAbstract:The prairie vole is a socially monogamous rodent that is an excellent animal model for studies of the neurobiology of social attachment. Such studies have demonstrated that activation of reward circuitry during social interactions facilitates Pair Bond formation. Within this circuitry, μ-opioid receptors (MORs) modulate naturally rewarding behavior in an anatomically segregated manner; MORs located throughout the striatum (dorsal striatum, NAc core, and the entire NAc shell) are implicated in general motivational processes, whereas those located specifically within the dorsomedial NAc shell mediate positive hedonics (and are referred to as a "hedonic hotspot"). The purpose of the present study was to determine whether MORs within these distinct subregions differentially mediate Pair Bond formation. We first used receptor autoradiography to compare MOR binding densities between these regions. MOR binding was significantly higher in the NAc core and dorsomedial NAc shell compared with the ventral NAc shell. We next used partner preference testing to determine whether MORs within these subregions differentially mediate Pair Bonding. Blockade of MORs using 1 or 3 μg of H-d-Phe-Cys-Tyr-d-Trp-Arg-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH2 within the dorsal striatum decreased mating during the cohabitation period and inhibited partner preference formation. In contrast, blockade of MORs within dorsomedial NAc shell inhibited partner preference formation without effecting mating behavior, whereas other regions were not involved. Thus, MORs within the dorsal striatum mediate partner preference formation via imPairment of mating, whereas those in the dorsomedial NAc shell appear to mediate Pair Bond formation through the positive hedonics associated with mating.
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Aversive motivation and the maintenance of monogamous Pair Bonding
Reviews in the Neurosciences, 2013Co-Authors: Shanna L. Resendez, Brandon J AragonaAbstract:Social Bonds are important for human health and well-being, and a crucial component of these Bonds is the ability to maintain a Bond once it has been formed. Importantly, although Bond maintenance is required for social attachments, very little is known about the neural mechanisms that mediate this behavior. Recently, laboratory studies utilizing the socially monogamous prairie vole (an excellent animal model for the neurobiology of selective social attachment), have allowed the neural correlates of selective social attachment to begin to unfold. These studies have identified that the activation of both motivational and hedonic processing systems, which mediate other natural rewards, is also important for mediating social behaviors that are characteristic of an established Pair Bond. These social behaviors include appetitive and positive social interactions with a potential mating partner in sexually naïve prairie voles, the avoidance of novel conspecifics (and sometimes aggressive rejection) that characterizes the established Pair Bond and, finally, an aversion towards partner separation. The following review will discuss how a balance between opposing endogenous opioid systems - positive (mu-opiod receptors) and aversive (kappa-opioid receptors) - provide essential hedonic signaling that guides socially motivated behaviors.
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opposing regulation of Pair Bond formation by camp signaling within the nucleus accumbens shell
The Journal of Neuroscience, 2007Co-Authors: Brandon J AragonaAbstract:The formation of monogamous Pair Bonds, by prairie voles, is facilitated by activation of dopamine (DA) D2-like, but not D1-like, receptors within the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) shell. Because DA exerts opposing regulation of cAMP production depending on the subtype of receptor activated, we tested the hypothesis that DA regulation of Pair Bond formation is mediated via the cAMP signaling cascade. Consistent with activation of D2-like receptors, decreasing cAMP signaling, by blocking cAMP binding sites on protein kinase A (PKA), facilitated partner preference formation. Conversely, increasing cAMP signaling, by preventing the activation of inhibitory G-proteins, activating stimulatory G-proteins, or stimulating PKA prevented the formation of mating-induced partner preferences. These manipulations were effective in the shell, but not the core, of the NAcc. Together, these data demonstrate opposing regulation over Pair Bond formation by cAMP signaling within the NAcc shell.
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nucleus accumbens dopamine differentially mediates the formation and maintenance of monogamous Pair Bonds
Nature Neuroscience, 2006Co-Authors: Brandon J Aragona, Thomas J Curtis, Jacqueline M Detwiler, Thomas R InselAbstract:The involvement of dopamine within the nucleus accumbens in the formation and maintenance of Pair Bonds was assessed in a series of experiments using the monogamous prairie vole. We show that dopamine transmission that promotes Pair Bond formation occurs within the rostral shell of the nucleus accumbens, but not in its core or caudal shell. Within this specific brain region, D1- and D2-like receptor activation produced opposite effects: D1-like activation prevented Pair Bond formation, whereas D2-like activation facilitated it. After extended cohabitation with a female, male voles showed behavior indicative of Pair Bond maintenance—namely, selective aggression towards unfamiliar females. These voles also showed a significant upregulation in nucleus accumbens D1-like receptors, and blockade of these receptors abolished selective aggression. Thus, neuroplastic reorganization of the nucleus accumbens dopamine system is responsible for the enduring nature of monogamous Pair Bonding. Finally, we show that this system may also contribute to species-specific social organization.
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neurochemical regulation of Pair Bonding in male prairie voles
Physiology & Behavior, 2004Co-Authors: Zuoxin Wang, Brandon J AragonaAbstract:Pair Bonding represents social attachment between mates and is common among monogamous animals. The prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) is a monogamous rodent in which mating facilitates Pair Bond formation. In this review, we first discuss how prairie voles have been used as an excellent model for neurobiological studies of Pair Bonding. We then primarily focus on male prairie voles to summarize recent findings from neuroanatomical, neurochemical, cellular, molecular, and behavioral studies implicating vasopressin (AVP), oxytocin (OT), and dopamine (DA) in the regulation of Pair Bonding. Possible interactions among these neurochemicals in the regulation of Pair Bonding, the brain areas important for Pair Bond formation, and potential sexually dimorphic mechanisms underlying Pair Bonding are also discussed. As analogous social Bonds are formed by humans, investigation of the neurochemical regulation of Pair Bond formation in prairie voles may be beneficial for our understanding of the mechanisms associated with normal and abnormal social behaviors in humans.
