The Experts below are selected from a list of 294 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform

Catherine A Marler - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • transmission of Paternal retrieval Behavior from fathers to sons in a biparental rodent
    Developmental Psychobiology, 2021
    Co-Authors: Elizabeth A. Becker, Amanda B Leithead, Natalya Libo, Marie T Kumerow, Lauren Goetsch, Catherine A Marler
    Abstract:

    Transmission of maternal Behavior across generations occurs, but less is known about Paternal Behavior. In biparental species like the California mouse (Peromyscus californicus), Paternal care contributes to the well-being of offspring with lasting consequences on the brain and Behavior. Paternal huddling/grooming Behavior can be passed on to future generations, but whether Paternal retrieval, which removes young from potential harm, is transmitted independently is unclear. We manipulated Paternal retrieval experience through pup displacement manipulations, then examined whether males exposed to higher levels of Paternal retrieval in development altered their adult retrieval Behavior with their offspring. Males exposed to heightened Paternal retrievals, as compared to reduced retrievals, retrieved their offspring more often but huddled/groomed offspring less during undisturbed natural observations. No differences were observed following a pup displacement challenge. The high Paternal retrieval group also exhibited more physical activity and stereotypy. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that Paternal retrieval levels are transmitted across generations and may function via mechanisms separate from huddling/grooming. One modifying factor may be anxiety because increased activity and stereotypy occurred in the high retrieval group. We speculate how the transmission of Paternal retrievals may inform a protective parenting style.

  • Paternal Behavior increases testosterone levels in offspring of the California mouse
    Hormones and behavior, 2010
    Co-Authors: Elizabeth A. Becker, Brett M. Moore, Catherine J. Auger, Catherine A Marler
    Abstract:

    Paternal care during early development influences pup survivorship in the monogamous and biparental California mouse, Peromyscus californicus. Moreover, Paternal pup retrievals impact development of adult offspring aggression and the neuropeptide vasopressin, yet little is known about the underlying mechanisms of these developmental changes. Because testosterone can increase arginine vasopressin and aggression, we hypothesized that Paternal pup retrievals increase testosterone levels in prepubertal male P. californicus pups. Male pups were assigned to one of three groups: hormonal baseline, nonretrieval control, or retrieval. On postnatal days 18-21, all pups and the mother were removed from the cage, and the focal male pup was placed either outside of the nest to elicit Paternal retrievals (retrieval group) or in the nest to discourage Paternal retrievals (nonretrieval group). Testosterone was elevated at 45-min, but not 90-min, post-manipulation in retrieved compared to nonretrieved pups. Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between pup retrievals and testosterone in the 45-min group. This rapid testosterone rise in response to Paternal retrievals may facilitate an increase in aggression and vasopressin in adult offspring. Therefore, this period of development previously viewed as hormonally quiescent may be more active in response to Paternal Behavior than previously thought.

  • testosterone response to courtship predicts future Paternal Behavior in the california mouse peromyscus californicus
    Hormones and Behavior, 2010
    Co-Authors: Erin D Gleason, Catherine A Marler
    Abstract:

    In the monogamous and biparental California mouse (Peromyscus californicus), Paternal care is critical for maximal offspring survival. Animals form pair bonds and do not engage in extrapair matings, and thus female evaluation of Paternal quality during courtship is likely to be advantageous. We hypothesized that male endocrine or Behavioral response to courtship interactions would be predictive of future Paternal Behavior. To test this hypothesis, we formed 20 pairs of California mice, and evaluated their Behavior during the first hour of courtship interactions and again following the birth of young. We also collected blood from males at baseline, 1 hr after pairing, 3 weeks paired, and when young were 4 days old to measure testosterone (T). We found that male T-response to courtship interactions predicted future Paternal Behavior, specifically the amount of time he huddled over young when challenged by the temporary removal of his mate. Males that mounted T increases at courtship also approached pups more quickly during this challenge than males who had a significant decrease in T at courtship. Proximity of the male and female during courtship predicted Paternal huddling during a 1-hr observation, and a multiple regression analysis revealed that courtship Behavior was also predictive of birth latency. We speculate that male T-response to a female in P. californicus is an honest indicator of Paternal quality, and if detectable by females could provide a basis for evaluation during mate choice.

  • the effects of Paternal Behavior on offspring aggression and hormones in the biparental california mouse
    Neurobiology of the Parental Brain, 2008
    Co-Authors: Catherine A Marler, Janet K Bestermeredith, Erin D Gleason, Brian C. Trainor, Elizabeth A. Becker
    Abstract:

    Series of experiments with Peromyscus combined with studies from other species reveal interesting effects of parental Behavior on aggression. Both Paternal pup retrievals and some aspect(s) of maternal separation (MS) appear to influence aggression of offspring. Paternal retrievals, however, may have a unique effect on offspring aggression that function in part through changes to the arginine vasopressin neurochemical system associated with the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. In comparison, MS and Paternal huddling and grooming may function through the paraventricular nucleus as a result of stress, although effects on aggression appear to vary depending on species. The effects of Paternal Behavior were not uniform such that pup retrievals, but not huddling and grooming appeared to influence aggression. Thus, Paternal effects on aggression may operate through mechanisms different than those traditionally associated with stress. This is also supported by preliminary data indicating a change in testosterone levels of pups in response to Paternal retrievals. Despite the lack of an effect of changes in Paternal huddling and grooming of offspring on aggression, it is possible that Paternal separation in California mice may cause changes in aggression similar to those of MS in either rats or house mice. A careful comparison of aspects of aggression that are influenced by Paternal retrievals vs. parental separation could be very illuminating in that one might predict different outcomes for different types of aggression.

  • Paternal Behavior influences development of aggression and vasopressin expression in male California mouse offspring.
    Hormones and behavior, 2006
    Co-Authors: Cristianne R.m. Frazier, Brian C. Trainor, Catherine J. Cravens, Tina K. Whitney, Catherine A Marler
    Abstract:

    Parental care has been demonstrated to have important effects on offspring Behavioral development. California mice (Peromyscus californicus) are biparental, and correlational evidence suggests that pup retrieving by fathers has important effects on the development of aggressive Behavior and extra-hypothalamic vasopressin systems. We tested whether retrievals affected these systems by manipulating Paternal retrieval Behavior between day 15 and 21 postpartum. Licking and grooming Behavior affect Behavioral development in rats, so we also experimentally reduced huddling and grooming Behavior by castrating a subset of fathers. Experimentally increasing the frequency of Paternal pup retrieving Behavior decreased attack latency in resident-intruder in both male and female adult offspring, whereas experimental reduction of huddling and grooming had no effect. In a separate group of male offspring, we examined vasopressin immunoreactivity (AVP-ir) in two regions of the posterior bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST): the dorsal fiber tracts (dBNST) and the ventral cell body-containing region (vBNST). Experimentally increasing retrievals led to an apparent shift in AVP-ir distribution. Specifically, offspring from the high retrieval group had more AVP-ir than offspring from the sham retrieval group in the dBNST, whereas the opposite was observed in the vBNST. Experimental reduction of Paternal grooming was associated with increased AVP-ir in the paraventricular nucleus and also increased corticosterone and progesterone, similar to observed effects of maternal grooming on HPA function. This study provides further evidence that Paternal Behavior influences the development of aggression and associated neural substrates.

Geert J. De Vries - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • role of septal vasopressin innervation in Paternal Behavior in prairie voles microtus ochrogaster parental care maternal Behavior bed nucleus of the stria terminalis medial amygdala oxytocin
    2016
    Co-Authors: Zuoxin Wang, Craig F Ferrist, Geert J. De Vries
    Abstract:

    After being paired with females, male prairie voles show major changes in their social Behaviors among which is an increase in Paternal responsiveness. These changes are accompanied by fluctuations in the density of the (Arg8)vasopressin-immunoreactive (AVP-ir) fibers in the lat- eral septum, suggesting that septal AVP might be involved in these changes. To explore a possible involvement of septal AVP in Paternal responsiveness, we tested whether injections of saline, AVP, or the Vla receptor antagonist (1-(18-mercapto- i,JB,-cyclopentamethylenepropionic acid),2-(O-methyltyro- sineJAVP (d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP) into the lateral septum influ- enced the four most prominent Paternal activities displayed by male prairie voles; grooming, crouching over, contacting, and retrieving pups. In a first experiment, sexually inexperienced males received a single injection of AVP, saline, or d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP in the lateral septum, after which their Paternal responsiveness was recorded during a lO min period. AVP-injected animals spent more time contacting and crouch- ing over pups, while d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP-ijected animals spent less time grooming pups than saline-injected animals. In a follow-up study, one group of animals received an injection of AVP preceded by an inJection of saline or d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)- AVP into the lateral septum. A second group of animals received an injection of saline preceded by an injection of saline or d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP into the lateral septum. In both groups, animals spent less time grooming, crouching over, and contacting pups if they had first been injected with d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP. Control experiments suggested that the effects of AVP on Paternal responsiveness were dose- and site-specific. These data suggest that septal AVP enhances Paternal responsiveness by a Vla receptor-mediated mecha- nsm.

  • Role of septal vasopressin innervation in Paternal Behavior in prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster).
    Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 1994
    Co-Authors: Craig F. Ferris, Geert J. De Vries
    Abstract:

    After being paired with females, male prairie voles show major changes in their social Behaviors among which is an increase in Paternal responsiveness. These changes are accompanied by fluctuations in the density of the [Arg8]vasopressin-immunoreactive (AVP-ir) fibers in the lateral septum, suggesting that septal AVP might be involved in these changes. To explore a possible involvement of septal AVP in Paternal responsiveness, we tested whether injections of saline, AVP, or the V1a receptor antagonist [1-(beta-mercapto-beta, beta-cyclopentamethylenepropionic acid),2-(O-methyltyrosine]AVP [d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP] into the lateral septum influenced the four most prominent Paternal activities displayed by male prairie voles; grooming, crouching over, contacting, and retrieving pups. In a first experiment, sexually inexperienced males received a single injection of AVP, saline, or d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP in the lateral septum, after which their Paternal responsiveness was recorded during a 10-min period. AVP-injected animals spent more time contacting and crouching over pups, while d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP-injected animals spent less time grooming pups than saline-injected animals. In a follow-up study, one group of animals received an injection of AVP preceded by an injection of saline or d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)-AVP into the lateral septum. A second group of animals received an injection of saline preceded by an injection of saline or d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP into the lateral septum. In both groups, animals spent less time grooming, crouching over, and contacting pups if they had first been injected with d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP. Control experiments suggested that the effects of AVP on Paternal responsiveness were dose- and site-specific. These data suggest that septal AVP enhances Paternal responsiveness by a V1a receptor-mediated mechanism.

  • Cohabitation alters vasopressin innervation and Paternal Behavior in prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster).
    Physiology & behavior, 1994
    Co-Authors: Maryam Bamshad, Melinda A. Novak, Geert J. De Vries
    Abstract:

    Abstract The density of vasopressin-immunoreactive (AVP-ir) fibers in the lateral septum and lateral habenular nucleus is lower in prairie vole fathers—which display Paternal Behavior under natural conditions—than in sexually naive males. To see if these changes occur before or after the birth of pups, and whether they are related to changes in Paternal Behavior, we tested Paternal responsiveness and measured AVP-ir fiber density in the lateral septum, lateral habenular nucleus, medial preoptic area, and paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus of sexually naive males and females (OP) and breeding pairs that were sacrificed shortly after mating (3P); during early (13P); or late gestation (21P); or after the birth of pups (6PP). Paternal responsiveness was increased in 3P males and reached a plateau in 13P males. AVP-ir fiber density did not change in the medial preoptic area and the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus. The fiber density in the lateral septum and lateral habenular nucleus was affected differently in males and females. Among males, 3P animals had the lowest fiber density, while 13P and 6PP animals had an intermediate, and 0P and 21P animals the highest fiber density, whereas among females, no differences in fiber density were found. A second experiment showed that the decrease in fiber density in 3P males could be induced by cohabitation with an unfamiliar female but not by an unfamiliar male nor by relocation to a novel cage. The changes in AVP-ir fiber density shortly after mating suggest that these fibers may be involed in Paternal responsiveness as well as in various other social Behaviors that change after mating.

  • Testosterone effects on Paternal Behavior and vasopressin immunoreactive projections in prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster)
    Brain research, 1993
    Co-Authors: Zuoxin Wang, Geert J. De Vries
    Abstract:

    Castration reduced Paternal responsiveness of male prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster). Castration also reduced the number of vasopressin immunoreactive (AVP-ir) cells in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) and medial amygdaloid nucleus (MA), as well as the density of AVP-ir fibers in the lateral septum. Testosterone treatment of castrated voles prevented these changes. The similarities in the effects of the hormonal manipulations on Paternal responsiveness and AVP immunoreactivity provide further support for the hypothesis that AVP-ir projections of the BST and MA are implicated in Paternal Behavior.

Fadao Tai - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Effects of reproductive experience on Paternal Behavior, levels of testosterone, prolactin in serum and dendritic spines in medial prefrontal cortex of mandarin voles
    Integrative zoology, 2018
    Co-Authors: Bo Wang, Limin Wang, Rui Jia, Hui Qiao, Siyi Zhang, Fadao Tai
    Abstract:

    Maternal Behaviors and brains change dramatically with pregnancy, parturition and other mothering experiences. However, whether Paternal Behavior, brain plasticity and levels of relevant hormones also change along with fathering experience and pups' age remains unclear. Using socially monogamous mandarin voles (Microtus mandarinus), we found that experienced fathers exhibited more active Paternal Behaviors, such as licking, retrievals and nest building, but less Paternal care, such as huddling, than new fathers. The high levels of licking and nest building appeared in the earlier days of their mate's lactation. Experienced fathers retrieved 9-13-day-old pups more frequently. However, these Paternal Behaviors did not show significant changes with age of pups in new fathers. In addition, experienced fathers had dramatically higher prolactin levels than new fathers but had similar concentrations of testosterone to new fathers. New fathers had lower levels of testosterone but higher levels of prolactin than new paired males. The fathers had higher prolactin levels in the earlier days of their mate's lactation. The new and experienced fathers had similar dendritic length and spine density on pyramidal neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex but displayed higher levels than new paired males. Taken together, these results indicate that reduction of testosterone levels and increase of prolactin levels may be associated with initiation of Paternal care. Fathering experience significantly affects levels of parental care and Paternal Behaviors toward different aged pups, and brain plasticity can also be enhanced by transition to fatherhood.

  • Early bi-parental separation or neonatal Paternal deprivation in mandarin voles reduces adult offspring Paternal Behavior and alters serum corticosterone levels and neurochemistry.
    Hormones and behavior, 2015
    Co-Authors: Hui Zhang, Fadao Tai
    Abstract:

    Although the effect of early social environments on maternal care in adulthood has been examined in detail, few studies have addressed the long-term effect on Paternal care and its underlying neuroendocrine mechanisms. Here, using monogamous mandarin voles (Microtus mandarinus) that show high levels of Paternal care, the effects of early bi-parental separation (EBPS) or neonatal Paternal deprivation (NPD) on adult Paternal Behavior, serum corticosterone levels, and receptor mRNA expression in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) and medial preoptic area (MPOA) were investigated. Compared to the parental care group (PC), we found that EBPS reduced crouching Behavior and increased inactivity, self-grooming, and serum corticosterone levels in adult offspring; and NPD significantly reduced retrieval Behavior and increased self-grooming Behavior of offspring at adulthood. EBPS displayed more dopamine type I receptor (D1R) mRNA expression in the NAcc, but less oxytocin receptor (OTR) mRNA expression than PC in the MPOA. Both EBPS and NPD exhibited more mRNA expression of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) than PC in the MPOA. In the EBPS group, increased serum corticosterone concentration was closely associated with reduced crouching Behavior, and reduced expression of OTR was closely associated with altered crouching Behavior and increased D1R expression. Our results provide substantial evidence that EBPS or NPD has long-term consequences and reduces Paternal Behavior in adult animals. Importantly the oxytocin system in the MPOA might interact with NAcc dopamine systems to regulate Paternal Behavior and EBPS may affect interactions between the MPOA and NAcc.

  • Natural variation in Paternal Behavior is associated with central estrogen receptor alpha and oxytocin levels
    Journal of comparative physiology. A Neuroethology sensory neural and behavioral physiology, 2015
    Co-Authors: Zhenmin Lian, Fadao Tai, Bo Wang, Ping Hao, Xufeng Qiao
    Abstract:

    In monogamous mammals Paternal care plays an important role in the neural and Behavioral development of offspring. However, the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying Paternal Behavior remain poorly understood. Here, we investigate the association between natural variation in Paternal responsiveness and central levels of oxytocin (OT) and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα). We used the frequency of licking and grooming Behavior to distinguish low Paternal responsiveness and high Paternal responsiveness in virgin mandarin voles (Microtus mandarinus). Males that engaged in high Paternal Behavior had elevated levels of OT immunoreactive neurons in the paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus compared with males that displayed low Paternal Behavior. Likewise, males of high Paternal responsiveness had more ERα immunoreactive neurons in the medial preoptic area, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus and medial amygdaloid nucleus compared to low responsive males. The level of ERα immunoreactive neurons in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus was lower in highly Paternal males compared to less Paternal males. These results suggest that natural variation in Paternal responsiveness may be directly related to variation in central OT and ERα.

  • neonatal Paternal deprivation or early deprivation reduces adult parental Behavior and central estrogen receptor α expression in mandarin voles microtus mandarinus
    Behavioural Brain Research, 2011
    Co-Authors: Rui Jia, Fadao Tai, Xia Zhang
    Abstract:

    Previous studies on parental Behavior have primarily focused on maternal Behavior, with little research directed at observing Paternal Behavior. The effects of neonatal Paternal deprivation and early deprivation on adult parental Behavior and estrogen receptor α (ERα) especially remain unclear. This study examined whether Paternal deprivation or early deprivation has long-term effects on the parental Behavior and central ERα expression of adult mandarin vole offspring. The parental Behaviors of adult mandarin voles that suffered Paternal deprivation or early deprivation were observed with their own pups at 0, 13 and 21 days of age. Central ERα expression was also examined in adult virgin voles with different neonatal treatments using immunocytochemistry. The results indicated that (1) levels of parental care and sociability in adult offspring were reduced due to Paternal deprivation and early deprivation; (2) ERα expression in the stria terminalis (BNST), medial preoptic area (MPOA), ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH) and arcuate hypothalamic nucleus (Arc) were also reduced by Paternal deprivation and early deprivation; (3) ERα expression in the BNST, MPOA, and VMH of control females was higher than that of control males, but ERα expression in the Arc was lower. Our findings show that Paternal care plays an important role in the development of parental Behavior in offspring. Also, because Paternal deprivation and early deprivation impaired sexual differences, the alteration of parental Behavior may be associated with decreased ERα expression.

Zuoxin Wang - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • role of septal vasopressin innervation in Paternal Behavior in prairie voles microtus ochrogaster parental care maternal Behavior bed nucleus of the stria terminalis medial amygdala oxytocin
    2016
    Co-Authors: Zuoxin Wang, Craig F Ferrist, Geert J. De Vries
    Abstract:

    After being paired with females, male prairie voles show major changes in their social Behaviors among which is an increase in Paternal responsiveness. These changes are accompanied by fluctuations in the density of the (Arg8)vasopressin-immunoreactive (AVP-ir) fibers in the lat- eral septum, suggesting that septal AVP might be involved in these changes. To explore a possible involvement of septal AVP in Paternal responsiveness, we tested whether injections of saline, AVP, or the Vla receptor antagonist (1-(18-mercapto- i,JB,-cyclopentamethylenepropionic acid),2-(O-methyltyro- sineJAVP (d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP) into the lateral septum influ- enced the four most prominent Paternal activities displayed by male prairie voles; grooming, crouching over, contacting, and retrieving pups. In a first experiment, sexually inexperienced males received a single injection of AVP, saline, or d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP in the lateral septum, after which their Paternal responsiveness was recorded during a lO min period. AVP-injected animals spent more time contacting and crouch- ing over pups, while d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP-ijected animals spent less time grooming pups than saline-injected animals. In a follow-up study, one group of animals received an injection of AVP preceded by an inJection of saline or d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)- AVP into the lateral septum. A second group of animals received an injection of saline preceded by an injection of saline or d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP into the lateral septum. In both groups, animals spent less time grooming, crouching over, and contacting pups if they had first been injected with d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP. Control experiments suggested that the effects of AVP on Paternal responsiveness were dose- and site-specific. These data suggest that septal AVP enhances Paternal responsiveness by a Vla receptor-mediated mecha- nsm.

  • fatherhood reduces the survival of adult generated cells and affects various types of Behavior in the prairie vole microtus ochrogaster
    European Journal of Neuroscience, 2013
    Co-Authors: Claudia Lieberwirth, Yue Wang, Xixi Jia, Yan Liu, Zuoxin Wang
    Abstract:

    Motherhood has profound effects on physiology, neuronal plasticity, and Behavior. We conducted a series of experiments to test the hypothesis that fatherhood, similarly to motherhood, affects brain plasticity (such as cell proliferation and survival) and various Behaviors in the highly social prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster). In Experiment 1, adult males were housed with their same-sex cage mate (control), single-housed (isolation), or housed with a receptive female to mate and produce offspring (father) for 6 weeks. Fatherhood significantly reduced cell survival (assessed by bromodeoxyuridine labeling), but not cell proliferation (assessed by Ki67-labeling), in the amygdala, dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, and ventromedial hypothalamus, suggesting that fatherhood affects brain plasticity. In Experiment 2, neither acute (20 min) nor chronic (20 min daily for 10 consecutive days) pup exposure altered cell proliferation or survival in the brain, but chronic pup exposure increased circulating corticosterone levels. These data suggest that reduced cell survival in the brain of prairie vole fathers was unlikely to be due to the level of pup exposure and display of Paternal Behavior, and may not be mediated by circulating corticosterone. The effects of fatherhood on various Behaviors (including anxiety-like, depression-like, and social Behaviors) were examined in Experiment 3. The data indicated that fatherhood increased anxiety- and depression-like Behaviors as well as altered aggression and social recognition memory in male prairie voles. These results warrant further investigation of a possible link between brain plasticity and Behavioral changes observed due to fatherhood.

  • Testosterone effects on Paternal Behavior and vasopressin immunoreactive projections in prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster)
    Brain research, 1993
    Co-Authors: Zuoxin Wang, Geert J. De Vries
    Abstract:

    Castration reduced Paternal responsiveness of male prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster). Castration also reduced the number of vasopressin immunoreactive (AVP-ir) cells in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) and medial amygdaloid nucleus (MA), as well as the density of AVP-ir fibers in the lateral septum. Testosterone treatment of castrated voles prevented these changes. The similarities in the effects of the hormonal manipulations on Paternal responsiveness and AVP immunoreactivity provide further support for the hypothesis that AVP-ir projections of the BST and MA are implicated in Paternal Behavior.

Theresa M. Lee - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Paternal Behavior is associated with central neurohormone receptor binding patterns in meadow voles microtus pennsylvanicus
    Behavioral Neuroscience, 2001
    Co-Authors: Karen J. Parker, Lisa F Kinney, Katie M Phillips, Theresa M. Lee
    Abstract:

    Paternal and nonPaternal voles (microtus) have different arginine-vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) receptor patterns in the extended amygdala, a neural pathway associated with parental Behavior, Using receptor autoradiography, the authors examined whether AVP and OT receptor patterns were associated with facultative Paternal Behavior in either sexually and parentally inexperienced or experienced meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus). Experienced, in contrast to intexperienced, males had less AVP binding in the lateral septum (LS), more AVP binding in the anterior olfactory nucleus (AON), and more OT binding in the AON, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, LS, and lateral amygdala. Thus, specific AVP receptor patterns, which co-occur with Paternal care in consistently Paternal vales also may he associated with Paternal care (when present) in typically nonPaternal species. This study also demonstrated a possible relationship between OT receptor patterns and Paternal state in male mammals.

  • Central vasopressin administration regulates the onset of facultative Paternal Behavior in microtus pennsylvanicus (meadow voles).
    Hormones and behavior, 2001
    Co-Authors: Karen J. Parker, Theresa M. Lee
    Abstract:

    Pharmacological experiments have implicated a role for central arginine vasopressin (AVP) in regulating Paternal Behavior in monogamous prairie voles. Although nonmonogamous meadow voles exhibit appreciable Paternal care when housed under winter, short day lengths (SD), no research has examined whether the same neurobiological systems are involved in regulating Paternal Behavior in a nonmonogamous species when it behaves Paternally. The goal of these experiments was to determine whether central administration of AVP, but not cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), affected the suppression of pup-directed aggression and/or the onset of Paternal Behavior in meadow voles. Data from experiment 1 implicated a role for AVP in facilitating changes in male Behavior: central administration of 1 ng of AVP (but not 3 ng or CSF) inhibited pup-directed aggression in previously pup-aggressive males, and 3 ng of AVP (but not 1 ng or CSF) induced Paternal Behavior in previously nonPaternal males. In contrast, AVP (1 and 3 ng) did not enhance Paternal Behavior in already Paternal males. Experiment 2 tested the specificity of AVP. Previous research indicated that 24 h of unmated cohabitation with a female reliably induced Paternal Behavior in SD males. Hence, experiment 2 examined whether administration of a V(1a) AVP antagonist (AVPA), but not CSF, prior to 24 h of unmated cohabitation would block the onset of Paternal Behavior. Males that received CSF displayed Paternal Behavior faster and engaged in more investigatory and Paternal Behaviors than males that received AVPA. Thus, pharmacological experiments support the hypothesis that AVP likely regulates Paternal Behavior in both facultatively and consistently Paternal vole species.

  • Social and environmental factors influence the suppression of pup-directed aggression and development of Paternal Behavior in captive meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus).
    Journal of comparative psychology (Washington D.C. : 1983), 2001
    Co-Authors: Karen J. Parker, Theresa M. Lee
    Abstract:

    During summer, female meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) maintain territories and males do not engage in Paternal care. As day length shortens, territories dissolve and males nest with females and young. Because Paternal Behavior has never been studied in free-living meadow voles during colder months or in the laboratory under short photoperiods, the authors examined whether males housed in short day (SD) lengths exhibited more frequent or better quality Paternal Behavior than males housed in long day (LD) lengths. Sexually and parentally inexperienced (naive) SD males exhibited proportionally more and qualitatively better Paternal care than naive LD males. SD males were more responsive than LD males to classic social cues associated with prepartum aggression inhibition and Paternal onset. SD sires also displayed qualitatively better Paternal Behavior than LD sires. These data suggest that meadow vole Paternal state is regulated by specific social and environmental cues that may contain reliable information about ecological conditions that favor Paternal care.