Central vasopressin V1a receptor activation is independently necessary for both partner preference formation and expression in socially monogamous male prairie voles

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Zoe R. Donaldson, Emory University; Lauren Spiegel, Emory University; Larry J. Young, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2010-02
• Publisher: American Psychological Association
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © 2010, American Psychological Association
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Behavioral Neuroscience
• ISSN: 0735-7044
• Volume: 124
• Issue: 1
• Start Page: 159
• End Page: 163
• Grant/Funding Information: National Institute of Mental Health : NIMH
• Keywords: pair bond; vasopressin; vasopressin receptor 1a; prairie vole
• Research Categories: Biology, Neuroscience; Psychology, Behavioral

Abstract

The neuropeptide arginine vasopressin (AVP) modulates a variety of species-specific social behaviors. In socially monogamous male prairie voles, AVP acts centrally via vasopressin V1a receptor (V1aR) to facilitate mating-induced partner preferences. The display of a partner preference requires at least two temporally distinct processes: social bond formation as well as its recall, or expression. Studies to date have not determined in which of these processes V1aR acts to promote partner preferences. Here, male prairie voles were administered intracerebroventricularly a V1aR antagonist (AVPA) at different time points to investigate the role of V1aR in social bond formation and expression. Animals receiving AVPA prior to cohabitation with mating or immediately prior to partner preference testing failed to display a partner preference, while animals receiving AVPA immediately after cohabitation with mating and control animals receiving vehicle at all three time points displayed partner preferences. These results suggest that V1aR signaling is necessary for both the formation and expression of partner preferences, and that these processes are dissociable.