Work

Early experience affects the traits of monogamy in a sexually dimorphic manner

Year: 2007

Type: article

Abstract: The goal of this study was to examine the effects of early life experiences on the subsequent expression of traits characteristic of social monogamy in prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster). During cage changes parents and their offspring were either transferred between cages in a cup (zero manipulation, MAN0) or with a gloved hand (one manipulation, MAN1). Following weaning the offspring were tested for alloparental behavior. In adulthood they were tested for the capacity to form partner preferences, behavior in an elevated plus-maze (EPM), and corticosterone levels. MAN0 males (but not females) showed lower levels of alloparental behavior than MAN1 males. MAN0 females (but not males) were less likely to form pair bonds than MAN1 females. MAN0 animals of both sexes were less exploratory in the EPM than MAN1 counterparts. These experiments support the hypothesis that behaviors used to characterize monogamy are vulnerable in a sex-specific manner to early experience.

Source: Developmental Psychobiology

DOI: 10.1002/dev.20216

Authors: Karen L. Bales, Antoniah D. Lewis‐Reese, Lisa A. Pfeifer, Kristin M. Kramer, C. Sue Carter

Institutions: University of California, Davis, University of Illinois Chicago, University of Maryland, College Park, University of Memphis

Language: English

Topic: Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institute of Mental Health, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Awards: DEVELOPMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF OXYTOCIN, Effects of Early Experience, DEVELOPMENTAL EFFECTS OF OXYTOCIN ON MALE BEHAVIOR