The purpose of this research is an analysis of the behavioral endocrinology of mammalian social behavior. This research will focus on unique animal models for the analysis of neurochemical factors associated with the development and expression of social behavior and monogamy. The species to be studied in detail is the native American rodent, the prairie vole, Microtus ochrogaster captured in Illinois (which is highly social and monogamous). Monogamy in voles, and other mammals, is characterized by reduced sexual dimorphism in adulthood, male-female pairbonding, male parental care, and vulnerability of both sexes to reproductive suppression within a family group. We have demonstrated a role for centrally active oxytocin in social behavior and pair bond formation in prairie voles, and will continue to analyze the neural mechanisms responsible for oxytocin's behavioral action. In addition, prairie voles exhibit exceptionally high levels of glucocorticoids and glucocorticoid resistance. We propose to test the hypothesis that high levels of corticosterone during development, may create a form of natural """"""""perinatal stress"""""""", which in turn """"""""demasculinizes"""""""" male prairie voles, accounting for reduced sexual dimorphism, male parental care and vulnerability to reproductive inhibition. We plan to study montane voles (microtus montanus) and a population of prairie voles from a drier habitat (which are apparently less social, more aggressive and not monogamous) to test hypotheses regarding physiological mechanisms responsible for monogamy and high levels of social behavior from a comparative and genetic perspective. There is great value in understanding the behavioral effects of hormones such as oxytocin and the hormones of the adrenal axis (which are widely used in medicine).

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Research Scientist Award (K05)
Project #
5K05MH001050-02
Application #
2240382
Study Section
Psychobiology and Behavior Review Committee (PYB)
Project Start
1993-08-01
Project End
1998-07-31
Budget Start
1994-08-01
Budget End
1995-07-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1994
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Maryland College Park
Department
Zoology
Type
Schools of Earth Sciences/Natur
DUNS #
City
College Park
State
MD
Country
United States
Zip Code
20742
Cushing, Bruce S; Razzoli, Maria; Murphy, Anne Z et al. (2004) Intraspecific variation in estrogen receptor alpha and the expression of male sociosexual behavior in two populations of prairie voles. Brain Res 1016:247-54
Bowler, Catherine M; Cushing, Bruce S; Carter, C Sue (2002) Social factors regulate female-female aggression and affiliation in prairie voles. Physiol Behav 76:559-66
DeVries, A Courtney; Guptaa, Tarra; Cardillo, Serena et al. (2002) Corticotropin-releasing factor induces social preferences in male prairie voles. Psychoneuroendocrinology 27:705-14
Cushing, B S; Martin, J O; Young, L J et al. (2001) The effects of peptides on partner preference formation are predicted by habitat in prairie voles. Horm Behav 39:48-58
Redwine, L S; Altemus, M; Leong, Y M et al. (2001) Lymphocyte responses to stress in postpartum women: relationship to vagal tone. Psychoneuroendocrinology 26:241-51
Altemus, M; Redwine, L S; Leong, Y M et al. (2001) Responses to laboratory psychosocial stress in postpartum women. Psychosom Med 63:814-21
Cushing, B S; Carter, C S (2000) Peripheral pulses of oxytocin increase partner preferences in female, but not male, prairie voles. Horm Behav 37:49-56
Cushing, B S; Carter, C S (1999) Prior exposure To oxytocin mimics the effects Of social contact and facilitates sexual behaviour In females. J Neuroendocrinol 11:765-9
Cho, M M; DeVries, A C; Williams, J R et al. (1999) The effects of oxytocin and vasopressin on partner preferences in male and female prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster). Behav Neurosci 113:1071-9
Roberts, R L; Cushing, B S; Carter, C S (1998) Intraspecific variation in the induction of female sexual receptivity in prairie voles. Physiol Behav 64:209-12

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