Monogamy is a derived trait that occurs in 3 percent of mammals. Peptide hormones, especially oxytocin (OT) have been implicated in the regulation of these traits. OT is especially important early in life, and early exposures are often reflected in the behavior of the adult animal. This research will test the effects of neonatal administration of OT and an OT antagonist on adult expression of monogamous behaviors in a monogamous rodent, the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster). This project will also examine the effects of neonatal OT on the classic traits of monogamy in a closely related polygamous vole, the montane vole (Microtus montanus). Finally this project will examine the effects of neonatally administered OT on the number and distribution of estrogen and OT receptors in the brains of male prairie and montane voles. It is predicted that monogamous behaviours and the number of OT receptors will be increased by neonatal OT, while estrogen receptors should be decreased, with effects being more prominent in montane voles. This research has public health implications because of the now routine use of OT and OT antagonists to induce or inhibit labor in pregnant women, and the lack of research on behavioral effects of this procedure.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32HD008702-03
Application #
6654820
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-IFCN-2 (01))
Program Officer
Freund, Lisa S
Project Start
2001-08-01
Project End
Budget Start
2002-08-01
Budget End
2003-07-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$44,212
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Illinois at Chicago
Department
Psychology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
121911077
City
Chicago
State
IL
Country
United States
Zip Code
60612
Carter, C Sue; Boone, Ericka M; Pournajafi-Nazarloo, Hossein et al. (2009) Consequences of early experiences and exposure to oxytocin and vasopressin are sexually dimorphic. Dev Neurosci 31:332-41
Bales, K L; Plotsky, P M; Young, L J et al. (2007) Neonatal oxytocin manipulations have long-lasting, sexually dimorphic effects on vasopressin receptors. Neuroscience 144:38-45
Bales, Karen L; van Westerhuyzen, Julie A; Lewis-Reese, Antoniah D et al. (2007) Oxytocin has dose-dependent developmental effects on pair-bonding and alloparental care in female prairie voles. Horm Behav 52:274-9
Bales, Karen L; Lewis-Reese, Antoniah D; Pfeifer, Lisa A et al. (2007) Early experience affects the traits of monogamy in a sexually dimorphic manner. Dev Psychobiol 49:335-42
Bales, Karen L; Kramer, Kristin M; Lewis-Reese, Antoniah D et al. (2006) Effects of stress on parental care are sexually dimorphic in prairie voles. Physiol Behav 87:424-9
Bales, Karen L; Pfeifer, Lisa A; Carter, C Sue (2004) Sex differences and developmental effects of manipulations of oxytocin on alloparenting and anxiety in prairie voles. Dev Psychobiol 44:123-31
Bales, Karen L; Kim, Albert J; Lewis-Reese, Antoniah D et al. (2004) Both oxytocin and vasopressin may influence alloparental behavior in male prairie voles. Horm Behav 45:354-61
Bales, Karen L; Abdelnabi, Mahmoud; Cushing, Bruce S et al. (2004) Effects of neonatal oxytocin manipulations on male reproductive potential in prairie voles. Physiol Behav 81:519-26
Bales, Karen L; Carter, C Sue (2003) Sex differences and developmental effects of oxytocin on aggression and social behavior in prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster). Horm Behav 44:178-84
Bales, Karen L; Carter, C Sue (2003) Developmental exposure to oxytocin facilitates partner preferences in male prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster). Behav Neurosci 117:854-9