Characterization of the oxytocin system regulating affiliative behavior in female prairie voles

Ross, H.E.; Cole, C.D.; Smith, Y.; Neumann, I.D.; Landgraf, R.; Murphy, A.Z.; Young, L.J.

doi:10.1016/j.neuroscience.2009.05.055

Characterization of the oxytocin system regulating affiliative behavior in female prairie voles

Oxytocin regulates partner preference formation and alloparental behavior in the socially monogamous prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) by activating oxytocin receptors in the nucleus accumbens of females. Mating facilitates partner preference formation, and oxytocin-immunoreactive fibers in the…