CoChat
Sign Up
Cited by 72Neuroendocrine regulation and behaviorPrimate Behavior and EcologyAnimal Behavior and Reproduction

Oxytocin facilitates fidelity in well-established marmoset pairs by reducing sociosexual behavior toward opposite-sex strangers

Open access
Cavanaugh, Jon, Mustoe, Aaryn C., Taylor, Jack H., French, Jeffrey A.·2014·Psychoneuroendocrinology
DOI 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.06.020PMC PMC4165758
Open this paper in CoChat — free account

Abstract

Behavioral strategies that facilitate the maintenance of social bonds are critical for the preservation of high-quality social relationships. Central oxytocin (OT) activity modulates the behavioral features of socially monogamous relationships in a number of mammalian species (including marmoset monkeys), and plays a vital role in the behavioral maintenance of long-term social relationships. Two distinct variants of OT have been identified in some New World primates (including marmosets; Lee et al., 2011). The marmoset variant of the oxytocin ligand (Pro(8)-OT) is structurally distinct from the consensus mammalian variant of the oxytocin ligand (Leu(8)-OT), due to a proline substitution at the 8th amino-acid position. The goal of the present study was to determine if treating marmosets with Pro(8)-OT, relative to treatments with Leu(8)-OT, control saline, or an OT antagonist, had modulatory effects on the behavioral maintenance of long-term social relationships in marmosets. Treatment with the Pro(8) variant, but not the Leu(8) variant, of OT facilitated fidelity with a long-term partner by reducing time spent in close proximity with an opposite-sex stranger. However, this facilitative effect of Pro(8)-OT on proximity behavior manifested itself differently in male and female marmosets, such that females preferred to interact socially with their partner rather than a stranger when treated with Pro(8)-OT, while males spent less time in close proximity with both their partner and a stranger when treated with Pro(8)-OT. Furthermore, treatment with Pro(8)-OT, but not Leu(8)-OT, significantly delayed the expression of sexual solicitation behavior toward an opposite-sex stranger in both male and female marmosets, but had no effect on sociosexual behavior directed toward a long-term partner. These results suggest that the OT system is highly involved in reducing fidelity-threatening behaviors in well-established marmoset pairs, and that the effects were only produced by species-specific OT ligands.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

In well-established marmoset pairs, intranasal treatment with the species-specific Pro8 variant of oxytocin, but not the consensus mammalian Leu8 variant, reduced fidelity-threatening behavior toward an opposite-sex stranger by decreasing proximity to strangers and delaying sexual solicitation. These effects differed by sex, suggesting the oxytocin system modulates maintenance of long-term social bonds in marmosets and that ligand specificity matters.

Key findings

  • OT treatment influenced partner-vs-stranger proximity differentially by sex [F(3, 30) = 3.13, p = 0.04, η2 = .24]. Pro8-OT females spent proportionately less time in close proximity with an opposite-sex stranger vs. a long-term partner than when treated with vehicle [t(5) = 2.74, p = .04] or Leu8-OT [t(5) = 4.36, p = .007]; male proximity preferences were not significantly altered.
  • For partner-vs-alone proximity, there was an OT treatment × sex interaction [F(3, 30) = 3.50, p = 0.027, η2 = .26]. Pro8-OT females spent proportionately less time alone vs. near a partner than with Leu8-OT [t(5) = 4.10, p = .009], while Pro8-OT males spent proportionately less time near their partner vs. alone than with Leu8-OT [t(5) = 4.65, p = 0.006] or OTA [t(5) = 4.19, p = 0.009].
  • For stranger-vs-alone proximity, there was a main effect of OT treatment [F(3, 30) = 2.99, p = 0.046, η2 = .23]. Vehicle-, Leu8-OT-, and OTA-treated marmosets spent a greater proportion of time near a stranger vs. alone, whereas Pro8-OT-treated marmosets spent proportionately less time near a stranger vs. alone than with vehicle [t(11) = 2.59, p = 0.025] or OTA [t(11) = 3.54, p = 0.005].
  • OT treatment affected sexual-solicitation behavior [F(3, 30) = 4.19, p = 0.014, η2 = .30]. Pro8-OT-treated marmosets took significantly longer to open-mouth display toward an opposite-sex stranger than with Leu8-OT [t(11) = 3.05, p = 0.011] or OTA [t(11) = 2.21, p = 0.049], and tended to take longer than with vehicle [t(11) = 1.89, p = 0.08]; OT treatment did not significantly affect latency to open-mouth display toward a long-term partner.

Methods

  • Subjects were six adult male and six adult female white-tufted ear marmosets (*C. jacchus*), 3.2 ± 0.2 years old, housed at the Callitrichid Research Center; four unfamiliar marmosets of each sex were used as opposite-sex strangers across treatment periods. Males were vasectomized, and females received cloprostenol three days before each treatment period to synchronize ovarian cycles.
  • After eight weeks of cohabitation, marmosets underwent 20-min partner-preference testing in a T-shaped apparatus 30 min post-treatment, with access to a long-term partner or an opposite-sex stranger through wire mesh, or no social preference; partner and stranger positions were counterbalanced and visual contact between them was obscured. Treatments were intranasal Pro8-OT, Leu8-OT, or vehicle at 25 IU (150 μg/kg) 30 min before testing, or oral OTA at 20 mg/kg 90 min before testing; treatments were given every other day for ten days, with testing on Day 9 and an 11–13 day washout between periods.
  • Behavior was scored by trained observers (κ > 0.90) using Stopwatch+ software. Derived preference scores were calculated from proximity durations, and effects were analyzed with mixed-model ANOVAs with OT treatment and sex as factors, followed by Fisher’s least significant difference post-hoc tests at p < 0.05.

Limitations

  • The paper states that OTA did not significantly alter partner-stranger preferences, which was surprising; possible explanations offered include insufficient endogenous OT stimulation due to lack of socio-physical interactions, well-established relationships being less sensitive to OTA, or acute OTA being insufficient. The paper also notes a ceiling effect in sexual-solicitation latency toward the partner and that partner-directed sexual behavior was virtually absent.
  • The paper states that Pro8-OT did not increase male marmosets’ preference for their partner over a stranger, and discusses possible involvement of AVP, anxiety/locomotion differences, and HPA/HPG interactions as unresolved explanations.
  • Evident from the text: the study used a small sample (six males and six females), tested only one marmoset species, did not directly measure central OT levels, and used a partner-preference apparatus with visual access between partner and stranger occluded, which may constrain interpretation of social context.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.06.020

Cites

58 of 58 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Claims the paper makes

0 of 64 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    Marmosets treated with Pro8-OT took significantly longer to open-mouth display toward an opposite-sex stranger, relative to when they were treated with Leu8-OT or OTA.

    “Marmosets treated with Pro8-OT took significantly longer to open-mouth display toward an opposite-sex stranger, relative to when they were treated Leu8-OT [t(11) = 3.05, p = 0.011] or OTA, [t(11) = 2.21, p = 0.049] (Fig. 4B).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    OT treatment influenced the proportion of time spent in close proximity to an opposite-sex stranger or alone in marmosets, as indicated by a significant main effect of OT treatment.

    “OT treatment also influenced the proportion of time spent in close proximity to an opposite-sex stranger or alone in marmosets, as indicated by the significant main effect of OT treatment [F(3, 30) = 2.99, p = 0.046, η2 = .23].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Marmosets treated with Leu8-OT or OTA also spent a greater proportion of time in close proximity with a stranger vs. alone.

    “Marmosets treated with Leu8-OT [t(11) = 2.36, p = 0.038] or OTA [t (11) = 3.08, p = .01] also spent a greater proportion of time in close proximity with a stranger vs. alone.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    OT manipulations markedly altered the latency to open-mouth display toward an opposite-sex stranger.

    “However, OT manipulations markedly altered the latency to open-mouth display toward an opposite-sex stranger.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Treatment with Pro8-OT profoundly reduced female marmosets' preference to spend time in close proximity with a stranger rather than their partner.

    “Treatment with Pro8-OT profoundly reduced female marmosets’ preference to spend time in close proximity with a stranger rather than their partner.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims. 42
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 30

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Female marmosets treated with Pro8-OT spent proportionately less time alone vs. in close proximity with a partner, relative to when they were treated with Leu8-OT, but not relative to treatments with vehicle or OTA.

    “Female marmosets treated with Pro8-OT spent proportionately less time alone vs. in close proximity with a partner, relative to when they were treated with Leu8-OT [t(5) = 4.10, p = .009], but not relative to treatments with vehicle or OTA [p > 0.05] (Fig. 2A).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    There was no significant effect of sex, or an interaction between OT treatment and sex, on the expression of sociosexual behavior.

    “There was no significant effect of sex, or an interaction between OT treatment and sex, on the expression sociosexual behavior.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    There was no significant effect of sex, or an interaction between OT treatment and sex, on the preference to spend time alone or with a stranger.

    “There was no significant effect of sex, or an interaction between OT treatment and sex, on the preference to spend time alone or with a stranger.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Males engaged in significantly more locomotion than females.

    “Overall, males engaged in significantly more locomotion (i.e., total frequency of proximity to partner/stranger/alone) than females, as indicated by the significant main effect of sex [F(1, 10) = 8.61, p = 0.015].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Male marmosets treated with Pro8-OT spent proportionately less time in close proximity with their partner vs. alone, relative to when they were treated with Leu8-OT or OTA, but not relative to vehicle.

    “Interestingly, male marmosets treated with Pro8-OT spent proportionately less time in close proximity with their partner vs. alone, relative to when they were treated with Leu8-OT [t(5) = 4.65, p = 0.006] or OTA [t(5) = 4.19, p = 0.009], but not relative to vehicle [p > 0.05] (Fig. 2B).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Aggressive/territorial and communicative behaviors were not influenced by OT treatment or sex.

    “Aggressive/territorial and communicative behaviors were not influenced by OT treatment or sex.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Treatment with the Pro8 variant, but not the consensus mammalian variant, of OT reduced time spent in close proximity, and the expression of sociosexual behavior, with an opposite-sex stranger.

    “Treatment with the Pro8 variant, but not the consensus mammalian variant, of OT reduced time spent in close proximity, and the expression of sociosexual behavior, with an opposite-sex stranger.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In the current study, partner-directed sexual behavior with a long-term partner was virtually absent; yet, stranger-directed sexual behavior occurred relatively quickly under control conditions.

    “In the current study, partner-directed sexual behavior with a long-term partner was virtually absent; yet, stranger-directed sexual behavior occurred relatively quickly under control conditions.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In the current study both male and female sexual solicitation behavior was strongly influenced by OT treatment, but OT only affected female's partner/stranger preferences.

    “In the current study both male and female sexual solicitation behavior was strongly influenced by OT treatment, but OT only affected female’s partner/stranger preferences.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Female marmosets treated with Pro8-OT increased preferential associations with their partner over spending time alone and simultaneously decreased their preference for a stranger over spending time alone.

    “Female marmosets treated with Pro8-OT increased preferential associations with their partner over spending time alone and simultaneously decreased their preference for a stranger over spending time alone.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Central infusion of OT reduced the duration required to form a stable pair-bond in the socially monogamous prairie vole.

    “Furthermore, central infusion of OT reduced the duration required to form a stable pair-bond in the socially monogamous prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster; Williams et al., 1994).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Williams et al., 1994 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    OT facilitates maternal bonding behaviors and promotes affiliative behavior and partner-preference in adult sociosexual relationships.

    “OT not only facilitates maternal bonding behaviors (Kendrick, 2007), but also promotes affiliative behavior and a partner-preference in adult sociosexual relationships (Lim and Young, 2006).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Kendrick, 2007

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Lim and Young, 2006 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    OT has been implicated in a suite of prosocial behaviors, particularly for its facilitative role in social bonding.

    “OT has been implicated in a suite of prosocial behaviors (MacDonald and MacDonald, 2010), particularly for its facilitative role in social bonding (Young and Wang, 2004).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites MacDonald and MacDonald, 2010 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Young and Wang, 2004

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Peptides administered intranasally are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream via the nasal passage and appear to bypass the blood-brain barrier to access the central nervous system via the olfactory bulb and the maxillary branch of the trigeminal nerve.

    “Peptides administered intranasally are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream via the nasal passage, and appear to bypass the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to access the central nervous system (CNS) via the olfactory bulb and the maxillary branch of the trigeminal nerve (MacDonald and MacDonald, 2010; Bethlehem et al., 2013).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites MacDonald and MacDonald, 2010 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Bethlehem et al., 2013 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Marmoset fathers treated with OT displayed an increase in food sharing behavior with offspring.

    “Marmoset fathers treated with OT displayed an increase in food sharing behavior with offspring (Saito and Nakamura, 2011).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Saito and Nakamura, 2011

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Marmosets belong to a clade of New World primates with diverse socially monogamous mating strategies, including high levels of sociality with a pair-mate, avoidance of a potential mate in the presence of a pair-mate, and aggressive responses to potential same-sex rivals.

    “Marmosets (genus Callithrix) belong to a clade of New World primates (marmosets and tamarins) with a diverse set of socially monogamous mating strategies, including high levels of sociality with a pair-mate (Schaffner et al., 1995), avoidance of a potential mate in the presence of a pair-mate (Evans, 1983; Inglett et al., 1990), and aggressive responses to potential same-sex rivals (Ross et al., 2”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Schaffner et al., 1995 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Evans, 1983 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Inglett et al., 1990

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Intranasal administration rapidly upregulates OT levels in the brain and plasma during the timeframe of behavioral testing, and OT clears the system several hours after testing.

    “These results suggest that intranasal administration rapidly upregulates OT levels in the brain and plasma during the timeframe of behavioral testing, and that OT clears the system several hours after testing.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Born et al., 2002 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Striepens et al., 2013 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Chang et al., 2012 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationcitation

    Greater expression of affiliative and sexual behavior is associated with higher OT levels.

    “Thus, greater expression of affiliative and sexual behavior, which contributes to the quality of long-term social relationships, is associated with higher OT levels.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Blocking endogenous OT activity diminished a partner-preference and inhibited pair-bond formation in prairie voles.

    “Blocking endogenous OT activity diminished a partner-preference and inhibited pair-bond formation in prairie voles (Cho et al., 1999).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Cho et al., 1999 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Blocking endogenous OT activity in both males and females reduced measures of social proximity and food sharing with a new pair-mate.

    “Blocking endogenous OT activity in both males and females reduced measures of social proximity and food sharing with a new pair-mate (Smith et al., 2010).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Smith et al., 2010 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Treatment with an OT agonist had a limited effect and only subtly augmented marmoset sociality during the early period of cohabitation.

    “However, treatment with an OT agonist had a limited effect, and only subtly augmented marmoset sociality during the early period of cohabitation.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Smith et al., 2010 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Urinary levels of OT co-vary with social behavior in male and female cotton-top tamarins, with female OT levels associated with grooming and mutual physical contact with a partner, and male OT levels associated with sexual behavior.

    “Urinary levels of OT co-vary with social behavior in male and female cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus), with variance in female OT levels associated with grooming behavior and mutual physical contact with a partner, and variance in male OT levels associated with sexual behavior (Snowdon et al., 2010).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Snowdon et al., 2010 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisereasoning

    The amino-acid substitution in Pro8-OT results in a substantially altered structural geometry relative to Leu8-OT, which may affect OT-OTR binding and downstream signaling.

    “This amino-acid substitution results in a substantially altered structural geometry of the OT ligand relative to the consensus mammalian variant; changes in structure that may affect OT-OT receptor (OTR) binding and downstream signaling.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    OT amino-acid sequences are highly conserved among placental mammals.

    “OT amino-acid sequences are highly conserved among placental mammals (Acher, 1980).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Acher, 1980

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The OTA L368,899 is readily absorbed by the bloodstream after passage through the digestive system, penetrates the CNS after peripheral administration, and accumulates in areas of the limbic system.

    “The OTA (L368, 899; provided by Dr. Peter Williams, Merck & Co., Inc.) is readily absorbed by the bloodstream after passage through the digestive system (Thompson et al., 1997), penetrates the CNS after peripheral administration, and accumulates in areas of the limbic system (Boccia et al., 2007).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Thompson et al., 1997

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Boccia et al., 2007 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The OT system plays a critical role in the formation and maintenance of long-term monogamous relationships.

    “Thus, the OT system plays a critical role in the formation and maintenance of long-term monogamous relationships.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Unlike prairie voles, marmosets display a flexible pattern of sociosexual preferences, including a willingness to interact with a potential mate in the absence of a pair-mate.

    “However, unlike prairie voles, which display consistently strong sociosexual preferences for a long-term partner over an opposite-sex stranger (Wang and Aragona, 2004), marmosets display a flexible pattern of sociosexual preferences, similar to those displayed by humans (Buss and Schmitt, 1993), including a willingness to interact with a potential mate in the absence of a pair-mate (Evans, 1983;”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Wang and Aragona, 2004

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Buss and Schmitt, 1993 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Evans, 1983 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductnone given

    Observers were trained to achieve a level of proficiency (κ> 0.90) on scoring proximity, sociosexual, aggressive/territorial, and communicative behaviors.

    “Observers were trained to achieve a level of proficiency (κ> 0.90) on scoring proximity, sociosexual, aggressive/territorial, and communicative behaviors.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The facilitative effect of OT on fidelity manifested itself differently in male and female marmosets, such that females preferred to interact socially with their long-term partner rather than an opposite-sex stranger when treated with Pro8-OT, while males spent less time in close proximity with both their partner and a stranger when treated with Pro8-OT.

    “However, this facilitative effect of OT on fidelity manifested itself differently in male and female marmosets, such that females preferred to interact socially with their long-term partner rather than an opposite-sex stranger when treated with Pro8-OT, while males spent less time in close proximity with both their partner and a stranger when treated with Pro8-OT.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Male, but not female, marmosets typically display sexual solicitation behavior to a stranger in the absence of their mate.

    “Male, but not female, marmosets (C. jacchus) typically display sexual solicitation behavior to a stranger in the absence of their mate.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Evans, 1983 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Treatment with the Pro8 variant, but not the consensus mammalian variant, of OT facilitated fidelity with a long-term partner by decreasing time spent in close proximity with, and increasing the latency to exhibit sexual-solicitation behavior toward, a stranger.

    “Treatment with the Pro8 variant, but not the consensus mammalian variant, of OT facilitated fidelity with a long-term partner by decreasing time spent in close proximity with, and increasing the latency to exhibit sexual-solicitation behavior toward, a stranger.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Male saddle-back tamarins typically interact with a partner more than a stranger, while females display no preference.

    “Male saddle-back tamarins (Saguinus fuscicocollis) typically interact with a partner more than a stranger, while females display no preference (Epple, 1990).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Epple, 1990

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Male and female golden-lion tamarins typically interact with a stranger more than a partner under conditions when the partner's visual access to the stranger is blocked or the partner is absent, but not when the partner has visual access to the stranger.

    “Male and female and golden-lion tamarins (Leontopithecus rosalia) typically interact with a stranger more than a partner under conditions when the partner’s visual access to the stranger is blocked or the partner is absent, but not when the partner has visual access to the stranger (Inglett et al., 1990).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Inglett et al., 1990

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    Each member of the pair was treated individually during each treatment period in a counterbalanced order, and the sequence of treatments among each individual was counterbalanced over the length of the study.

    “Each member of the pair was treated individually during each treatment period in a counterbalanced order. Furthermore, the sequence of treatments among each individual was counterbalanced over the length of the study.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Preference for a partner in marmosets and tamarins differs from the prairie vole model in being labile, both within and among species, and tends to be strongly influenced by social context.

    “Preference for a partner in marmosets and tamarins differs from the prairie vole model (Wang and Aragona, 2004) in the sense that it is labile, both within and among species, and tends to be strongly influenced by social context.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Wang and Aragona, 2004

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Increased levels of centrally available species-specific OT agonists significantly reduced fidelity-threatening behaviors in marmosets by enhancing a preferential association with a partner and simultaneously decreasing associations with a stranger in females, but not males.

    “Accordingly, increased levels of centrally available species-specific OT agonists significantly reduced fidelity-threatening behaviors in marmosets by enhancing a preferential association with a partner and simultaneously decreasing associations with a stranger in females, but not males.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In the presence of their long-term partner, both male and female marmosets reduced the expression of sexual behavior and engaged in more aggressive behavior toward an unfamiliar conspecific.

    “Furthermore, in the presence of their long-term partner, both male and female marmosets reduced the expression of sexual behavior and engaged in more aggressive behavior toward an unfamiliar conspecific (Evans, 1983).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Evans, 1983 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    This suggests that in the presence of a pair-mate, female marmosets find novel social stimuli less attractive when treated with centrally available OT, and therefore display a reduced preference for a stranger.

    “This suggests that in the presence of a pair-mate, female marmosets find novel social stimuli less attractive when treated with centrally available OT, and therefore display a reduced preference for a stranger.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The Pro8 variant of OT is centrally available.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Treatment with the Pro8 variant, but not the consensus mammalian variant, of OT facilitated a behavioral strategy to increase preferential associations with a partner over a stranger, and to reduce time spent in close proximity with a stranger in favor of spending more time alone.

    “Thus, treatment with the Pro8 variant, but not the consensus mammalian variant, of OT facilitated a behavioral strategy to increase preferential associations with a partner over a stranger, and to reduce time spent in close proximity with a stranger in favor of spending more time alone.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    There seems to be a distinct sexual dichotomy in the effect of the OT system on the expression of sociosexual behavior in marmosets, which suggests there may be some underlying differences in physiology of the social and/or anxiety neural circuits.

    “Therefore, there seems to be a distinct sexual dichotomy in the effect of the OT system on the expression of sociosexual behavior in marmosets, which suggests there may be some underlying differences in physiology of the social and/or anxiety neural circuits.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Social recognition and familiarity strongly influence partner/stranger preferences.

    “Furthermore, social recognition and familiarity strongly influence partner/stranger preferences (Cheetham et al., 2008).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Cheetham et al., 2008

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Social recognition is an essential skill for an individual living within a social group.

    “Social recognition (i.e., ability to differentiate a familiar individual from a stranger, and remember a previously encountered conspecific) is an essential skill for an individual living within a social group (Ross and Young, 2009).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Ross and Young, 2009 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    More likely, both the OT system and the AVP system are highly involved in modulating partner/stranger preferences and the regulation of sociosexual behavior between pair-mates in both males and females.

    “More likely, both the OT system and the AVP system are highly involved in modulating partner/stranger preferences and the regulation of sociosexual behavior between pair-mates in both males and females.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    One effect of increased central OT activity is the pronounced reduction of fidelity-threatening behaviors, by reducing both the time spent in close proximity with a stranger and reducing sexual solicitations toward a stranger.

    “Consequently, one effect of increased central OT activity is the pronounced reduction of fidelity-threatening behaviors, by reducing both the time spent in close proximity with a stranger and reducing sexual solicitations toward a stranger.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The Pro8 variant of OT is centrally available.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationown data

    The limited effect of OT treatment on partner/stranger preferences in male marmosets may indicate that the OT system simply influences male sociosexual behavior less so than female behavior.

    “The limited effect of OT treatment on partner/stranger preferences in male marmosets may indicate that the OT system simply influences male sociosexual behavior less so than female behavior.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationcitation

    This pattern is consistent with the finding that when an individual's partner is present, but visual access between the partner and stranger is occluded, marmosets will interact with an opposite-sex stranger.

    “This pattern is consistent with the finding that when an individual’s partner is present, but visual access between the partner and stranger is occluded, marmosets will interact with an opposite-sex stranger, as noted above.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Male and female marmosets (C. penicillata) interacted more with a stranger than a newly paired partner after 24 hours of cohabitation, but after three weeks of cohabitation, they interacted equally with both a partner and a stranger.

    “Male and female marmosets (C. penicillata) interacted more with a stranger than a newly paired partner after 24 hours of cohabitation. However, after three weeks of cohabitation, male and female marmosets interacted equally with both a partner and a stranger (Smith et al., 2010).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Smith et al., 2010 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    High levels of testosterone are associated with sociosexual competition, and low levels of testosterone are associated with nurturing physical contact with a partner.

    “To the extent that high levels of testosterone are associated with sociosexual competition, and low levels of testosterone are associated with nurturing physical contact with a partner (van Anders et al., 2011)”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites van Anders et al., 2011 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Numerous studies in prairie voles have implicated the OT system as potentially more important for sociosexual bond development in females, and the AVP system as more important for sociosexual bond development in males.

    “Numerous studies in prairie voles have implicated the OT system as potentially more important for sociosexual bond development in females, and the AVP system as more important for sociosexual bond development in males (Young and Wang, 2004).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Young and Wang, 2004

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    In chimpanzees, excreted OT levels were higher following grooming bouts with a bonded partner (regardless of genetic relatedness) than a non-bonded partner.

    “In chimpanzees, excreted OT levels were higher following grooming bouts with a bonded partner (regardless of genetic relatedness) than a non-bonded partner (Crockford et al., 2013).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Crockford et al., 2013 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In humans, males treated with OT perceived their pair-mates face as more attractive than the face of an opposite-sex stranger, and experienced increased neural activity in the branches of the brain's reward system.

    “In humans, males treated with OT perceived their pair-mates face as more attractive than the face of an opposite-sex stranger, and experienced increased neural activity in the branches of the brain’s reward system (i.e., nucleus accumbens, ventral tegmental area; Scheele et al., 2013).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Scheele et al., 2013 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Treatment with an OTA has been shown previously to reduce proximity, huddling, and food sharing behavior with a recently formed partner in marmosets.

    “This finding is surprising because treatment with an OTA has been shown previously to reduce proximity, huddling, and food sharing behavior with a recently formed partner in marmosets.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Smith et al., 2010 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In addition to the critical role of AVP in partner-preference formation, it is also highly involved in other male-typic behavior, including aggression and courtship.

    “In addition to the critical role of AVP in partner-preference formation (Winslow et al., 1993), it is also highly involved in other male-typic behavior, including aggression and courtship (Goodson and Bass, 2001).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Winslow et al., 1993 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Goodson and Bass, 2001

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Treatment with an OTA reduced the frequency, and increased the latency, to establish contact with a partner before engaging with a stranger, after three weeks of cohabitation and continuous treatment.

    “Furthermore treatment with an OTA reduced the frequency, and increased the latency, to establish contact with a partner before engaging with a stranger, after three weeks of cohabitation and continuous treatment (Smith et al., 2010).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Smith et al., 2010 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    OT is a well-known anxiolytic agent.

    “since OT is a well-known anxiolytic agent (Smith and Wang, 2012)”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Smith and Wang, 2012 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    In prairie voles, intracerebroventricular injections of OT induced a partner-preference in both males and females.

    “In prairie voles, intracerebroventricular injections of OT induced a partner-preference in both males and females (Cho et al., 1999)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Cho et al., 1999 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Subcutaneous injections of OT only induced a partner-preferences in females.

    “whereas subcutaneous injections of OT only induced a partner-preferences in females (Cushing & Carter, 2000)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Cushing & Carter, 2000

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Novel environments and distinct social contexts generate anxiety-like behavior and concurrent activation of the HPA axis in marmosets.

    “Novel environments and distinct social contexts generate anxiety-like behavior and concurrent activation of the HPA axis in marmosets (Smith and French, 1997)”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Smith and French, 1997

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The steroid/peptide theory of social bonds provides a series of predictions for the integration of the OT system and the HPG axis, which is known to play a role in the formation of sociosexual relationships.

    “Additionally, the steroid/peptide theory of social bonds (van Anders et al., 2011) provides a series of predictions for the integration of the OT system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which is known to play a role in the formation of sociosexual relationships (Burnham et al., 2003; van Anders and Goldey, 2010).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites van Anders et al., 2011 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Burnham et al., 2003

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites van Anders and Goldey, 2010

      Not checked in the free run.

59 of 59

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Fidelity to a long-term mate is threatened when one or both members of a long-term pair spend time in close proximity, and engage in sociosexual behavior, with an opposite-sex stranger.

    “Fidelity to a long-term mate is threatened when one, or both, member(s) of a long-term pair spend time in close proximity, and engage in sociosexual behavior, with an opposite-sex stranger.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    This was the first study to determine if treatment with the Pro8 variant of OT has a functionally significant effect on fidelity and sociosexual preferences.

    “This was the first study to determine if treatment with the Pro8 variant of OT has a functionally significant effect on fidelity and sociosexual preferences.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The Pro8 variant of OT is centrally available.

    “Thus, treatment with centrally available OT significantly reduced fidelity-threatening behaviors in well-established adult sociosexual relationships as a means to maintain a vital social bond with a long-term pair-mate.”
3 of 3

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • Marmosets display a more flexible pattern of sociosexual preferences than prairie voles.

    “marmosets display a more flexible pattern of sociosexual preferences (Cavanaugh et al., 2014; Smith et al., 2010).”

    From Neuropeptide diversity and the regulation of social behavior in New World primates (2016) · cites this paper as Cavanaugh et al., 2014

  • Females treated with Pro8-OT drastically reduced their time spent with a stranger in favor of interacting with their partner, while males treated with Pro8-OT spent less time with both the stranger and their partner.

    “Females treated with Pro8-OT drastically reduced their time spent with a stranger in favor of interacting with their partner, while males treated with Pro8-OT spent less time with both the stranger and their partner (Cavanaugh et al., 2014).”

    From Neuropeptide diversity and the regulation of social behavior in New World primates (2016) · cites this paper as Cavanaugh et al., 2014

  • The effect of IN Pro8-OT on partner/stranger preferences was specific to the Pro8-OT variant, as treatment with Leu8-OT did not alter partner/stranger preferences.

    “This effect was specific to the Pro8-OT variant, as treatment with Leu8-OT did not alter partner/stranger preferences.”

    From Neuropeptide diversity and the regulation of social behavior in New World primates (2016) · cites this paper as Cavanaugh et al., 2014

  • Treatment with IN Pro8-OT facilitated fidelity with a long-term partner by decreasing the amount of time marmosets spent in close proximity with an opposite-sex stranger, and increasing the latency to exhibit sociosexual behavior toward a stranger in a partner-preference paradigm.

    “Treatment with IN Pro8-OT facilitated fidelity with a long-term partner by decreasing the amount of time marmosets spent in close proximity with an opposite-sex stranger, and increasing the latency to exhibit sociosexual behavior toward a stranger in a partner-preference paradigm (Cavanaugh et al., 2014).”

    From Neuropeptide diversity and the regulation of social behavior in New World primates (2016) · cites this paper as Cavanaugh et al., 2014

  • Treatment with Pro8-OXT, but not the consensus mammalian ligand (Leu8-OXT), reduced both sociosexual behaviour and prosocial food sharing toward opposite-sex strangers.

    “For instance, treatment with Pro8-OXT, but not the consensus mammalian ligand (Leu8-OXT), reduced both sociosexual behaviour and prosocial food sharing toward opposite-sex strangers (Cavanaugh et al., 2014; Mustoe et al., 2015).”

    From Inequity aversion strategies between marmosets are influenced by partner familiarity and sex but not by oxytocin (2016) · cites this paper as Cavanaugh et al., 2014

Statistics recomputed

Every reported test result, recomputed from its test statistic and degrees of freedom. A result shows as not adding up only once an independent check has confirmed it.

  • ConsistentF(3, 30) = 3.13reported p = .04 · recomputed p = .040

    “F(3, 30) = 3.13, p = .04”

  • Consistentt(5) = 2.74reported p = .04 · recomputed p = .041

    “t(5) = 2.74, p = .04”

  • Consistentt(5) = 4.36reported p = .007 · recomputed p = .007

    “t(5) = 4.36, p = .007”

  • ConsistentF(3, 30) = 3.5reported p = .027 · recomputed p = .027

    “F(3, 30) = 3.50, p = .027”

  • Consistentt(5) = 4.1reported p = .009 · recomputed p = .009

    “t(5) = 4.10, p = .009”

  • Consistentt(5) = 4.65reported p = .006 · recomputed p = .006

    “t(5) = 4.65, p = .006”

  • Consistentt(5) = 4.19reported p = .009 · recomputed p = .009

    “t(5) = 4.19, p = .009”

  • ConsistentF(3, 30) = 2.99reported p = .046 · recomputed p = .047

    “F(3, 30) = 2.99, p = .046”

  • Consistentt(11) = 4.29reported p = .001 · recomputed p = .001

    “t(11) = 4.29, p = .001”

  • Consistentt(11) = 2.36reported p = .038 · recomputed p = .038

    “t(11) = 2.36, p = .038”

  • Consistentt(11) = 3.08reported p = .01 · recomputed p = .010

    “t (11) = 3.08, p = .01”

  • Consistentt(11) = 2.59reported p = .025 · recomputed p = .025

    “t(11) = 2.59, p = .025”

  • Consistentt(11) = 3.54reported p = .005 · recomputed p = .005

    “t(11) = 3.54, p = .005”

  • ConsistentF(1, 10) = 8.61reported p = .015 · recomputed p = .015

    “F(1, 10) = 8.61, p = .015”

  • ConsistentF(3, 30) = 4.19reported p = .014 · recomputed p = .014

    “F(3, 30) = 4.19, p = .014”

  • Consistentt(11) = 3.05reported p = .011 · recomputed p = .011

    “t(11) = 3.05, p = .011”

  • Consistentt(11) = 2.21reported p = .049 · recomputed p = .049

    “t(11) = 2.21, p = .049”

  • Consistentt(11) = 1.89reported p = .08 · recomputed p = .085

    “t(11) = 1.89, p = .08”

18 of 18

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Oxytocin persistence statement conflicts with cited reference title

    Minor

    The text says oxytocin levels persisted for no more than seven hours in humans, whereas the cited reference's title says elevated levels persisted for more than seven hours.

1 of 1

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

3 of the 61 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Cavanaugh, J., Mustoe, A. C., Taylor, J. H., & French, J. A.
Affiliations
University of Nebraska at Omaha (US)
Corresponding author
Cavanaugh, Jon
ORCID
Venue
Psychoneuroendocrinology
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2014-11
Volume
49
Pages
1-10
ISSN
0306-4530 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.06.020
PMC
PMC4165758
OpenAlex
W2012051436
Semantic Scholar
f6042f17192d0ba8da85ed27f2725b02f23af50f
Cited by
72
References
61
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 5 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 4 · 2020: 7 · 2019: 6 · 2018: 11 · 2017: 4 · 2016: 8 · 2015: 14 · 2014: 1
FWCI
13.31
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Psychoneuroendocrinology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (acceptedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (HD 042882, R01HD042882, R56HD042882)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Primate Behavior and Ecology
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics › Animal Behavior and Reproduction
Keywords
oxytocin, marmoset, social monogamy, pair bonding, fidelity, sociosexual behavior, sexual solicitation, sex differences, oxytocin antagonist
MeSH terms
Administration, Intranasal, Animals, Camphanes, Callithrix, Female, Male, Oxytocin, Pair Bond, Piperazines, Sexual Behavior, Animal, Sex Characteristics, Social Behavior

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-09.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-09.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review