Cited by 221Neuroendocrine regulation and behaviorOlfactory and Sensory Function StudiesSexual Differentiation and Disorders

Interplay of oxytocin, vasopressin, and sex hormones in the regulation of social recognition

Gabor, Christopher S., Phan, Anna, Clipperton-Allen, Amy E., Kavaliers, Martin, Choleris, Elena·2012·Behavioral Neuroscience

Abstract

Social Recognition is a fundamental skill that forms the basis of behaviors essential to the proper functioning of pair or group living in most social species. We review here various neurobiological and genetic studies that point to an interplay of oxytocin (OT), arginine-vasopressin (AVP), and the gonadal hormones, estrogens and testosterone, in the mediation of social recognition. Results of a number of studies have shown that OT and its actions at the medial amygdala seem to be essential for social recognition in both sexes. Estrogens facilitate social recognition, possibly by regulating OT production in the hypothalamus and the OT receptors at the medial amygdala. Estrogens also affect social recognition on a rapid time scale, likely through nongenomic actions. The mechanisms of these rapid effects are currently unknown but available evidence points at the hippocampus as the possible site of action. Male rodents seem to be more dependent on AVP acting at the level of the lateral septum for social recognition than female rodents. Results of various studies suggest that testosterone and its metabolites (including estradiol) influence social recognition in males primarily through the AVP V1a receptor. Overall, it appears that gonadal hormone modulation of OT and AVP regulates and fine tunes social recognition and those behaviors that depend upon it (e.g., social bonds, social hierarchies) in a sex specific manner. This points at an important role for these neuroendocrine systems in the regulation of the sex differences that are evident in social behavior and of sociality as a whole.

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Crossref · 10.1037/a0026464

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Authors
Gabor, C. S., Phan, A., Clipperton-Allen, A. E., Kavaliers, M., & Choleris, E.
Affiliations
University of Guelph (CA)
Venue
Behavioral Neuroscience
Published
2012
Volume
126
Issue
1
Pages
97-109
ISSN
  • 0735-7044 (ISSN-L)
  • 1939-0084
OpenAlex
W2130923723
Cited by
221
References
124
Citations by year
2026: 10 · 2025: 12 · 2024: 9 · 2023: 8 · 2022: 14 · 2021: 25 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 12 · 2018: 17 · 2017: 23 · 2016: 19 · 2015: 17 · 2014: 14 · 2013: 21 · 2012: 13
FWCI
20.82
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Behavioral Neuroscience (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Sensory Systems › Olfactory and Sensory Function Studies
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Sexual Differentiation and Disorders
Keywords
social recognition, oxytocin, vasopressin, sex hormones, estrogen, testosterone, medial amygdala, lateral septum, hippocampus, non-genomic estrogen signaling, V1a receptor, sex differences in social behavior, social bonds, social hierarchy, hypothalamus
MeSH terms
Amygdala, Animals, Behavior, Animal, Female, Male, Oxytocin, Gonadal Steroid Hormones, Social Behavior, Vasopressins, Recognition, Psychology

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