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Cited by 36Neuroendocrine regulation and behaviorPrimate Behavior and EcologyHuman-Animal Interaction Studies

Marmosets treated with oxytocin are more socially attractive to their long-term mate

Open access
Cavanaugh, Jon, Huffman, Michelle C., Harnisch, April M., French, Jeffrey A.·2015·Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience
DOI 10.3389/fnbeh.2015.00251PMC PMC4606015
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Abstract

Adult male-female bonds are partly characterized by initiating and maintaining close proximity with a social partner, as well as engaging in high levels of affiliative and sociosexual behavior. Oxytocin (OXT), a neuromodulatory nonapeptide, plays a critical role in the facilitation of social bonding and prosocial behavior toward a social partner (Feldman, 2012). However, less attention has been given to whether augmentation of OXT levels in an individual alters others' perceptions and behavior toward an OXT-treated social partner. We examined social dynamics in well-established male-female pairs of marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus) in which one member of the pair was administered an intranasal OXT agonist, an OXT antagonist (OXTA), or saline. OXT treatment did not alter the expression of affiliative toward an untreated partner. However, OXT did significantly influence the expression of proximity and grooming behavior with a treated partner, as a function of OXT treatment and sex. Female interest in initiating and maintaining proximity with a pair-mate was altered by OXT treatment. Untreated female marmosets departed from their saline-treated partner more frequently than they approached them, as indicated by a low proximity index score. However, when males received an intranasal OXT agonist they had a significantly increased proximity index score relative to saline, indicating that their untreated partner approached them more often than they departed from them). Saline-treated females initiated and received equivalent levels of grooming behavior. However, when female marmosets were treated with an OXT agonist their untreated partner groomed them proportionately more often, for a greater total duration, and for more time per bout, than they initiated grooming behavior. These results suggest that intranasal OXT altered male and female marmosets' stimulus properties in such a way as to increase the amount of grooming behavior that females received from their long-term mate, as well as increase female interest in initiating and maintaining proximity with their long-term mate. Furthermore, these results support the notion that central OXT activity plays an important neuromodulatory role in the maintenance of long-lasting male-female relationships.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

In well-established male-female marmoset pairs, intranasal oxytocin agonist treatment altered the treated animal’s “social attractiveness” to its long-term mate, increasing female partners’ proximity maintenance toward treated males and grooming received by treated females. The effects were sex-specific and largely absent for sexual, territorial, and overall proximity/huddling measures.

Key findings

  • Untreated females departed from saline-treated male partners more often than they approached them (t(5) = −3.59, p = 0.016), but when males received an oxytocin agonist, male proximity index scores increased relative to saline (F(3,12) = 3.66, p = 0.044, η² = 0.48); this was significant for Pro8-OXT (t(5) = 3.86, p = 0.012), moderate but nonsignificant for Leu8-OXT (t(5) = 2.02, p = 0.10), and not significant for OXTA (t(4) = 1.51, p = 0.21).
  • When females received an oxytocin agonist, their grooming index increased relative to saline (F(3,12) = 9.12, p = 0.002, η² = 0.70): Pro8-OXT (t(4) = 5.17, p = 0.007) and Leu8-OXT (t(5) = 7.91, p = 0.001) females received grooming proportionately more often than they initiated it. Treated females also showed increased grooming index scores for total duration (F(3,12) = 5.37, p = 0.014, η² = 0.57) and time per bout (F(3,12) = 4.92, p = 0.019, η² = 0.55).
  • Males treated with oxytocin did not show proportionate changes in grooming received versus initiated (frequency F(3,12) = 0.75, p > 0.05; duration F(3,12) = 1.03, p > 0.05; time per bout F(3,12) = 1.72, p > 0.05).
  • Sexual solicitation, mating, and territorial behavior did not vary by oxytocin treatment (p’s > 0.05), and overall proximity duration, time per proximity bout, huddling duration, and time per huddling bout were unaffected.

Methods

  • Subjects were 6 adult male and 6 adult female common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus), 3.2 ± 0.2 years old, housed at the Callitrichid Research Center; males were vasectomized, and females received cloprostenol before each treatment period. After 8 weeks of cohabitation, each pair member was treated individually in counterbalanced order across four treatment periods, with 11–13 day washouts.
  • Treatments were intranasal saline or 25 IU (50 μg/100 μL; 150 μg/kg) Pro8-OXT or Leu8-OXT 30 min before observations, and oral 20 mg/kg OXTA (L368,899) or saline 90 min before observations. Social interactions were observed in the home cage for 20 min between 0900 and 1030 h, 30 min post-treatment, using an ethogram of affiliative, sociosexual, and territorial behaviors.
  • Data were averaged across 4 treatment days per period. Derived indices included proximity index (approach treated partner/depart from treated partner) and grooming indices (receive/total groom; initiate/total groom). Effects of sex and treatment were tested with mixed-model ANOVAs, with Fisher’s LSD post hoc comparisons and alpha set at p < 0.05.

Limitations

  • The paper states non-independence between individuals within a social interaction as an unavoidable consequence of examining dyadic relationships.
  • The paper states that the OXTA had limited effects, possibly due to acute administration, the length of the established relationship, or the pharmacological properties of L368,899 (which binds OXTR but is not selective and has affinity for V1aR).
  • The paper states that the exact transnasal-CNS route of intranasal oxytocin remains unknown and that only a small proportion of the dose likely reaches the CNS; evident from the text, the study also used a small sample (N = 12; 6 males, 6 females) and did not identify the specific stimulus properties altered by oxytocin.

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

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.3389/fnbeh.2015.00251

Cites

76 of 76 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

27 tests recomputed · 0 with the reported and recomputed p on opposite sides of .05

Claims the paper makes

0 of 49 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    When female marmosets received an OXT treatment they had a significantly increased grooming index score relative to saline.

    “However, when female marmosets received an OXT treatment they had a significantly increased grooming index score relative to saline (F(3,12) = 9.12, p = 0.002, η2 = 0.70; Figure 2A).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Saline-treated females initiated and received equivalent levels of grooming behavior.

    “Saline-treated females initiated and received equivalent levels of grooming behavior (t(4) = 1.40, p = 0.23).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Proximity index scores were moderately, but not significantly, increased in males that received Leu8-OXT relative to saline.

    “Proximity index scores were significantly increased in males that received Pro8-OXT (t(5) = 3.86, p = 0.012), and moderately, but not significantly, increased in males that received Leu8-OXT (t(5) = 2.02, p = 0.10), relative to saline.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Marmosets initiated and received grooming behavior differentially as a function of OXT treatment and sex.

    “Marmosets also initiated and received grooming behavior differentially as a function of OXT treatment and sex (F(3,24) = 6.13, p = 0.005, η2 = 0.50).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Proximity index scores were significantly increased in males that received Pro8-OXT relative to saline.

    “Proximity index scores were significantly increased in males that received Pro8-OXT (t(5) = 3.86, p = 0.012), and moderately, but not significantly, increased in males that received Leu8-OXT (t(5) = 2.02, p = 0.10), relative to saline.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims. 34
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 21

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Females treated with OXT initiated slightly less grooming and received slightly more grooming.

    “Females treated with OXT initiated slightly less grooming and received slightly more grooming.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    Untreated female marmosets approached their OXT-treated male partner more and departed from them less.

    “Untreated female marmosets approached their OXT-treated male partner more and departed from them less.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Total proximity duration and time spent in proximity per bout, as well as total huddling duration and time spent huddling per bout were only marginally reduced when marmosets were treated with an OXTA, relative to saline.

    “Total proximity duration and time spent in proximity per bout, as well as total huddling duration and time spent huddling per bout were only marginally reduced when marmosets were treated with an OXTA, relative to saline”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Administration of an OXTA moderately, but not significantly, increased proximity index scores as well as grooming index scores relative to saline, in males and female respectively.

    “Interestingly, administration of an OXTA moderately, but not significantly, increased proximity index scores as well as grooming index scores relative to saline, in males and female respectively.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The OXTA had a limited effect, and only subtly altered marmoset sociality.

    “In contrast to the strong effect of OXT agonists on affiliative behavior in well-established marmoset pairs, the OXTA had a limited effect, and only subtly altered marmoset sociality.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Marmosets administered an OXT agonist did not display more sexual solicitation behavior or copulatory behavior than when they were treated with saline.

    “Marmosets administered an OXT agonist did not display more sexual solicitation behavior or copulatory behavior than when they were treated with saline.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Although we did not identify changes in specific social solicitation behaviors in male and females that received intranasal OXT, it is clear that marmosets expressed higher levels of affiliative behavior toward their pair-mate when their pair-mate had augmented OXT levels, compared to control conditions.

    “Although we did not identify changes in specific social solicitation behaviors in male and females that received intranasal OXT, it is clear that marmosets expressed higher levels of affiliative behavior toward their pair-mate when their pair-mate had augmented OXT levels, compared to control conditions.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The untreated partners may be responding to more subtle social signals.

    “Interestingly, neither male nor female marmosets expressed more social solicitation behavior (i.e., solicit grooming) when treated with OXT, suggesting that their untreated partners may be responding to more subtle social signals.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    OXT plays a critical role in the facilitation of social bonding and prosocial behavior toward a social partner.

    “Oxytocin (OXT), a neuromodulatory nonapeptide, plays a critical role in the facilitation of social bonding and prosocial behavior toward a social partner (Feldman, 2012).”
    • Also stated in: § Introduction · boosted
      “There is considerable evidence that the oxytocin (OXT) system plays a critical role in the facilitation of social bonds (Lim and Young, 2006; Kendrick, 2000) and the expression of prosocial behavior toward a social partner, including affiliation (Feldman, 2012), cooperation (De Dreu, 2012), and trust (Mikolajczak et al., 2010), presumably by acting on OXT-relevant nuclei in the “social brain” (Mac”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Feldman, 2012 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Lim and Young, 2006 source

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    • cites Kendrick, 2000 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S1 (asserted), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    OXT-treated marmosets were making subtle changes in their body-position, body-motion, and/or vocalizations, and their highly attuned partner was responsive to the accumulation of these changes via multisensory integration.

    “Perhaps OXT-treated marmosets were making subtle changes in their body-position, body-motion, and/or vocalizations, and their highly attuned partner (untreated) was responsive to the accumulation of these changes via multisensory integration.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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

    Premisecitation

    OXT is released endogenously following positive social interactions between existing social partners in humans and nonhuman primates.

    “OXT is released endogenously following positive social interactions between existing social partners in humans (Grewen et al., 2005; Tops et al., 2007; Taylor et al., 2010) and nonhuman primates (Snowdon et al., 2010; Crockford et al., 2013).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Grewen et al., 2005 source

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    • cites Tops et al., 2007 source

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    • cites Taylor et al., 2010 source

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

    Interpretationreasoning

    Marmosets may have been reacting to an accumulation of social cues from multiple modes.

    “Alternatively, marmosets may have been reacting to an accumulation of social cues from multiples modes.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    OXT may be altering certain unidentified stimulus properties of female, but not male, marmosets that increases females' specific attractive qualities.

    “These results suggest that OXT may be altering certain unidentified stimulus properties of female, but not male, marmosets that increases females’ specific attractive qualities.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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

    Premisecitation

    Adult male-female bonds are partly characterized by initiating and maintaining close proximity with a social partner, as well as engaging in high levels of affiliative and sociosexual behavior.

    “Adult male-female bonds are partly characterized by initiating and maintaining close proximity with a social partner, as well as engaging in high levels of affiliative and sociosexual behavior (Kleiman, 1977).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Kleiman, 1977 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    OXT may have increased the attractiveness of an individual's scent, which led to increased interest in engaging in affiliative behavior with an OXT-treated individual.

    “In the current study OXT may have increased the attractiveness of an individual’s scent, which led to increased interest in engaging in affiliative behavior with an OXT-treated individual.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Marmosets are a highly social, cooperatively breeding New World primate that readily form and maintain long-term male-female relationships.

    “Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) are a highly social, cooperatively breeding New World primate that readily form and maintain long-term male-female relationships (Digby, 1995; Schaffner et al., 1995; Ågmo et al., 2012), and exhibit biparental and alloparental infant care (da Silva Mota et al., 2006).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Digby, 1995 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Schaffner et al., 1995 source

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    • cites Ågmo et al., 2012 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The OXT system has a critical role in the expression of partner-preference behavior and the formation of adult male-female bonds.

    “Thus, the OXT system has a critical role in the expression of partner-preference behavior and the formation of adult male-female bonds.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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

    Premisecitation

    In newly-formed marmoset pairs, administration of an OXTA reduces measures of social proximity and food sharing.

    “In newly-formed marmoset pairs, administration of an OXTA reduces measures of social proximity and food sharing (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.

    Study design and conductnone given

    All observers were trained to achieve a level of proficiency (κ > 0.90) on scoring affiliative, sociosexual, and aggressive/territorial behaviors.

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

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Species-specific OXT appears to decrease social motivation to interact with an opposite-sex stranger, thus reducing fidelity-threatening behaviors in well-established marmoset pairs.

    “Thus, species-specific OXT appears to decrease social motivation to interact with an opposite-sex stranger, thus reducing fidelity-threatening behaviors in well-established marmoset pairs.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductnone given

    Marmosets were administered each treatment over four counterbalanced treatment periods.

    “Marmosets were administered each treatment over four counterbalanced treatment periods.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    There is converging evidence that both the consensus-mammalian variant of OXT and the marmoset variant of OXT regulate affiliative and sociosexual behavior in marmosets.

    “Thus, there is converging evidence that both the consensus-mammalian variant of OXT (Smith et al., 2010; Saito and Nakamura, 2011) as well as the marmoset variant of OXT (Cavanaugh et al., 2014; Mustoe et al., 2015) regulate affiliative and sociosexual behavior in marmosets.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Smith et al., 2010 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Saito and Nakamura, 2011

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Cavanaugh et al., 2014 source

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Pro8-OXT, but not Leu8-OXT, influences the expression of social behavior in well-established marmoset pairs during behavioral tasks when an opposite-sex stranger was present.

    “Recently, we demonstrated that Pro8-OXT, but not Leu8-OXT, influences the expression of social behavior in well-established marmoset pairs during behavioral tasks when an opposite-sex stranger was present.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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

    Study design and conductnone given

    Marmosets were habituated to the observers' presence during the 4 month period leading up to the study, and were given 3-5 min to acclimate to the observer's presence prior to behavioral recording.

    “Marmosets were habituated to the observers’ presence during the 4 month period leading up to the study, and were given 3–5 min to acclimate to the observer’s presence prior to behavioral recording.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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

    Study design and conductnone given

    There was an 11-13 day washout period between treatments.

    “There was an 11–13 day washout period between treatments.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The proline substitution results in a substantially altered structure in the "linear" portion of the molecule that likely affects OXT ligand-OXTR binding, and subsequently behavior.

    “Due to a proline substitution at the 8th amino-acid position, the marmoset variant of OXT (Pro8-OXT) is distinctly different than the consensus mammalian variant of OXT (Leu8-OXT), and results in a substantially altered structure in the “linear” portion of the molecule that likely affects OXT ligand-OXTR binding, and subsequently behavior.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Lee et al., 2011 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Ren et al., 2015 source

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    • cites Vargas-Pinilla et al., 2015 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Treatment with OXT agonists may have the effect of increasing the "social attractiveness" of males, resulting in an increased number of approaches toward, and a decreased number of departures from.

    “This suggests that treatment with OXT agonists may have the effect of increasing the “social attractiveness” of males, resulting in an increased number of approaches toward, and a decreased number of departures from.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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

    Study design and conductnone given

    Each member of the pair was treated individually during each treatment period in a counterbalanced order.

    “Furthermore, each member of the pair was treated individually during each treatment period in a counterbalanced order.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The exact transnasal-CNS route remains unknown, and the proportion of OXT that actually reaches the CNS is exceptionally small relative to the given dose.

    “the exact transnasal-CNS route remains unknown, and the proportion of OXT that actually reaches the CNS is exceptionally small relative to the given dose (Born et al., 2002; Chang et al., 2012; Striepens et al., 2013; Dal Monte et al., 2014; Modi et al., 2014).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Born et al., 2002 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Chang et al., 2012 source

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    • cites Striepens et al., 2013 source

      Not checked in the free run.

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

    Premisecitation

    Similar to marmosets, central OXT activity influenced pair bonding behavior differentially in male and female prairie voles.

    “Similar to marmosets, central OXT activity influenced pair bonding behavior differentially in male and female prairie voles.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Cushing and Carter, 2000

      Not checked in the free run.

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

    Premisecitation

    There is abundant evidence to suggest that AVP neural circuits are crucial to pair bonding in male prairie voles.

    “In addition to the role of OXT in the modulation of social behavior between pair-mates, there is abundant evidence to suggest that AVP neural circuits are crucial to pair bonding in male prairie voles (Lim and Young, 2004; Young et al., 2011).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Lim and Young, 2004 source

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    • cites Young et al., 2011 source

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

    Premisecitation

    It is predicted that intranasal OXT crosses the BBB via the olfactory bulb and the maxillary branch of the trigeminal nerve.

    “While it is predicted that intranasal OXT crosses the BBB via the olfactory bulb and the maxillary branch of the trigeminal nerve (Macdonald and Macdonald, 2010; Bethlehem et al., 2013)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Macdonald and Macdonald, 2010 source

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    • cites Bethlehem et al., 2013 source

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

    Premisecitation

    Peripheral pulses of OXT in female, but not male, prairie voles facilitated the formation of a partner preference, while an OXTA blocked this effect in females.

    “Peripheral pulses of OXT in female, but not male, prairie voles facilitated the formation of a partner preference, while an OXTA blocked this effect in females (Cushing and Carter, 2000).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Cushing and Carter, 2000

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Both the overall duration and time per social interaction was diminished when endogenous OXT activity was suppressed.

    “suggesting that both the overall duration and time per social interaction was diminished when endogenous OXT activity was suppressed.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Intranasal administration of OXT, given in doses ranging from 24-48 IU, may enter the CNS via a transnasal route, but the majority of it appears to increase plasma OXT to supraphysiological levels.

    “Intranasal administration of OXT, given in doses ranging from 24–48 IU, may enter the CNS via a transnasal route, but the majority of it appears to increase plasma OXT to supraphysiological levels (Leng and Ludwig, 2015).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Leng and Ludwig, 2015 source

      Not checked in the free run.

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

    Premisecitation

    Despite the small increases in CSF OXT levels after intranasal administration, intranasal OXT has profound and widespread effects on several features of social living.

    “Despite the small increases in CSF OXT levels after intranasal administration, intranasal OXT has profound and widespread effects on several features of social living (Bethlehem et al., 2013).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Bethlehem et al., 2013 source

      Not checked in the free run.

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

    Premisecitation

    High-quality relationships and the associated social support from a long-term partner are associated with a host of health benefits, including improved disease outcomes, enhanced immune function, and reduced cardiovascular risk.

    “High-quality relationships and the associated social support from a long-term partner are associated with a host of health benefits, including improved disease outcomes, enhanced immune function, and reduced cardiovascular risk (Lillard and Waite, 1995; Kiecolt-Glaser and Newton, 2001).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Lillard and Waite, 1995

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Kiecolt-Glaser and Newton, 2001 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The marmoset OXT system may modulate specific behavioral mechanisms that are context specific (i.e., reducing fidelity-threatening behaviors when an opposite-sex stranger is present; increasing affiliative behavior with a pair-mate in their home-environment); each critical for the preservation of a long-term relationship.

    “Thus, the marmoset OXT system may modulate specific behavioral mechanisms that are context specific (i.e., reducing fidelity-threatening behaviors when an opposite-sex stranger is present; increasing affiliative behavior with a pair-mate in their home-environment); each critical for the preservation of a long-term relationship.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Behavioral strategies that help maintain long-term relationships are essential, and it appears that central OXT activity plays an important neuromodulatory role in the behavioral maintenance of social bonds.

    “Therefore, behavioral strategies that help maintain long-term relationships are essential, and it appears that central OXT activity plays an important neuromodulatory role in the behavioral maintenance of social bonds.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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

    Study design and conductreasoning

    One potential limitation of the current study is non-independence between individuals within a social interaction, which is an unavoidable consequence of examining the complex interactions of dyadic relationships.

    “One potential limitation of the current study is non-independence between individuals within a social interaction, which is an unavoidable consequence of examining the complex interactions of dyadic relationships.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    While AVP immunoreactive cells were found in several brain regions of the social behavior network, only the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) was found to be sexually dimorphic, with male marmosets expressing more AVP+ neurons than females.

    “While AVP immunereactive cells were found in several brain regions of the social behavior network (Wang et al., 1997a,b; Schorscher-Petcu et al., 2009), only the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSNT) was found to be sexually dimorphic, with male marmosets expressing more AVP+ neurons than females (Wang et al., 1997a).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Wang et al., 1997a

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Schorscher-Petcu et al., 2009 source

      Not checked in the free run.

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

    Premisecitation

    Male and female marmosets did not differ in the distribution of immunoreactive OXT neurons in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus, BNST, or medial amygdala.

    “However, male and female marmosets did not differ in the distribution of immunoreactive OXT neurons in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus, BNST, or medial amygdala (Wang et al., 1997a).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Wang et al., 1997a

      Not checked in the free run.

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

    Premisecitation

    The OXT system has been implicated in female sexual receptivity, as well as sexual arousal and orgasm during interactions between pair-mates.

    “The OXT system has been implicated in female sexual receptivity (Cushing and Carter, 2000), as well as sexual arousal and orgasm (Behnia et al., 2014) during interactions between pair-mates.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Cushing and Carter, 2000

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Behnia et al., 2014 source

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In a previous study, intranasal Pro8-OXT reduced the occurrence of sexual solicitation behavior toward an opposite-sex stranger, consequently reducing the likelihood of engaging in an extra-pair sexual encounter.

    “In a previous study, intranasal Pro8-OXT reduced the occurrence of sexual solicitation behavior toward an opposite-sex stranger (Cavanaugh et al., 2014), consequently reducing the likelihood of engaging in an extra-pair sexual encounter.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Cavanaugh et al., 2014 source

      Not checked in the free run.

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

    Premisecitation

    Adult sociosexual bonds in socially monogamous species function not only to facilitate reproduction, but to also reduce potentially deleterious health outcomes due to stress/anxiety.

    “Adult sociosexual bonds in socially monogamous species function not only to facilitate reproduction, but to also reduce potentially deleterious health outcomes due to stress/anxiety (Carter, 1998).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Carter, 1998 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The results of this study suggest that intranasal OXT administration altered male and female stimulus properties in such a way as to increase the amount of grooming behavior that females received from their untreated social partner, as well as increase female interest in initiating and maintaining proximity with an OXT-treated partner.

    “The results of this study suggest that intranasal OXT administration altered male and female stimulus properties in such a way as to increase the amount of grooming behavior that females received from their untreated social partner, as well as increase female interest in initiating and maintaining proximity with an OXT-treated partner.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Intranasal OXT may enhance the initiation of social interaction through proximity behavior, as well as enhancing the "social attractiveness" of an OXT-treated individual during a social interaction.

    “Furthermore, they suggest that intranasal OXT may enhance the initiation of social interaction through proximity behavior, as well as enhancing the “social attractiveness” of an OXT-treated individual during a social interaction.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
47 of 47

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Changes in an untreated partner's behavior toward an OXT-treated marmoset indicate that the treated marmoset is perceived as more socially attractive.

    “which may indicate that an OXT-treated individual is perceived as more socially attractive.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    There is still relatively little known about the influence of the OXT system on the behavioral mechanisms that marmosets utilize to maintain their bond with a pair-mate.

    “There is still relatively little known about the influence of the OXT system on the behavioral mechanisms that marmosets utilize to maintain their bond with a pair-mate.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Marmosets maintain long-term bonds by expressing high levels of affiliative behavior, and they are highly attuned to changes in the frequency and duration of grooming, with an optimal level necessary to maintain a long-lasting bond.

    “Marmosets may maintain long-term bonds by expressing high-levels of affiliative behavior; they may be highly attuned to changes in the frequency and duration of grooming, as there may be an optimal level that is necessary to maintain a long-lasting bond.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Neural circuits underlying marmoset sociality may be differentially sensitive to the two forms of OXT.

    “and neural circuits underlying marmoset sociality may be differentially sensitive to the two forms of OXT.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The threshold for alteration of social behavior by OXT ligand activation of the OXTR may differ across measures of social behavior.

    “Furthermore, the threshold for alteration of social behavior by OXT ligand activation of the OXTR may differ across measures of social behavior (i.e., offspring care, food sharing, partner preference, proximity, grooming).”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Sex differences in neuropeptide-relevant nuclei in the “social brain” explain the differential sensitivities and sexually dimorphic behavioral responses to OXT treatment.

    “Sex differences in neuropeptide-relevant nuclei in the “social brain” may explain the differential sensitivities, and the sexually dimorphic behavioral responses to OXT treatment.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    OXT and AVP receptors are differentially distributed in male and female marmosets, and this differential physiology contributes to the dissimilar behavioral patterns expressed during social interactions between pair-mates.

    “Perhaps OXT and AVP receptors are differentially distributed in male and female marmosets, and this differential physiology contributes to the dissimilar behavioral patterns expressed during social interactions between pair-mates.”
7 of 7

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?

Statistics that don’t add up

Each reported p-value recomputed from its test statistic and degrees of freedom.

  • Inconsistent p-value: F(3,24) = 6.13, p = .005

    Minor

    The paper reports p = .005 here; recomputing from the test statistic and its degrees of freedom gives p = .003. The check cannot tell whether the statistic or the p-value is the misprint.

    Reported p = .005 · recomputed p = .003

1 of 1

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.

  • Doesn’t add upF(3, 24) = 6.13reported p = .005 · recomputed p = .003

    “F(3,24) = 6.13, p = .005”

  • ConsistentF(3, 24) = 1.23reported p > .05 · recomputed p = .321

    “F(3,24) = 1.23, p > .05”

  • ConsistentF(3, 24) = 0.7reported p > .05 · recomputed p = .561

    “F(3,24) = 0.70, p > .05”

  • ConsistentF(3, 27) = 3.25reported p = .037 · recomputed p = .037

    “F(3,27) = 3.25, p = .037”

  • Consistentt(5) = -3.59reported p = .016 · recomputed p = .016

    “t(5) = −3.59, p = .016”

  • ConsistentF(3, 12) = 3.66reported p = .044 · recomputed p = .044

    “F(3,12) = 3.66, p = .044”

  • Consistentt(5) = 3.86reported p = .012 · recomputed p = .012

    “t(5) = 3.86, p = .012”

  • Consistentt(5) = 2.02reported p = .1 · recomputed p = .099

    “t(5) = 2.02, p = .10”

  • Consistentt(4) = 1.51reported p = .21 · recomputed p = .206

    “t(4) = 1.51, p = .21”

  • ConsistentF(3, 12) = 1.3reported p > .05 · recomputed p = .320

    “F(3,12) = 1.30, p > .05”

  • Consistentt(4) = 1.4reported p = .23 · recomputed p = .234

    “t(4) = 1.40, p = .23”

  • ConsistentF(3, 12) = 9.12reported p = .002 · recomputed p = .002

    “F(3,12) = 9.12, p = .002”

  • Consistentt(4) = 5.17reported p = .007 · recomputed p = .007

    “t(4) = 5.17, p = .007”

  • Consistentt(5) = 7.91reported p = .001 · recomputed p < .001

    “t(5) = 7.91, p = .001”

  • Consistentt(4) = 3.58reported p = .023 · recomputed p = .023

    “t(4) = 3.58, p = .023”

  • Consistentt(5) = 3.19reported p = .024 · recomputed p = .024

    “t(5) = 3.19, p = .024”

  • Consistentt(4) = 2.67reported p = .06 · recomputed p = .056

    “t(4) = 2.67, p = .06”

  • ConsistentF(3, 12) = 5.37reported p = .014 · recomputed p = .014

    “F(3,12) = 5.37, p = .014”

  • ConsistentF(3, 12) = 4.92reported p = .019 · recomputed p = .019

    “F(3,12) = 4.92, p = .019”

  • ConsistentF(3, 12) = 0.75reported p > .05 · recomputed p = .543

    “F(3,12) = 0.75, p > .05”

  • ConsistentF(3, 12) = 1.03reported p > .05 · recomputed p = .414

    “F(3,12) = 1.03, p > .05”

  • ConsistentF(3, 12) = 1.72reported p > .05 · recomputed p = .216

    “F(3,12) = 1.72, p > .05”

  • ConsistentF(3, 15) = 0.89reported p > .05 · recomputed p = .469

    “F(3,15) = 0.89, p > .05”

  • ConsistentF(3, 15) = 0.64reported p > .05 · recomputed p = .601

    “F(3,15) = 0.64, p > .05”

  • ConsistentF(3, 30) = 0.39reported p > .05 · recomputed p = .761

    “F(3,30) = 0.39, p > .05”

  • ConsistentF(3, 30) = 0.54reported p > .05 · recomputed p = .659

    “F(3,30) = 0.54, p > .05”

  • ConsistentF(3, 30) = 0.82reported p > .05 · recomputed p = .493

    “F(3,30) = 0.82, p > .05”

27 of 27

Self-check

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

Self-check results appear here once an independent check has confirmed them.

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Cavanaugh, J., Huffman, M. C., Harnisch, A. M., & French, J. A.
Affiliations
University of Nebraska at Omaha (US)
Corresponding author
Cavanaugh, Jon
ORCID
Venue
Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience
Publisher
Frontiers Media SA
Published
2015-10-14
Volume
9
Pages
251-251
ISSN
1662-5153 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.3389/fnbeh.2015.00251
PMC
PMC4606015
OpenAlex
W1954524552
Semantic Scholar
363c8f4d5dde99afe1ab63333192ffb1833a4f8f
Cited by
36
References
76
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 1 · 2024: 5 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 2 · 2020: 1 · 2019: 3 · 2018: 7 · 2017: 4 · 2016: 6 · 2015: 1
FWCI
9.82
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
cc-by
Locations
  • Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DigitalCommons@UNO (submittedVersion, cc-by)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
  • McGill University
  • University of Nebraska Omaha
  • National Institutes of Health (HD 042882)
  • Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (R01HD089147)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Primate Behavior and Ecology
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Human-Animal Interaction Studies
Keywords
oxytocin, marmoset monkey, Callithrix jacchus, social bonding, proximity behavior, grooming, affiliative behavior, oxytocin antagonist, sex differences, social perception, intranasal administration

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.

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