Citation

Gobrogge KL. Curr. Top. Behav. Neurosci. 2013; 17: 229-264.

Affiliation

Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA, kyle_gobrogge@hms.harvard.edu.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/7854_2013_264

PMID

24301199

Abstract

Prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) are a rodent species that display socially monogamous pair-bonds, a behavior illustrated by several types of social interactions such as mating-induced partner preference, selective aggression toward conspecific strangers, and bi-parental care. Therefore, this species has provided an excellent opportunity for the study of pair-bonding and its underlying neurochemical mechanisms. This chapter discusses the utility of this unique rodent in the study of attachment and conflict, and reviews recent findings illustrating the neuromodulatory mechanisms underlying mating-induced partner preference and aggression. Finally, implications of research using this animal model in human mental health are also discussed.

Language: en