![]() We characterized social memory in male mice during repeated pairings with the same ovariectomized mouse. Our data indicate that OT is necessary for the normal development of social memory in mice and support the hypothesis that social memory has a neural basis distinct from other forms of memory. ![]() Treatment with OT but not AVP rescued social memory in Oxt -/- mice, and treatment with an OT antagonist produced a social amnesia-like effect in Oxt +/+ mice. Spatial memory and behavioural inhibition measured in a Morris water-maze, Y-maze, or habituation of an acoustic startle also seemed intact. Measurement of both olfactory foraging and olfactory habituation tasks indicated that olfactory detection of non-social stimuli is intact in Oxt -/- mice. We found that male mice mutant for the oxytocin gene ( Oxt -/- ) failed to develop social memory, whereas wild-type ( Oxt +/+ ) mice showed intact social memory. Pharmacological studies indicate that AVP administration may enhance social memory, whereas OT administration may either inhibit or facilitate social memory depending on dose, route or paradigm. Brain oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) seem to modulate a range of social behaviour from parental care to mate guarding. ![]() Researchers have operationally defined this memory by a reliable decrease in olfactory investigation in repeated or prolonged encounters with a conspecific. The development of social familiarity in rodents depends predominantly on olfactory cues and can critically influence reproductive success.
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