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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2022.09.14.507945

Effects of Oxytocin Receptor Blockade on Dyadic Social Behavior in Monogamous and Non-Monogamous Eulemur

Grebe, N.·Sheikh, A.·Ohannessian, L.·Drea, C. M.
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Abstract

A prominent body of research spanning disciplines has been focused on the potential underlying role for oxytocin in the social signatures of monogamous mating bonds. Behavioral differences between monogamous and non-monogamous vole species, putatively mediated by oxytocinergic function, constitute a key source of support for this mechanism, but it is unclear to what extent this hormone-behavior linkage extends to the primate order. In a preregistered experiment, we test if oxytocin receptor blockade affects affiliative behavior in mixed-sex pairs of Eulemur, a genus of strepsirrhine primate containing both monogamous and non-monogamous species. Inconsistent with past studies in monogamous voles or monkeys, we do not find confirmatory evidence in Eulemur that monogamous pairs affiliate more than non-monogamous pairs, nor that oxytocin receptor blockade of one pair member selectively corresponds to reduced affiliative or scent-marking behavior in monogamous species. We do, however, find exploratory evidence of a pattern not previously investigated: simultaneously blocking oxytocin receptors in both members of a monogamous pair predicts lower rates of affiliative behavior relative to controls. Our study demonstrates the value of non-traditional animal models in challenging generalizations based on model organisms, and of methodological reform in providing a potential path forward for behavioral oxytocin research.

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Grebe, N., Sheikh, A., Ohannessian, L., Drea, C. M.. 2022-09-17. Effects of Oxytocin Receptor Blockade on Dyadic Social Behavior in Monogamous and Non-Monogamous Eulemur. https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.09.14.507945

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