Inhibition of flank-marking behavior in golden hamsters by microinjection of a vasopressin antagonist into the hypothalamus.
Microinjection of arginine-vasopressin (AVP) into the medial preoptic area of the hypothalamus of the hamster stimulates flank marking, a complex stereotypic motor behavior involved in olfactory communication. Microinjection of an antagonist of AVP, [1-deaminopenicillamine-2-(O-methyl)-tyrosine]arginine-vasopressin, into the same site blocks both the effect of microinjected AVP as well as the natural flank-marking behavior normally elicited by placing a hamster into the recently vacated home cage of another hamster. This finding supports the notion that AVP is a transmitter in the expression of flank marking.
D000819:Animal Communication; D000818:Animals; D001127:Arginine Vasopressin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D006224:Cricetinae; D005088:Exocrine Glands / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008647:Mesocricetus; D008845:Microinjections; D011301:Preoptic Area / Q000187:drug effects*; D012543:Scent Glands / Q000378:metabolism*; D013239:Stereotyped Behavior / Q000187:drug effects; D013731:Territoriality
D001127:Arginine Vasopressin; C028888:argipressin, deaminopenicillamine(1)-O-methyl-Tyr(2)-