Social transmission of flavored tea preferences: facilitation by a vasopressin analog and oxytocin.
Social transmission of information was tested in a procedure in which a rat (Observer) could demonstrate preference for a flavored tea as drinking solution that a con-specific (Demonstrator) had consumed just prior to a period of social interaction between the two animals. The cue in this procedure, probably olfactory in nature, was remembered for a relatively short period of time. It was prolonged when the Observers were treated with dresglycinamide[Arg8]-vasopressin (DGAVP) or oxytocin immediately after the encounter with the Demonstrator. DGAVP was effective after the injection of 15 micrograms.kg-1 but not of 1.5 ng.kg-1. Oxytocin induced the effect in doses ranging from 1.5 ng.kg-1 to 15 micrograms.kg-1. A dose of 0.15 ng.kg-1 was inactive. The influence of the peptides was cue specific. It is concluded that DGAVP and oxytocin facilitate social transmission of information, as previously found for social recognition.
Popik
P
P
Department of Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute, Medical Faculty, University of Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Van Ree
J M
JM
D000818:Animals; D001127:Arginine Vasopressin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology; D001628:Beverages; D004327:Drinking Behavior; D005421:Flavoring Agents; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D012903:Smell / Q000502:physiology; D013662:Tea
D005421:Flavoring Agents; D013662:Tea; D001127:Arginine Vasopressin; C015119:argipressin, des-GlyNH2(9)-; D010121:Oxytocin