title: Enhaced D2-type receptor activity facilitates the development of conditioned same-sex partner preference in male rats.
abstract: Animal models have shown that the neural bases of social attachment, sexual preference and pair bonds, depend on dopamine D2-type receptor and oxytocin activity. In addition, studies have demonstrated that cohabitation can shape partner preference via conditioning. Herein, we used rats to explore the development of learned same-sex partner preferences in adulthood as a result of cohabitation during enhanced D2 activity. Experimental Wistar males (N=20), received saline or the D2 agonist (quinpirole) and were allowed to cohabitate during 24 h, with a stimulus male partner that bore almond scent on the back as conditioned stimulus. This was repeated every 4 days, for a total of three trials. Four days later they were drug-free tested for partner preference between the scented male partner and a sexually receptive female. Sexual partner preference was analyzed by measuring frequency and latency for appetitive and consummatory sexual behaviors, as well as non-contact erections. Social preference was also analyzed by measuring the frequency and latency of visits, body contacts and time spent together. Results indicated that only quinpirole-treated males displayed sexual and social preference for the scented male over the sexually receptive female. They spent more time together, displayed more body contacts, more female-like proceptive behaviors, and more non-contact erections. Accordingly, conditioned males appeared to be more sexually aroused and motivated by the known male than by a receptive female. We discuss the implications of this animal model on the formation of learned homosexual partner preferences.
authors.affiliation: Centro de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Mexico.
authors.forename: Tamara
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Cibrian-Llanderal
authors.forename: Viridiana
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Rosas-Aguilar
authors.forename: Rodrigo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Triana-Del Rio
authors.forename: Cesar A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Perez
authors.forename: Jorge
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Manzo
authors.forename: Luis I
authors.initials: LI
authors.lastname: Garcia
authors.forename: Genaro A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Coria-Avila
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003214:Conditioning, Classical; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D017448:Receptors, Dopamine D2 / Q000502:physiology*; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal
chemical_list: D017448:Receptors, Dopamine D2