title: Serotonin 1A agonism decreases affiliative behavior in pair-bonded titi monkeys.
abstract: Relatively little is known about serotonergic involvement in pair-bonding despite its putative role in regulating social behavior. Here we sought to determine if pharmacological elevation of serotonin 1A (5-HT1A) receptor activity would lead to changes in social behavior in pair-bonded male titi monkeys (Callicebus cupreus). Adult males in established heterosexual pairs were injected daily with the selective 5-HT1Aagonist 8-OH-DPAT or saline for 15days using a within-subjects design. Social behavior with the female pair-mate was quantified, and plasma concentrations of oxytocin, vasopressin, and cortisol were measured. When treated with saline, subjects showed reduced plasma oxytocin concentrations, while 8-OH-DPAT treatment buffered this decrease. Treatment with 8-OH-DPAT also led to decreased plasma cortisol 15minutes post-injection and decreased social behavior directed toward the pair-mate including approaching, initiating contact, lipsmacking, and grooming. The reduction in affiliative behavior seen with increased activity at 5-HT1Areceptors indicates a substantial role of serotonin activity in the expression of social behavior. In addition, results indicate that the effects of 5-HT1Aagonism on social behavior in adulthood differ between rodents and primates.
authors.affiliation: University of California, Davis, Department of Psychology, Davis, CA, USA; California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA. Electronic address: rhlarke@ucdavis.edu.
authors.forename: Rebecca H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Larke
authors.affiliation: California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Maninger
authors.affiliation: University of California, Davis, Department of Psychology, Davis, CA, USA; California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA; New York University, Department of Anthropology, New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Benjamin J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Ragen
authors.affiliation: University of California, Davis, Department of Psychology, Davis, CA, USA; California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Sally P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Mendoza
authors.affiliation: University of California, Davis, Department of Psychology, Davis, CA, USA; California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Karen L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Bales
mesh_terms: D017371:8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000097:blood; D010152:Pair Bond; D053820:Pitheciidae / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D044282:Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A / Q000378:metabolism; D012701:Serotonin / Q000494:pharmacology; D058825:Serotonin 5-HT1 Receptor Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012919:Social Behavior; D014667:Vasopressins / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D058825:Serotonin 5-HT1 Receptor Agonists; D014667:Vasopressins; D044282:Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A; D012701:Serotonin; D010121:Oxytocin; D017371:8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin; D006854:Hydrocortisone
keywords: 8-OH-DPAT; Cortisol; Monogamy; Oxytocin; Pair-bonding; Primate; Social behavior; Vasopressin