Loading...
A corticolimbic circuit driving partner-seeking in the prairie vole model of social loss.
Citations
Altmetric:
Abstract
Grief often involves a sense of “yearning” for a lost loved one, which can disrupt daily activities. Recent research looking at receptor expression and behavioral differences in the loss state suggests this preoccupation may be driven by a feedback circuit between the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). This hypothesis was explored here using the socially monogamous prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) and pharmacological manipulation.
Voles were paired with an opposite-sex partner for one week, and bond status was assessed via a partner preference test (PPT). Pair-bonded animals were then separated from their partner for one week. After separation, subjects underwent an odor preference test (OPT) for partner vs. food scented bedding. Prior to OPT, voles were bilaterally and site-specifically infused with vehicle, nonspecific dopamine antagonist targeting the ACC or a glutamate NMDA receptor agonist targeting the VTA. Time spent in proximity and actively investigating scented bedding was analyzed. Results showed that pair-bonded loss animals spent significantly more time investigating partner odor compared to non-bonded loss and pair-bonded intact controls. Antagonism of dopamine receptors in these cortical structures eliminated this difference, significantly reducing partner odor investigation in pair-bonded loss males to control levels. Agonism of glutamate receptors also significantly reduced partner-seeking behaviors. This is the first study to demonstrate a causal link between corticolimbic signaling and increased partner-associated cue seeking during partner loss. Future research is needed to explore the molecular mechanisms behind this apparent dopamine signaling dysfunction in the loss state.
Description
These are the slides from a presentation given at the Neurobiology of Grief International Network held in Regensburg, Germany on 09/18/2025.
Date
2025-09-18
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Kansas
Files
Loading...
LoweC_2025.pdf
Adobe PDF, 1.43 MB