The Developmental Onset of Pair Bond Formation in Prairie Voles

Schaepe, Ciara Ashton

Undergraduate Honors Thesis

The Developmental Onset of Pair Bond Formation in Prairie Voles Public Deposited

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Citeable URL: https://scholar.colorado.edu/concern/undergraduate_honors_theses/vd66w1633

Abstract

Prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) have been studied to a great extent for their propensity to form monogamous pair bonds. Their unique bonding has allowed research to uncover the neural mechanisms behind pair bonding. The overwhelming majority of research has primarily focused on adult voles, leaving a limited understanding of the developmental onset of these behaviors. This research investigated when, in development, prairie voles can demonstrate a pair bond. Males and females were tested at three developmental stages: juveniles (postnatal day [PND] 20-25), periadolescence (PND 45-53), and adults (PND 60-65). Recordings of the first hour of interaction captured prairie voles' first behaviors between subjects and partners. After 48 hours of cohabitation, a partner preference test (PPT) was employed. Our findings indicate a partner preference emerged within periadolescent females. In contrast, males generally huddled less and only demonstrated a partner preference once they were adults. These results suggest that females become capable of forming pair bonds within periadolescence, emphasizing the potential significance of this developmental period for the onset of the neural pathways that allow for pair bonding. Further, our data suggests that male prairie voles may need a prolonged developmental period to mature the neural processes requisite for pair bonding. The data presented has broadened our understanding of how pair bonds develop across sexes, giving us a jumping-off point for further research to investigate how the social brain matures to allow for pair bonding.

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