Prairie voles are a monogamous species native to the American Midwest. They have become a premier biomedical model for understanding the neurobiology of social bonding.
In our lab, we study the effects of early experience on the adult social behavior and neuroendocrine systems of prairie voles, especially focusing on the hormones oxytocin and vasopressin. We have used a number of early manipulations including developmental exposure to oxytocin; early handling manipulations; and early naturalistic experiences such as variation in parenting received. We have shown that these manipulations have long-term effects on adult social behavior including pair-bonding, as well as the underlying oxytocin and vasopressin systems.
We are currently examining long-term effects of prenatal exposure to cannabis on adult pair-bonding, as well as the effects of adult pair-bonding on healthy aging.
This material is based upon work supported by the National Institute of Aging grant R56 AG074542 and the UC-Davis Cannabis and Hemp Research Center.