The Prairie Vole (Microtus ochrogaster): An Animal Model for Behavioral Neuroendocrine Research on Pair Bonding

Pair bond formation has been investigated much less than many other social behaviors, perhaps in part because traditional laboratory mice and rats do not exhibit this behavior. However, pair bonding is common among monogamous animals such as the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster). In this review, we discuss how the prairie vole has been used as a model system to investigate the neurobiology of pair bonding. Descriptions include neuroanatomical differences between monogamous and non-monogamous voles, as well as how manipulations of vasopressin, oxytocin, dopamine, and corticosterone systems affect pair bond formation. Also summarized are potential interactions among these systems that regulate pair bonding, and the extent of sexual dimorphism in underlying mechanisms. Pair bonding in prairie voles is an excellent model system for studying central processing of social information. Understanding the mechanisms underlying this behavior may provide important insights into human disorders associated with impaired social functioning.