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Effect of social environment on the proctodaeal glands of Microtus agrestis L.
Author(s) -
Khan Tasneem Y.,
Stoddart D. Michael
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
acta zoologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.414
H-Index - 37
eISSN - 1463-6395
pISSN - 0001-7272
DOI - 10.1111/j.1463-6395.1988.tb00903.x
Subject(s) - microtus , biology , vole , testosterone (patch) , zoology , social isolation , endocrinology , medicine , physiology , demography , psychology , population , sociology , psychotherapist
The effect of social environment on the proctodaeal glands of male Microtus agrestis L. was assessed by examining a number of physical parameters of the glands, as well as of the testes and of the blood, following a range of socialisation treatments. Social isolation depresses glandular development; vole odour from the stock room does not restore gland size. Socialisation with members of the opposite sex restores gland size, but replacement of females twice a week is less effective than constancy of partner. The glands respond to the level of blood testosterone, but glandular development appears to be heavily influenced by other factors.