Meeting Abstract

P2.94  Tuesday, Jan. 5  Avian Partner Preference is Differentially Affected by Dopamine Receptor Subtypes and is Sex-Specific KLATT, J.D.*; KABELIK, D.; GOODSON, J.L.; Indiana University, Bloomington jklatt@indiana.edu

Neural systems controlling affiliative behavior in non-mammals have only recently begun to be investigated. The catecholamine dopamine has been shown to be intimately linked with pair-bonding, a well-described form of affiliation almost exclusively studied in rodents. We show for the first time, a role for dopamine in partner preference in a non-mammalian species, the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata), a highly social passerine that pair-bonds for life. Using nesting males and females, subject’s preferences for partner or a novel pair-bonded conspecific were tested following administration of a dopamine D1 agonist (SKF-38393), dopamine D2 agonist (quinpirole), or saline. The D1 agonist significantly decreased partner preference while the D2 agonist significantly increased partner preference in males, similar to findings in mammals. However, no effects for either D1 or D2 agonists were found in females. Dopamine D2 findings were also replicated using naturally paired males and females living in a colony environment. Thus, dopamine receptor subtypes are important regulators of partner preference in male, but perhaps not female, zebra finches.