Table 1.
Rodent species for which OT and group-living behaviors have been examined.
| Rodent species or taxonomic group | Phenotypes of interest for studying group living | Studies of oxytocin circuitry | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meadow voles Microtus pennsylvanicus |
Seasonal variation in social behavior (territorial vs. communal), inducible by changing laboratory light cycles | OTR distribution across seasonal social phenotypes | Parker et al. (2001), (Beery and Zucker 2010) |
| Effects of OT and antagonist infusions on same-sex partner preferences | Beery and Zucker (2010) | ||
| Tuco-tucos Genus Ctenomys |
Species-rich genus with multiple solitary and social species; additional variation in social behavior within the family (Octadontidae) | OTR distribution in C. sociabilis and C. haigi | Beery et al. (2008a) |
| Mole-rats Family Bathyergidae |
The only eusocial rodents; solitary and extremely social species within the family, as well as variation between breeders (e.g., queen) and subordinates | OT-neurophysin fiber distribution in naked mole-rats (Heterocephalus glaber) | Rosen et al. (2008) |
| OTR distribution and OT-neurophysin fiber density in naked mole-rats and cape mole-rats (Georychus capensis) | Kalamatianos et al. (2010) | ||
| OT neuron number and social status (dominant breeder or subordinate non-breeder) | Mooney and Holmes (2013) | ||
| Singing mice Genus Scotinomys |
Multiple social species with different social structures | OTR distribution in S. teguina and S. xerampelinus | Campbell et al. (2009) |
| Striped mice Rhabdomys pumilio |
Philopatric (group-living) males and dispersers | OT immunoreactivity in group/solitary laboratory housing and induced breeding status (no differences) | Schradin et al. (2013) |
Complete references can be found in the References section below. OT: oxytocin; OTR: oxytocin receptor.