The deletion of the arginine vasopressin 1a receptor impairs sexual and maternal behavior.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Arginine-vasopressin (AVP) and its V1a receptor (V1aR) within the social behavior neural network are critical modulators of social behavior across species. Using CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene editing, we previously demonstrated that Syrian hamsters of both sexes with V1aR knockout (V1aRKO) exhibit elevated social communication (i.e., odor-induced flank marking) and aggression compared to wild-type (WT) littermates. While most AVP research has focused on males, V1aRs have also been implicated in female sexual and maternal behaviors. Here, we investigated the effects of V1aRKO on reproductive and maternal behavior in adult female hamsters.

Methods

To assess mating behavior, a sexually experienced male hamster was introduced into the home cage of a virgin, estrus femal

SUBMITTER: Aspesi D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12483901 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature