Social dominance mediates behavioral adaptation to chronic stress in a sex-specific manner.

ABSTRACT: Sex differences and social context independently contribute to the development of stress-related disorders. However, less is known about how their interplay might influence behavior and physiology. Here we focused on social hierarchy status, a major component of the social environment in mice, and whether it influences behavioral adaptation to chronic stress in a sex-specific manner. We used a high-throughput automated behavioral monitoring system to assess social dominance in same-sex, group-living mice. We found that position in the social hierarchy at baseline was a significant predictor of multiple behavioral outcomes following exposure to chronic stress. Crucially, this association carried opposite consequences for the two sexes. This work demonstrates the importance of recognizing th

SUBMITTER: Karamihalev S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7679136 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature