A new paradigm for Prosocial Behavior and Reciprocity, assessed in WT and HET rats for the DAT gene.

摘要: Abstract Most behavioral studies on animals focus observation of individual subjects. Current paradigms sociability set aside the social-operant dimension, i.e. acting in favor another conspecific. We focused prosocial behavior and reciprocity male, adult Wild-Type (WT) Heterozygous (HET) rats for dopamine-transporter (DAT) gene. Method The experiment consisted 24 rats, WT (n = 12) HET genotypes. During training, were daily introduced, individually, into an apparatus hosting a suspended syringe, which they learnt to push order obtain food therein. Then, twice along several weeks, we introduced two separated by grid same structure: syringe-pushing, each subject had opportunity donate receive donations food. tested pairs with similar versus different genotype. Eventually, replaced reward polystyrene pieces, understand if pushed actual or like habit. Results In general, better performance, regardless type, than ones. When crossed partner rats’ genotype (WT-HET pairs), at peak levels, pellet received back (in fact, companions less). Couples achieved results ones even when polystyrene, instead food, was used. Thus,WT seem be model altruistic For this reason, could represent altered behavior, role DAT gene impaired social mechanisms.