Influence of a natural stressor (predator odor) on locomotor activity in the meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus): modulation by sex, reproductive condition and gonadal hormones.

摘要: Abstract Sex differences in a variety of non-reproductive behaviors have been indicated to occur seasonally breeding polygynous/promiscuous rodents such as the meadow vole, Microtus pennsylvanicus. The present study was designed assess effects reproductive and hormonal status on locomotor responses voles following brief exposure odors natural predator, Red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Adult male female voles, which are seasonal photoperiodically-induced breeders, were housed either mixed sex pairs under long, reproductively stimulatory photoperiod (simulating breeding: long light cycle, paired; LLC+P) or same-sex short, inhibitory (simulated non-breeding: short non-paired; SLC-NP). On 2 consecutive days 1 day baseline activity monitoring, exposed individually for 3 min odor novel pungent control (extract almond). levels various measures that displayed by assessed an automated Digiscan monitoring system. LLC+ P breeding) higher basal relative SLC+NP non-breeding) with males displaying greater than females. LLC +P significant reduction odor. reductions related plasma testosterone larger behavioral response (i.e. reduction) associated testosterone. Furthermore, dividing into high low groups based median revealed but not No changes noted SLC-NP males, LLC+P These results show this sexually dimorphic behavior is significantly influenced condition gonadal hormone levels.