Pub Date : 2025-10-01Epub Date: 2025-08-08DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2025.105802
Caitlin H Miller, Tess M Reichard, Jay Yang, Brandon Carlson-Clarke, Caleb C Vogt, Melissa R Warden, Michael J Sheehan
Pregnancy induces widespread physiological and behavioral changes, yet its impact on social decision-making remains poorly understood. Here, we show that reproductive status modulates female responses to male odors in house mice, revealing striking status-specific behavioral patterns. Estrous females displayed attraction to novel male odors, consistent with a motivation to mate. In contrast, pregnant females exhibited strong aversion - an anticipatory shift likely aimed at avoiding future infanticidal males. This status-dependent approach-avoidance response was recapitulated to the male urinary pheromone darcin, highlighting its robustness as a male signal. These findings suggest that reproductive status modulates odor-driven decision-making, balancing mating opportunities with offspring protection. This shift is likely mediated by hormonal fluctuations such as rising progesterone and estrogen, that act on neural circuits involved in olfaction, threat detection, and social motivation. Behavioral responses were further shaped by the richness and context of social odors, supporting combinatorial processing of urinary pheromones. This aligns with mechanisms such as stud odor imprinting and self-referential matching for inbreeding avoidance. Overall, our results point to anticipatory behavioral adaptations during pregnancy that prepare females for the challenges of motherhood.
{"title":"Pregnancy modulates responses to male odors in house mice.","authors":"Caitlin H Miller, Tess M Reichard, Jay Yang, Brandon Carlson-Clarke, Caleb C Vogt, Melissa R Warden, Michael J Sheehan","doi":"10.1016/j.yhbeh.2025.105802","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.yhbeh.2025.105802","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pregnancy induces widespread physiological and behavioral changes, yet its impact on social decision-making remains poorly understood. Here, we show that reproductive status modulates female responses to male odors in house mice, revealing striking status-specific behavioral patterns. Estrous females displayed attraction to novel male odors, consistent with a motivation to mate. In contrast, pregnant females exhibited strong aversion - an anticipatory shift likely aimed at avoiding future infanticidal males. This status-dependent approach-avoidance response was recapitulated to the male urinary pheromone darcin, highlighting its robustness as a male signal. These findings suggest that reproductive status modulates odor-driven decision-making, balancing mating opportunities with offspring protection. This shift is likely mediated by hormonal fluctuations such as rising progesterone and estrogen, that act on neural circuits involved in olfaction, threat detection, and social motivation. Behavioral responses were further shaped by the richness and context of social odors, supporting combinatorial processing of urinary pheromones. This aligns with mechanisms such as stud odor imprinting and self-referential matching for inbreeding avoidance. Overall, our results point to anticipatory behavioral adaptations during pregnancy that prepare females for the challenges of motherhood.</p>","PeriodicalId":13001,"journal":{"name":"Hormones and Behavior","volume":"175 ","pages":"105802"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144811974","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-30DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2025.105831
Sarah A. Blumenthal , Henry W. Kietzman , Karinne E. Cobb , Shannon L. Gourley
In the past decade, investigations into the neurobiology of empathy have been propelled by evidence that rodents are capable of more complex and nuanced social behaviors than previously believed. Several teams have reported that rodents will direct allogrooming and other consolation-like behaviors towards distressed conspecifics, including in situations in which consolation-like behavior was not the explicit focus of a given study. As a case in point, we unexpectedly found in a test of decision making incentivized by social experience that mice display consolation-like allogrooming towards distressed strangers. This observation was somewhat surprising because consolation-like behavior in rodents is often believed to be reserved for familiar conspecifics. Here in this brief report, we reveal that the allogrooming and close social proximity with a distressed stranger that we previously reported was accompanied by elevated sniffing and autogrooming in close proximity to the conspecific – a social contagion-like behavior. Also, these behaviors were not obviously attributable to general hyper-activity. We then describe the conditions in which this constellation of stranger-directed consolation-related behavior was observed, should this information support new research concerning stranger-directed consolation-like behavior.
{"title":"Stranger-directed consolation-like behavior in mice in a test of social decision making","authors":"Sarah A. Blumenthal , Henry W. Kietzman , Karinne E. Cobb , Shannon L. Gourley","doi":"10.1016/j.yhbeh.2025.105831","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.yhbeh.2025.105831","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the past decade, investigations into the neurobiology of empathy have been propelled by evidence that rodents are capable of more complex and nuanced social behaviors than previously believed. Several teams have reported that rodents will direct allogrooming and other consolation-like behaviors towards distressed conspecifics, including in situations in which consolation-like behavior was not the explicit focus of a given study. As a case in point, we unexpectedly found in a test of decision making incentivized by social experience that mice display consolation-like allogrooming towards distressed strangers. This observation was somewhat surprising because consolation-like behavior in rodents is often believed to be reserved for familiar conspecifics. Here in this brief report, we reveal that the allogrooming and close social proximity with a distressed stranger that we previously reported was accompanied by elevated sniffing and autogrooming in close proximity to the conspecific – a social contagion-like behavior. Also, these behaviors were not obviously attributable to general hyper-activity. We then describe the conditions in which this constellation of stranger-directed consolation-related behavior was observed, should this information support new research concerning stranger-directed consolation-like behavior.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13001,"journal":{"name":"Hormones and Behavior","volume":"176 ","pages":"Article 105831"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145206157","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-29DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2025.105837
Blythe A. Corbett , Rachel Calvosa , Jaclyn Tamaroff , Rachael A. Muscatello , Trey McGonigle , Simon Vandekar
Background
Puberty is a normative albeit complex developmental period marked by significant changes in hormonal, physical, and socioemotional functioning. Research has theorized an important role for sex hormones in the etiology and profile of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), especially during developmental periods including puberty. Differences in pubertal onset in autistic compared to neurotypical girls have been reported. Aims examined female participants based on diagnostic (autistic, neurotypical) and hormonal expression (dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA-S), estradiol, testosterone) in the context of development (puberty, age). Hypotheses included: Hyp 1: autistic compared to neurotypical girls would demonstrate earlier pubertal onset. Hyp 2: DHEA-S and estradiol would be higher in older, more physically mature girls. Hyp 3: Testosterone would be stable.
Methods
Participants included females between 6-to-12 years with ASD (N = 112) or typical development (TD, N = 96). Morning salivary samples were collected for hormone assays. Nonlinear least squares and ordinary linear regression models were used.
Results
Autistic girls did not show significant evidence of earlier pubertal onset in pubertal stage (p = 0.692). There were no observed diagnostic differences in hormone changes through the pubertal or age range (p = 0.8367, p = 0.0694, p = 0.6812, p = 0.8418, p = 0.7358, & p = 0.1438) sampled. All hormones showed significant changes with puberty and age (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
The study examined profiles of females based on diagnostic group and hormonal expression in the context of development. Although group differences were not observed in this cross-sectional study, hormonal differences may emerge as girls progress through puberty. It is vital to track and support autistic girls through this time of change and vulnerability.
背景：青春期是一个规范而复杂的发育时期，以激素、身体和社会情感功能的显著变化为特征。从理论上讲，性激素在自闭症谱系障碍（ASD）的病因和特征中起着重要作用，特别是在包括青春期在内的发育时期。孤独症女孩与神经正常女孩在青春期发病的差异已经有报道。目的是根据诊断（自闭症，神经正常）和激素表达（脱氢表雄酮（DHEA-S），雌二醇，睾酮）在发育（青春期，年龄）背景下对女性参与者进行检查。假设包括：假说1：与正常的女孩相比，自闭症女孩会表现出更早的青春期开始。Hyp 2: DHEA-S和雌二醇在年龄更大、身体更成熟的女孩中会更高。假说3：睾酮会很稳定。方法：参与者包括6- 12岁患有ASD （N = 112）或典型发育（TD, N = 96）的女性。早上采集唾液样本进行激素检测。采用非线性最小二乘法和普通线性回归模型。结果：孤独症女孩在发育期无显著性早熟迹象（p = 0.692）。在不同年龄段和不同年龄阶段，激素变化的诊断差异无统计学意义（p = 0.8367, p = 0.0694, p = 0.6812, p = 0.8418, p = 0.7358, p = 0.1438）。所有激素均随青春期和年龄发生显著变化(p)。结论：本研究基于诊断组和发育背景下激素表达检查了女性的概况。虽然在这项横断面研究中没有观察到组间差异，但随着女孩进入青春期，激素差异可能会出现。跟踪和支持自闭症女孩度过这一变化和脆弱的时期至关重要。
{"title":"Examining androgen and estrogen profiles during pubertal development in autistic and neurotypical girls","authors":"Blythe A. Corbett , Rachel Calvosa , Jaclyn Tamaroff , Rachael A. Muscatello , Trey McGonigle , Simon Vandekar","doi":"10.1016/j.yhbeh.2025.105837","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.yhbeh.2025.105837","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Puberty is a normative albeit complex developmental period marked by significant changes in hormonal, physical, and socioemotional functioning. Research has theorized an important role for sex hormones in the etiology and profile of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), especially during developmental periods including puberty. Differences in pubertal onset in autistic compared to neurotypical girls have been reported. Aims examined female participants based on diagnostic (autistic, neurotypical) and hormonal expression (dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA-S), estradiol, testosterone) in the context of development (puberty, age). Hypotheses included: Hyp 1: autistic compared to neurotypical girls would demonstrate earlier pubertal onset. Hyp 2: DHEA-S and estradiol would be higher in older, more physically mature girls. Hyp 3: Testosterone would be stable.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Participants included females between 6-to-12 years with ASD (<em>N</em> = 112) or typical development (TD, <em>N</em> = 96). Morning salivary samples were collected for hormone assays. Nonlinear least squares and ordinary linear regression models were used.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Autistic girls did not show significant evidence of earlier pubertal onset in pubertal stage (<em>p</em> = 0.692). There were no observed diagnostic differences in hormone changes through the pubertal or age range (<em>p</em> = 0.8367, <em>p</em> = 0.0694, <em>p</em> = 0.6812, <em>p</em> = 0.8418, <em>p</em> = 0.7358, & <em>p</em> = 0.1438) sampled. All hormones showed significant changes with puberty and age (<em>p</em> < 0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The study examined profiles of females based on diagnostic group and hormonal expression in the context of development. Although group differences were not observed in this cross-sectional study, hormonal differences may emerge as girls progress through puberty. It is vital to track and support autistic girls through this time of change and vulnerability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13001,"journal":{"name":"Hormones and Behavior","volume":"176 ","pages":"Article 105837"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145199121","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-25DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2025.105821
Quintin A. Whitman , Amirreza Mirzaei , Samantha C. Lauby , Diptendu Chatterjee , Alison Fleming , Patrick O. McGowan
The care that a mother rat provides is essential for the ability of her pups to survive and thrive. Maternal care naturally varies between litters, including among animals with close genetic relatedness. There are also significant differences in behavior even among offspring reared together. Our lab and others have documented stable, naturally occurring individual differences in maternal care received by individual pups within the litter that persist throughout at least the first ten days of postnatal life. In this study, we hypothesized that within-litter variation in maternal care received constitutes a significant source of variation in offspring behavior and neurochemistry in Long-Evans rats. We analyzed measures related to maternal care behavior, offspring anxiety-like and social behaviors, and neurotransmitter levels in specific brain regions after the offspring became mothers themselves. For statistical modeling, we used the coefficient of variation (CV) to standardize and directly compare between- and within-litter variation across a range of behavioral and neurophysiological outcomes. Several variables analyzed showed greater within-litter CVs than between-litter CVs, especially for offspring behavior and levels of the monoamines dopamine, serotonin, and their primary metabolites DOPAC (3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid) and 5-HIAA (5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid) in the nucleus accumbens, ventral tegmental area, medial preoptic area, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. Our findings suggest that within-litter variation in maternal care plays a prominent role in behavioral and physiological outcomes. This study provides a methodological advance by demonstrating that within-litter variability often exceeds between-litter variability across maternal, behavioral, and neurochemical domains, challenging a key assumption in experimental designs using littermate controls.
{"title":"Within-litter variation in maternal care is a key contributor to individual differences in offspring behavior and monoamine neurochemistry in female Long–Evans rats","authors":"Quintin A. Whitman , Amirreza Mirzaei , Samantha C. Lauby , Diptendu Chatterjee , Alison Fleming , Patrick O. McGowan","doi":"10.1016/j.yhbeh.2025.105821","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.yhbeh.2025.105821","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The care that a mother rat provides is essential for the ability of her pups to survive and thrive. Maternal care naturally varies between litters, including among animals with close genetic relatedness. There are also significant differences in behavior even among offspring reared together. Our lab and others have documented stable, naturally occurring individual differences in maternal care received by individual pups within the litter that persist throughout at least the first ten days of postnatal life. In this study, we hypothesized that within-litter variation in maternal care received constitutes a significant source of variation in offspring behavior and neurochemistry in Long-Evans rats. We analyzed measures related to maternal care behavior, offspring anxiety-like and social behaviors, and neurotransmitter levels in specific brain regions after the offspring became mothers themselves. For statistical modeling, we used the coefficient of variation (CV) to standardize and directly compare between- and within-litter variation across a range of behavioral and neurophysiological outcomes. Several variables analyzed showed greater within-litter CVs than between-litter CVs, especially for offspring behavior and levels of the monoamines dopamine, serotonin, and their primary metabolites DOPAC (3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid) and 5-HIAA (5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid) in the nucleus accumbens, ventral tegmental area, medial preoptic area, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. Our findings suggest that within-litter variation in maternal care plays a prominent role in behavioral and physiological outcomes. This study provides a methodological advance by demonstrating that within-litter variability often exceeds between-litter variability across maternal, behavioral, and neurochemical domains, challenging a key assumption in experimental designs using littermate controls.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13001,"journal":{"name":"Hormones and Behavior","volume":"176 ","pages":"Article 105821"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145156557","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-22DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2025.105823
Kristen M. Schuh, Leah M. Conrad, Natalie C. Tronson
Hormonal contraceptives (HCs) are one of the most widely used classes of drug worldwide and are a critical part of women's health. Beyond their primary use for birth control, HCs exert many health benefits, including treatment of menstrual-related symptoms and reduced risk of certain types of cancers. Here, we focus on the role of HCs in promoting resilience to depression and Alzheimer's disease. Although risks for depression with HC use have been widely stated, HCs only increase risk for up to 10 % of users, and conversely improve mood and protect against depression for many others. Emerging evidence also suggests that HC use protects against age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease, even decades after HC use. We propose that these effects are due to modulatory effects of HCs on stress-related signaling and neuroimmune function. In this paper, we discuss how HCs interact with stress responsivity, neuroimmune signaling, and other individual differences to promote resilience or susceptibility to psychiatric and neurological disorders.
{"title":"Hormonal contraceptives modulate resilience to psychiatric and neurodegenerative disease","authors":"Kristen M. Schuh, Leah M. Conrad, Natalie C. Tronson","doi":"10.1016/j.yhbeh.2025.105823","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.yhbeh.2025.105823","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hormonal contraceptives (HCs) are one of the most widely used classes of drug worldwide and are a critical part of women's health. Beyond their primary use for birth control, HCs exert many health benefits, including treatment of menstrual-related symptoms and reduced risk of certain types of cancers. Here, we focus on the role of HCs in promoting resilience to depression and Alzheimer's disease. Although risks for depression with HC use have been widely stated, HCs only increase risk for up to 10 % of users, and conversely improve mood and protect against depression for many others. Emerging evidence also suggests that HC use protects against age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease, even decades after HC use. We propose that these effects are due to modulatory effects of HCs on stress-related signaling and neuroimmune function. In this paper, we discuss how HCs interact with stress responsivity, neuroimmune signaling, and other individual differences to promote resilience or susceptibility to psychiatric and neurological disorders.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13001,"journal":{"name":"Hormones and Behavior","volume":"176 ","pages":"Article 105823"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145119867","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-18DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2025.105822
Michael C. Johnson , Michelle A. Nipper , Kelly M. Abshire , Jessica E. Rehmann , Jonathan A. Zweig , Theresa N. Vu , Mandee A. Bell , Tapasree Banerji , Thomas S. Scanlan , Andrey E. Ryabinin , Deena M. Walker
Clinical and preclinical evidence indicate that both peripheral and central elements of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis are dysregulated in alcohol use disorder, and that thyroid hormone system dysregulation is associated alcohol craving and co-morbid mood and depression-related disorders. Yet, no study has investigated if central nervous system (CNS) thyroid hormone receptors, primary targets of thyroid hormone and major regulators of the HPT axis are involved in alcohol consumption. We utilized a 24-h access two-bottle choice (2BC) voluntary ethanol (EtOH) drinking paradigm to assess if the expression of CNS thyroid hormone receptors is sensitive to voluntary alcohol consumption in C57BL/6 J mice. We found that thyroid hormone receptor-beta (Thrb/THRβ) mRNA expression was significantly reduced in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus of EtOH drinking mice compared to water controls. In addition, EtOH drinking mice exhibited peripheral elevation of serum triiodothyronine. Next, we utilized the CNS selective THRβ agonist, Sob-AM2, to determine if central activation of THRβ would influence voluntary alcohol drinking in mice in the same EtOH 2BC drinking paradigm. We found that repeated treatment with Sob-AM2 significantly reduced daily EtOH intake and preference, while in conjunction increasing water intake. In summary, we found that hypothalamic Thrb expression is sensitive to voluntary alcohol drinking, and that CNS THRβ activity regulates alcohol consumption in mice. Taken together, our results highlight an important role of central thyroid hormone receptor signalling in alcohol drinking and indicate therapeutic potential of CNS selective thyromimetics in treatment of alcohol use disorder.
{"title":"Central thyroid hormone receptor-beta: Sensitivity to alcohol and a role in regulating alcohol drinking","authors":"Michael C. Johnson , Michelle A. Nipper , Kelly M. Abshire , Jessica E. Rehmann , Jonathan A. Zweig , Theresa N. Vu , Mandee A. Bell , Tapasree Banerji , Thomas S. Scanlan , Andrey E. Ryabinin , Deena M. Walker","doi":"10.1016/j.yhbeh.2025.105822","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.yhbeh.2025.105822","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Clinical and preclinical evidence indicate that both peripheral and central elements of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis are dysregulated in alcohol use disorder, and that thyroid hormone system dysregulation is associated alcohol craving and co-morbid mood and depression-related disorders. Yet, no study has investigated if central nervous system (CNS) thyroid hormone receptors, primary targets of thyroid hormone and major regulators of the HPT axis are involved in alcohol consumption. We utilized a 24-h access two-bottle choice (2BC) voluntary ethanol (EtOH) drinking paradigm to assess if the expression of CNS thyroid hormone receptors is sensitive to voluntary alcohol consumption in C57BL/6 J mice. We found that thyroid hormone receptor-beta (<em>Thrb</em>/THRβ) mRNA expression was significantly reduced in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus of EtOH drinking mice compared to water controls. In addition, EtOH drinking mice exhibited peripheral elevation of serum triiodothyronine. Next, we utilized the CNS selective THRβ agonist, Sob-AM2, to determine if central activation of THRβ would influence voluntary alcohol drinking in mice in the same EtOH 2BC drinking paradigm. We found that repeated treatment with Sob-AM2 significantly reduced daily EtOH intake and preference, while in conjunction increasing water intake. In summary, we found that hypothalamic <em>Thrb</em> expression is sensitive to voluntary alcohol drinking, and that CNS THRβ activity regulates alcohol consumption in mice. Taken together, our results highlight an important role of central thyroid hormone receptor signalling in alcohol drinking and indicate therapeutic potential of CNS selective thyromimetics in treatment of alcohol use disorder.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13001,"journal":{"name":"Hormones and Behavior","volume":"176 ","pages":"Article 105822"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145086228","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-15DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2025.105818
Lucas F. Fowler , T. Nadine Burry , Alexandre S. Maekawa , Lindsay S. Cahill
Recent research shows that microplastic (diameter < 5 mm) and nanoplastic (diameter < 1 μm) exposures can have endocrine-disrupting effects and lead to autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-like behaviours in rodent models. We combine both a (i) systematic literature review and (ii) experimental study to synthesize the potential mechanisms underlying the link between micro−/nanoplastic (MNP) exposure and ASD, focusing on endocrine disruption and articles utilizing rodent models. First, we identify and discuss trends in the literature, outline research gaps, and suggest future directions. Most articles measured gonadal hormones in male adult rodents and consistently reported decreased testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) with MNP exposure. Females were understudied, with no trends emerging in exposure-induced hormone disruption. Second, we present experimental data demonstrating direct effects of maternal polystyrene NP exposure on neuroendocrine systems and inflammatory markers in the fetal brain. Cytokines, interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and triiodothyronine (T3) were significantly altered in the fetal brain following prenatal exposure to NPs, and thyroxine (T4) and T were significantly suppressed in female NP-exposed fetuses but not in males. Together, these findings demonstrate that MNP exposure during adulthood and early development affect multiple endocrine systems, including those implicated in autism spectrum disorder, in a sex-dependent manner. We synthesize how such results are important to motivate exposure studies in animals and humans and future regulatory guidelines on MNPs.
{"title":"A systematic review and experimental study of micro/nanoplastic-induced endocrine disruption in rodents: Potential links to autism spectrum disorder","authors":"Lucas F. Fowler , T. Nadine Burry , Alexandre S. Maekawa , Lindsay S. Cahill","doi":"10.1016/j.yhbeh.2025.105818","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.yhbeh.2025.105818","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Recent research shows that microplastic (diameter < 5 mm) and nanoplastic (diameter < 1 μm) exposures can have endocrine-disrupting effects and lead to autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-like behaviours in rodent models. We combine both a (i) systematic literature review and (ii) experimental study to synthesize the potential mechanisms underlying the link between micro−/nanoplastic (MNP) exposure and ASD, focusing on endocrine disruption and articles utilizing rodent models. First, we identify and discuss trends in the literature, outline research gaps, and suggest future directions. Most articles measured gonadal hormones in male adult rodents and consistently reported decreased testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) with MNP exposure. Females were understudied, with no trends emerging in exposure-induced hormone disruption. Second, we present experimental data demonstrating direct effects of maternal polystyrene NP exposure on neuroendocrine systems and inflammatory markers in the fetal brain. Cytokines, interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and triiodothyronine (T3) were significantly altered in the fetal brain following prenatal exposure to NPs, and thyroxine (T4) and T were significantly suppressed in female NP-exposed fetuses but not in males. Together, these findings demonstrate that MNP exposure during adulthood and early development affect multiple endocrine systems, including those implicated in autism spectrum disorder, in a sex-dependent manner. We synthesize how such results are important to motivate exposure studies in animals and humans and future regulatory guidelines on MNPs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13001,"journal":{"name":"Hormones and Behavior","volume":"175 ","pages":"Article 105818"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145060604","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-13DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2025.105817
Elina Tsigeman , Larisa Mararitsa , Yana Gorina , Ailar Avliyakulyeva , Ekaterina Kindyakova , Olessia Koltsova , Olga Lopatina
Interpersonal sensorimotor synchronisation is the coordination of movement between individuals that underlies successful interpersonal communication. Previous research has indicated the potential involvement of oxytocin (OXT) in the process of synchronisation.
We conducted 2 randomised controlled experiments to test the effect of synchronisation on salivary OXT concentrations. In Experiment 1, 90 volunteers (65 women) performed either synchronous or asynchronous a 5-min hand gesture task with an unfamiliar partner. In Experiment 2, 67 familiar dyads of volunteers (47 female dyads) performed the same task. Salivary OXT concentrations were measured before and after the gesture task (Experiment 1) or before, after and 10 min after the gesture task (Experiment 2). Saliva samples were analysed using the ELISA method to estimate OXT concentrations.
In Experiment 1, we found no significant differences between salivary OXT levels at baseline and after the 5-min task in either synchronous or asynchronous conditions. We also found no evidence for increased liking of a stranger after sensorimotor synchrony. In Experiment 2, the asynchronous condition led to a decrease in OXT levels over time, whereas synchronous interactions led to stable OXT levels over time. The effect of condition on OXT was not moderated by closeness or attachment style. The results are discussed in relation to research methodology used to study interpersonal synchrony.
{"title":"Oxytocin dynamics in interpersonal sensorimotor synchrony: Controlled experiments in humans","authors":"Elina Tsigeman , Larisa Mararitsa , Yana Gorina , Ailar Avliyakulyeva , Ekaterina Kindyakova , Olessia Koltsova , Olga Lopatina","doi":"10.1016/j.yhbeh.2025.105817","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.yhbeh.2025.105817","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Interpersonal sensorimotor synchronisation is the coordination of movement between individuals that underlies successful interpersonal communication. Previous research has indicated the potential involvement of oxytocin (OXT) in the process of synchronisation.</div><div>We conducted 2 randomised controlled experiments to test the effect of synchronisation on salivary OXT concentrations. In Experiment 1, 90 volunteers (65 women) performed either synchronous or asynchronous a 5-min hand gesture task with an unfamiliar partner. In Experiment 2, 67 familiar dyads of volunteers (47 female dyads) performed the same task. Salivary OXT concentrations were measured before and after the gesture task (Experiment 1) or before, after and 10 min after the gesture task (Experiment 2). Saliva samples were analysed using the ELISA method to estimate OXT concentrations.</div><div>In Experiment 1, we found no significant differences between salivary OXT levels at baseline and after the 5-min task in either synchronous or asynchronous conditions. We also found no evidence for increased liking of a stranger after sensorimotor synchrony. In Experiment 2, the asynchronous condition led to a decrease in OXT levels over time, whereas synchronous interactions led to stable OXT levels over time. The effect of condition on OXT was not moderated by closeness or attachment style. The results are discussed in relation to research methodology used to study interpersonal synchrony.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13001,"journal":{"name":"Hormones and Behavior","volume":"175 ","pages":"Article 105817"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145043955","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-10DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2025.105820
A.P. Anderson, F. Noble, W. Cantlon, S.C.P. Renn
Cross-sexual transfer describes the situation when one sex takes on the phenotypic values of the other sex, either plastically or over evolutionary time. The underlying regulatory mechanisms of this process have been generally assumed to be related to sex-biased hormonal regulation, but explicit empirical tests have not been conducted. More recently, the Ancestral Modulation Hypothesis (AMH) has been proposed as a framework to understand the hormonal regulation that underlies cross-sexual transfer. We leverage the behavioral changes in two species of biparental cichlid, Julidochromis transcriptus and Julidochromis marlieri, to test hormonal changes when cross-sexual transfer occurs and provide an empirical test of the AMH. One species, J. transcriptus, typically forms male-larger pairs, which is generally considered to be the ancestral condition; yet females take on male behaviors when they are the larger individual in the pair. The other species, J. marlieri, typically forms female-larger pairs, a cross-sexual transfer, but can likewise shift behaviors when paired atypically. We established pairs by giving males and females of both species both larger and smaller partners and measured behavioral and hormonal changes. We found J. transcriptus females increased 11-ketotestorerone (11-KT) when becoming the larger partner and 11-KT and estradiol (E2) correlated with behaviors associated with the larger partner. We did not find any changes in hormone levels based on size or sex in J. marlieri, though behaviors did correlate with testosterone (T). These results provide qualified support for the tested prediction from the AMH framework that cross-sexual transfer can occur by coopting hormonal signaling by adjusting circulating hormones.
{"title":"Changes in steroid hormone levels based on a plastic behavioral role in two biparental cichlids, Julidochromis transcriptus and Julidochromis marlieri: A test of the Ancestral Modulation Hypothesis","authors":"A.P. Anderson, F. Noble, W. Cantlon, S.C.P. Renn","doi":"10.1016/j.yhbeh.2025.105820","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.yhbeh.2025.105820","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cross-sexual transfer describes the situation when one sex takes on the phenotypic values of the other sex, either plastically or over evolutionary time. The underlying regulatory mechanisms of this process have been generally assumed to be related to sex-biased hormonal regulation, but explicit empirical tests have not been conducted. More recently, the Ancestral Modulation Hypothesis (AMH) has been proposed as a framework to understand the hormonal regulation that underlies cross-sexual transfer. We leverage the behavioral changes in two species of biparental cichlid, <em>Julidochromis transcriptus</em> and <em>Julidochromis marlieri</em>, to test hormonal changes when cross-sexual transfer occurs and provide an empirical test of the AMH. One species, <em>J. transcriptu</em>s, typically forms male-larger pairs, which is generally considered to be the ancestral condition; yet females take on male behaviors when they are the larger individual in the pair. The other species, <em>J. marlieri</em>, typically forms female-larger pairs, a cross-sexual transfer, but can likewise shift behaviors when paired atypically. We established pairs by giving males and females of both species both larger and smaller partners and measured behavioral and hormonal changes. We found <em>J. transcriptus</em> females increased 11-ketotestorerone (11-KT) when becoming the larger partner and 11-KT and estradiol (E2) correlated with behaviors associated with the larger partner. We did not find any changes in hormone levels based on size or sex in <em>J. marlieri</em>, though behaviors did correlate with testosterone (T). These results provide qualified support for the tested prediction from the AMH framework that cross-sexual transfer can occur by coopting hormonal signaling by adjusting circulating hormones.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13001,"journal":{"name":"Hormones and Behavior","volume":"175 ","pages":"Article 105820"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145026617","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-10DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2025.105819
Zhiai Li , Mengsi Xu , Shiyao Huang , An Yang
Group-based guilt, arising from the awareness of harmful or immoral actions committed by fellow group members, is a powerful negative emotion. It motivates various forms of reparative behavior which mitigates the intergroup conflicts. However, the widespread expression of group-based guilt remains relatively infrequent. Therefore, how to enhance the utility of group-based guilt remains a paramount issue in the field of intergroup conflict. Oxytocin is widely recognized for its pivotal role in positively influencing social cognition and behavior. Consequently, our research aimed to investigate the potential modulation of oxytocin on group-based guilt by examining whether oxytocin enhances group-based responsibility, guilt and compensation within a collectivist cultural context. To achieve this, we conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled experimental design: 2 (Treatment: Placebo vs. Oxytocin) × 2 (Group membership: In-group vs. Out-group). The results showed that the administration of oxytocin could enhance group-based responsibility, guilt, and compensation. In conclusion, the study of oxytocin and group-based guilt highlights the potential role of biological processes in shaping social emotions and cognition, then enhancing altruistic behavior toward the victimized group and moderating intergroup relations.
{"title":"The role of oxytocin in enhancing group-based guilt and promoting intergroup reconciliation in a collectivist context","authors":"Zhiai Li , Mengsi Xu , Shiyao Huang , An Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.yhbeh.2025.105819","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.yhbeh.2025.105819","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Group-based guilt, arising from the awareness of harmful or immoral actions committed by fellow group members, is a powerful negative emotion. It motivates various forms of reparative behavior which mitigates the intergroup conflicts. However, the widespread expression of group-based guilt remains relatively infrequent. Therefore, how to enhance the utility of group-based guilt remains a paramount issue in the field of intergroup conflict. Oxytocin is widely recognized for its pivotal role in positively influencing social cognition and behavior. Consequently, our research aimed to investigate the potential modulation of oxytocin on group-based guilt by examining whether oxytocin enhances group-based responsibility, guilt and compensation within a collectivist cultural context. To achieve this, we conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled experimental design: 2 (Treatment: Placebo vs. Oxytocin) × 2 (Group membership: In-group vs. Out-group). The results showed that the administration of oxytocin could enhance group-based responsibility, guilt, and compensation. In conclusion, the study of oxytocin and group-based guilt highlights the potential role of biological processes in shaping social emotions and cognition, then enhancing altruistic behavior toward the victimized group and moderating intergroup relations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13001,"journal":{"name":"Hormones and Behavior","volume":"175 ","pages":"Article 105819"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145026616","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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