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Quantifying Social Motivation in Mice Using Operant Conditioning
Published on: August 8, 2015
Social reward among juvenile mice
1Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin--Madison, WI 53705, USA.
Genes, Brain, and Behavior
|January 11, 2007
Summary
Social contact is rewarding for juvenile mice, influencing their behavior. Genetic variations affect this social valuation, independent of reproductive drives.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Genetics
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Mammalian social bonds, like parental care, impact reproduction.
- Social interactions occur in diverse contexts beyond reproduction, suggesting other motivations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if social contact itself is rewarding for juvenile mice.
- To determine if genetic factors influence the rewarding value of social contact.
Main Methods:
- Developed a novel social conditioned place preference (SCPP) procedure.
- Tested social reward responses in four inbred mouse strains (A/J, C57BL/6J, DBA/2J, BALB/cJ).
- Assessed early developmental expression (postnatal day 25) and sex independence.
Main Results:
- Juvenile mice from three strains showed significant social reward (SCPP).
- BALB/cJ mice exhibited reduced responsiveness to social contact.
- Strain differences were not linked to exploratory behavior, learning, or maternal care.
- SCPP involved approach to social cues and avoidance of isolation cues.
Conclusions:
- Social proximity is a fundamental reward for juvenile mice, influenced by genetic variation.
- Identified a genetically regulated process for valuing general social contact, separate from reproductive behaviors.
