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Paternal effects on the development of social behavior in Mus musculus
Abstract:
In order to extend the determination and description of effects of the father's phenotype on the development of social behavior in male mice, we tested 24 males from each of 2 highly inbred strains of Mus musculus, A/J and C57BL/6J. Approximately 1 week before the birth of the subjects, we replaced natural fathers with a foster parent such that, within each strain, 8 subjects had preweaning experience with same-strain males, 8 with other-strain males, and 8 with same-strain females, in addition to their natural mothers. Observations of social behavior were conducted at 21, 50, and 60 days of age. The results showed effects of the foster parent's phenotype on the development of social exploration in both strains and, possibly, on agonistic behavior in C57BL/6J mice. The different effects in the 2 strains indicate mechanisms dependent on genotype.
Insights
The father's characteristics influence male mouse social behavior development. Early life exposure to foster parents of different strains or sexes impacts social exploration and aggression, depending on the mouse genotype.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Animal Behavior
- Genetics
Background:
- The father's phenotype is known to influence offspring development, but its specific impact on social behavior requires further investigation.
- Understanding these influences is crucial for comprehending the interplay between genetics and environment in shaping social behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of the father's phenotype on the development of social behavior in male mice.
- To determine if these effects differ between two highly inbred mouse strains, A/J and C57BL/6J.
Main Methods:
- Utilized foster parenting in two inbred mouse strains (A/J and C57BL/6J).
- Male pups experienced preweaning exposure to same-strain males, other-strain males, or same-strain females.
- Social behavior was observed at 21, 50, and 60 days of age.
Main Results:
- Foster parent phenotype significantly affected social exploration in both mouse strains.
- Potential effects on agonistic behavior were observed in the C57BL/6J strain.
- Strain-specific differences in effects suggest genotype-dependent mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- The father's phenotype plays a role in the development of social exploration in male mice.
- Genotype significantly modulates the impact of paternal phenotype on social behavior.
- These findings highlight the complex genetic and environmental interactions shaping social behavior.