The vasopressin 1b receptor is prominent in the hippocampal area CA2 where it is unaffected by restraint stress or adrenalectomy

The vasopressin 1b receptor (Avpr1b) is one of two principal receptors mediating the behavioral effects of vasopressin (Avp) in the brain. Avpr1b has recently been shown to strongly influence social forms of aggression in mice and hamsters. This receptor appears to play a role in social recognition...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Neuroscience 2006-12, Vol.143 (4), p.1031-1039
Main Authors: Young, W.S., Li, J., Wersinger, S.R., Palkovits, M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adrenal Cortex - metabolism
Adrenal Cortex Hormones - metabolism
Adrenalectomy
Adult
aggression
Animals
Biological and medical sciences
Brain - metabolism
Brain - physiopathology
corpora amylacea
Disease Models, Animal
Female
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Gene Expression Regulation - genetics
Hippocampus - anatomy & histology
Hippocampus - metabolism
Hippocampus - physiopathology
Humans
Male
Mice
Mice, Inbred C57BL
Mice, Knockout
Middle Aged
paraventricular nucleus
Pituitary Gland - metabolism
Pituitary Gland - physiopathology
Rats
Receptors, Vasopressin - genetics
Restraint, Physical
RNA, Messenger - metabolism
social memory
Species Specificity
Stress, Psychological - genetics
Stress, Psychological - metabolism
Stress, Psychological - physiopathology
Vasopressins - metabolism
Vertebrates: nervous system and sense organs
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Summary:The vasopressin 1b receptor (Avpr1b) is one of two principal receptors mediating the behavioral effects of vasopressin (Avp) in the brain. Avpr1b has recently been shown to strongly influence social forms of aggression in mice and hamsters. This receptor appears to play a role in social recognition and motivation as well as in regulating the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Most of these studies have been performed in knockout mice, a species in which the localization of the Avpr1b has not been described, thus precluding correlations with the behaviors. We performed in situ hybridization histochemistry (ISHH) with specific probes and found especially prominent expression within the CA2 pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus, with much lower expression in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus and amygdala. Reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) confirmed expression in those as well other areas in which the ISHH was not sensitive enough to detect labeled cells (e.g. piriform cortex, septum, caudate-putamen and lower brainstem areas). Mouse Avpr1b transcript levels were not altered in the CA2 field by restraint stress or adrenalectomy. Finally, ISHH and RT-PCR showed expression of the Avpr1b gene in the rat and human hippocampi as well. We suggest that the CA2 field may form or retrieve associations (memories) between olfactory cues and social encounters.
ISSN:0306-4522
1873-7544
DOI:10.1016/j.neuroscience.2006.08.040