Functional Connectivity Differences Between Two Culturally Distinct Prairie Vole Populations: Insights Into the Prosocial Network

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to elucidate the fundamental connectivity-resting-state connectivity- within and between nodes in the olfactory and prosocial (PS) cores, which permits the expression of social monogamy in males; and how differential connectivity accounts for differential expression of prosociality and aggression.METHODS: Using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging, we integrated graph theory analysis to compare functional connectivity between two culturally/behaviorally distinct male prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster).RESULTS: Illinois males display significantly higher levels of prosocial behavior and lower levels of aggression than KI (Kansas dam and Illinois sire) males, which are associated with differences in underlying neural mechanisms and brain microarchitecture. Shared connectivity 1) between the anterior hypothalamic area and the paraventricular nucleus and 2) between the medial preoptic area and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and the nucleus accumbens core suggests essential relationships required for male prosocial behavior. In contrast, Illinois males displayed higher levels of global connectivity and PS intracore connectivity, a greater role for the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and anterior hypothalamic area, which were degree connectivity hubs, and greater PS and olfactory intercore connectivity.CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that behavioral differences are associated with PS core degree of connectivity and postsignal induction. This transgenerational system may serve as powerful mental health and drug abuse translational model in future studies.