Differences in the number of oxytocin, vasopressin, and tyrosine hydroxylase cells in brain regions associated with mating among great, midday, and Mongolian gerbils

Abstract

Neurotransmitters, such as oxytocin (OT), vasopressin (AVP), and dopamine (DA), within the mesolimbic system have deeply conserved roles in regulating mating-related behaviors. However, comparative studies among monogamous and polygamous animals focus mainly on Microtus; very little research has been done in gerbils. Here, we measured body weight, body length, tail length, serum hormone concentrations, and the immunoreactive (ir)-cells of OT, AVP, and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the brain of the polygamous great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus), midday gerbil (Meriones meridianus), and monogamous Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus). Body weight, body length, tail length, and serum AVP concentrations were greater in the great gerbil than in the midday gerbil and Mongolian gerbil. The number of OT and AVP cells in the para ventricular nucleus (PVN) and supra optic nucleus (SON) of the hypothalamus were greater in the Mongolian gerbil than in the great gerbil and midday gerbil. Similarly, the number of TH cells in the PVN, medial preoptic area (MPOA), and ventral tegmental area (VTA) was greater in the Mongolian gerbil than in the great gerbil and midday gerbil. To summarize, the number of OT and AVP cells in the PVN and SON and TH cells in the PVN, MPOA, and VTA in the monogamous Mongolian gerbil are greater than those in the great gerbil and midday gerbil.