Class
Article
College
College of Science
Department
Biology Department
Faculty Mentor
Sara Freeman
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Abstract
Vasopressin is a hormone that is integral in memory, social behaviour, aggression, and bonding. Coyotes are monogamous animals with complex societal structure. Thus, it can be assumed that vasopressin is incredibly important in the function of the coyote brain. We looked at the deep structures of the coyote brain using 25 μm slices and mapped the areas of vasopressin binding using 125I-LVA. We found that the most dense areas of binding were in areas of the brain that play a role in learning, memory, cervical and head muscles, and odour discrimination, among others. These functions are largely integral in forming social bonds, which indicates that vasopressin performs much of the same roles in humans, making them a good model. Future research could include seeing whether partner loss influences vasopressin density or if there are sexual differences.
Location
Logan, UT
Start Date
4-11-2023 12:30 PM
End Date
4-11-2023 1:30 PM
Included in
Mapping Vasopressin Receptors in Deep Structures of the Coyote Brain
Logan, UT
Vasopressin is a hormone that is integral in memory, social behaviour, aggression, and bonding. Coyotes are monogamous animals with complex societal structure. Thus, it can be assumed that vasopressin is incredibly important in the function of the coyote brain. We looked at the deep structures of the coyote brain using 25 μm slices and mapped the areas of vasopressin binding using 125I-LVA. We found that the most dense areas of binding were in areas of the brain that play a role in learning, memory, cervical and head muscles, and odour discrimination, among others. These functions are largely integral in forming social bonds, which indicates that vasopressin performs much of the same roles in humans, making them a good model. Future research could include seeing whether partner loss influences vasopressin density or if there are sexual differences.