Distinct medial amygdala oxytocin receptor neurons projections respectively control consolation or aggression in male mandarin voles

Yishan Qu, Lizi Zhang, Wenjuan Hou, Limin Liu, Jing Liu, Lu Li, Xing Guo, Yin Li, Caihong Huang, Zhixiong He () and Fadao Tai ()
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Yishan Qu: Shaanxi Normal University
Lizi Zhang: Shaanxi Normal University
Wenjuan Hou: Shaanxi Normal University
Limin Liu: Shaanxi Normal University
Jing Liu: Shaanxi Normal University
Lu Li: Shaanxi Normal University
Xing Guo: Shaanxi Normal University
Yin Li: Shaanxi Normal University
Caihong Huang: Shaanxi Normal University
Zhixiong He: Shaanxi Normal University
Fadao Tai: Shaanxi Normal University

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-20

Abstract: Abstract The individuals often show consolation to distressed companions or show aggression to the intruders. The circuit mechanisms underlying switching between consolation and aggression remain unclear. In the present study, using male mandarin voles, we identified that two distinct subtypes of oxytocin receptor (OXTR) neurons in the medial amygdala (MeA) projecting to the anterior insula (AI) and ventrolateral aspect of ventromedial hypothalamus (VMHvl) response differently to stressed siblings or unfamiliar intruders using c-Fos or calcium recording. Oxytocin release and activities of PVN neurons projecting to MeA increased upon consoling and attacking. OXTR antagonist injection to the MeA reduced consoling and attacking. Apoptosis, optogenetic or pharmacogenetic manipulation of these two populations of neurons altered behavioral responses to these two social stimuli respectively. Here, we show that two subtypes of OXTR neurons in the MeA projecting to the AI or VMHvl causally control consolation or aggression that may underlie switch between consolation and aggression.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51652-8

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