Microtus ochrogaster Exhibit Increased Anxiety Behaviors to a Stressor in the Absence of a Partner
Author:
Kayla Kisthardt ’23Co-Authors:
Zachary Mahaney, Lily RoesslerFaculty Mentor(s):
Jennie Stevenson, Psychology DepartmentFunding Source:
Sojka Research, Teaching, and Scholarships in Developmental Disabilities, Neuroscience & Human Health Annual FundAbstract
Social isolation has been shown to be detrimental to mental and physical well-being. Its influence has been observed in impaired neuroendocrine, cardiovascular, and immune system functioning, and has been implicated in anxiety and depression, as well as in lowered self-esteem and suicidal ideation. Conversely, positive social experiences and meaningful social connections have been implicated in improved mental and physical health, increased immune response, and an increase in lifespan. The prairie vole (M. ochrogaster) has proven to be useful in the laboratory setting for their ability to demonstrate selectivity in their relationships, and, thus, were ideal for the purposes of this study.
The objective of this project was to examine whether social support during exposure to an ecologically significant stressor is capable of reducing the negative consequences of the stressor itself. For the stressor, we utilized an ecologically relevant chemical called TMT, which is a component of fox feces. We explore this topic in the hopes of illuminating the importance of social connection in the face of experiences that elicit a stress response.