-Caveat Lector- Gene makes males more caring -- and monogamous: scientists LONDON, Aug 19 (AFP) - Whether males are more or less caring and monogamous may depend on a single gene, US scientists have discovered by creating a transgenic mouse, Nature magazine reported. Tom Insel and Larry Young of Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia inserted a gene in the mouse from a prairie vole, a rodent known for its fidelity and sociability. The modified mouse, naturally antisocial and polygamous, adopted the behaviour of the gregarious vole. The researchers had long studied vasopressin, a naturally occurring hormone in most mammals, including humans. They had already shown the influence of the hormone on the social behaviour of male voles -- communication, aggression and sexual behaviour. After administration of vasopressin, the modified mice started to become monogamous. In monogamous species like the prairie vole, vasopressin facilitates affiliation, pairbonding and paternal care, Nature said, whereas in the closely related montane vole, which is polygamous, the hormone fails to influence social behaviour. The new research, including a study of the molecular structure of the vasopressin receptor genes from several vole species, has come up with an explanation. In prairie and pine voles, which are monogamous and gregarious, the scientists found a long string of DNA, which turns on the gene, while it was missing in the more solitary and promiscuous montane and meadow voles. To determine the effect of this genetic difference, the researchers incorporated the prairie vole receptor gene into the genome of mice, which then adopted the vole's social behaviour. Insel said: "Perhaps it will turn out that mutations in this same gene have occurred many times in evolution, leading to alterations in patterns of social interaction and facilitating monogamy under special socio-ecological conditions." This was the first transformation of an anti-social mouse into a more sociable animal through genetic manipulation of a specific receptor in its brain, the American scientist said. The team is now planning to focus on variation in the receptors in humans. Very little is known about the anatomy, chemistry and physiology of social bondformation. Discovery of such information could be relevant for treating pathologies marked by isolation and detachment such as autism, schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease -- as well as making the ideal husband. -- ----------------------- NOTE: In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107, this material is distributed without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving this information for non-profit research and educational purposes only. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml ----------------------- DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance�not soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
