Olfactory bulb removal affects partner preference development and estrus induction in female prairie voles

Abstract

In female prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) bilateral olfactory bulbectomy reduced affiliative behavior, as measured by social contact, and prevented the formation of partner preferences. Unilateral olfactory bulb removal did not significantly influence affiliative behavior, but did inhibit partner preferences. Bilateral, but not unilateral, bulbectomy significantly reduced the proportion of females exhibiting behavioral estrus following male exposure. In contrast to affiliative and sexual behavior, parental behavior was not significantly affected by either bilateral or unilateral olfactory bulbectomy. These results suggest that divergent sensory-neural pathways underlie social, sexual, and parental behaviors in this species.