Vasotocinergic control of agonistic behavior told by Neotropical fishes

Abstract

The hypothalamic neuropeptides of the vasopressin-oxytocin family (and their homologs for non-mammalian species) are key modulators of the Social Brain Network, acting via specific receptors reported in all the nuclei of this network. Different conclusive examples have proven the context-dependency actions of hypothalamic nonapeptides on social behavior in several vertebrate taxa. Teleost fishes provide endless possibilities of experimental model systems to explore the underlying mechanisms of nonapeptide actions on social behavior given that they are the most diverse group of vertebrates. Although it has been difficult to identify commonalities of nonapeptide actions across species, indisputable evidence in many teleost species have demonstrated a clear role of vasotocin in the modulation of aggressive and sexual behaviors. Though Neotropical South American fish contribute an important percentage of teleost diversity, most native species remain unexplored as model systems for the study of the neuroendocrine bases of social behavior. In this review, we will revise recent data on the two model systems of Neotropical fish, South American cichlids and weakly electric fish that have contributed to this issue.

Keywords: Agonistic behavior; Cichlids; Dominant-subordinate status; Electric fish; Pre-optic area; Vasotocin.