James Brody
September 30th, 2008, 10:12 AM
Also see postings and sources in regard to oxytocin...
JimB
"Genetic variation in the vasopressin receptor 1a gene (AVPR1A) associates with pair-bonding behavior in humans
"Walum H, Westberg L, Henningsson S, Neiderhiser JM, Reiss D, Igl W, Ganiban JM, Spotts EL, Pedersen NL, Eriksson E, & Lichtenstein P
"Pair-bonding has been suggested to be a critical factor in the evolutionary development of the social brain. The brain neuropeptide arginine vasopressin (AVP) exerts an important influence on pair-bonding behavior in voles. There is a strong association between a polymorphic repeat sequence in the 5 flanking region of the gene (avpr1a) encoding one of the AVP receptor subtypes (V1aR), and proneness for monogamous behavior in males of this species. It is not yet known whether similar mechanisms are important also for human pair-bonding. Here, we report an association between one of the human AVPR1A repeat polymorphisms (RS3) and traits reflecting pair-bonding behavior in men, including partner bonding, perceived marital problems, and marital status, and show that the RS3 genotype of the males also affects marital quality as perceived by their spouses. These results suggest an association between a single gene and pair-bonding behavior in humans, and indicate that the well characterized influence of AVP on pair-bonding in voles may be of relevance also for humans."
More at: http://www.pnas.org/search?fulltext=Walum&submit=yes (Free)
From Journal Watch: Psychiatry by Jonathan Silver: "Comment: The authors note that associations between a serotonin transporter polymorphism and neuroticism and between a DRD4 polymorphism and novelty seeking had similar effect sizes. This study, demonstrating that a biological system that regulates behavior in prairie voles is involved in human behavior, is a powerful example of translational research. Does this polymorphism predict the outcome of couples therapy or likelihood of divorce? It is important to stress that the finding concerns predictions for a group, not for any individual. Otherwise, testing for the polymorphism could become a requirement on Internet dating sites and for public office."
Http://psychiatry.jwatch.org/cgi/content/full/2008/929/1?q=etoc_jwpsych (Free)
JimB
"Genetic variation in the vasopressin receptor 1a gene (AVPR1A) associates with pair-bonding behavior in humans
"Walum H, Westberg L, Henningsson S, Neiderhiser JM, Reiss D, Igl W, Ganiban JM, Spotts EL, Pedersen NL, Eriksson E, & Lichtenstein P
"Pair-bonding has been suggested to be a critical factor in the evolutionary development of the social brain. The brain neuropeptide arginine vasopressin (AVP) exerts an important influence on pair-bonding behavior in voles. There is a strong association between a polymorphic repeat sequence in the 5 flanking region of the gene (avpr1a) encoding one of the AVP receptor subtypes (V1aR), and proneness for monogamous behavior in males of this species. It is not yet known whether similar mechanisms are important also for human pair-bonding. Here, we report an association between one of the human AVPR1A repeat polymorphisms (RS3) and traits reflecting pair-bonding behavior in men, including partner bonding, perceived marital problems, and marital status, and show that the RS3 genotype of the males also affects marital quality as perceived by their spouses. These results suggest an association between a single gene and pair-bonding behavior in humans, and indicate that the well characterized influence of AVP on pair-bonding in voles may be of relevance also for humans."
More at: http://www.pnas.org/search?fulltext=Walum&submit=yes (Free)
From Journal Watch: Psychiatry by Jonathan Silver: "Comment: The authors note that associations between a serotonin transporter polymorphism and neuroticism and between a DRD4 polymorphism and novelty seeking had similar effect sizes. This study, demonstrating that a biological system that regulates behavior in prairie voles is involved in human behavior, is a powerful example of translational research. Does this polymorphism predict the outcome of couples therapy or likelihood of divorce? It is important to stress that the finding concerns predictions for a group, not for any individual. Otherwise, testing for the polymorphism could become a requirement on Internet dating sites and for public office."
Http://psychiatry.jwatch.org/cgi/content/full/2008/929/1?q=etoc_jwpsych (Free)