Isolation-induced vocalization in the infant rat depends on the nucleus accumbens.

Mammalian infants vocalize when socially isolated. Vocalization guides the return of the caregiver and thereby maintains an environment critical to the infant's survival. Although the role of the periaqueductal gray area (PAG) in these vocalizations is established, other aspects of the relevant neural circuitry remain under-studied.

Dopamine's role in social modulation of infant isolation-induced vocalization: II. Maternally modulated infant separation responses are regulated by D1- and D2-family dopamine receptors.

Mammalian infant behavior directed toward caregivers is critical to survival and may play a role in establishing social bonds. Most mammalian infants vocalize when isolated. Rat pups vocalize at a higher rate when isolated following an interaction with an adult female than after an interaction with littermates, a phenomenon termed maternal potentiation.

Dopamine's role in social modulation of infant isolation-induced vocalization: I. Reunion responses to the dam, but not littermates, are dopamine dependent.

Rat pups' vocalization during social separation and the cessation of vocalization upon social reunion (contact quieting) model early life affiliative relationships. The present study examined the roles of dopamine (DA) receptors in regulating contact quieting. Contact quieting to the dam, but not to littermates, was disrupted by either blockade or exogenous stimulation of DA D1-like receptors.

Ventral striatum dopamine D2 receptor activity inhibits rat pups' vocalization response to loss of maternal contact.

Most mammalian infants vocalize when isolated. The vocalization promotes caregiver proximity, which is critical to survival. If, before isolation, a rat pup has contact with its dam, its isolation vocalization rate is increased (maternal potentiation) relative to isolation preceded only by littermate contact.

Maternally modulated infant separation responses are regulated by D2-family dopamine receptors.

Although dopamine is necessary for mammalian adult pair-bond formation and maternal behavior, its function in infant social behavior and attachment has been less thoroughly explored. The vocalization rate of an isolated rat pup is influenced by recent social contact. Interactions with the dam potentiate vocalization rate.