The modulation of social and non-social behavior by arginine vasotocin in the common waxbill, Estrilda astrild

Abstract

The influence of the neuropeptide arginine vasotocin (AVT) has been demonstrated across various species, on an ample range of behaviors, yet the results appear to be highly species-specific. In this study, we aimed to test how AVT influences both social and non-social behaviors in the common waxbill Estrilda astrild, a highly social estrildid finch. Through a within-subject design study, we experimentally manipulated AVT pathways through muscular injections of both an agonist and an antagonist of AVT at different dosages, and performed competition over food tests to assess behavioral changes. Our observations reveal a decrease in birds' movements with both low and high dosages of AVT. Additionally, the higher AVT dosage led to a significant decrease in birds' feeding, aggressive behavior, and allopreening. Conversely, the lower AVT dosage increased the duration of allopreening, which is a proxy for affiliation. The use of Manning Compound, a V1a antagonist, did not produce any changes in behavior, however, the absence of affinity studies for this compound in birds makes it difficult to interpret these results. It is plausible that in common waxbills, AVT V1b or V1a receptors may be involved in regulating movement, feeding, aggressive behavior, and allopreening, rather than V2 AVT receptors.