@article {53256,
	title = {Testosterone pulses at the nest site modify ultrasonic vocalization types in a monogamous and territorial mouse},
	journal = {Ethology},
	volume = {124},
	year = {2018},
	pages = {804{\textendash}815},
	abstract = {<p>Modulation of baseline testosterone (T) via long-lasting T implants alters territorial, sexual, and social behavior of animals in the field. Transient T increases occur in numerous species after social interactions, but these transient increases in T have not been manipulated in the field. In the laboratory, these T increases can influence future behavior for days, causing changes in social behavior and inducing preferences for specific locations. We manipulated transient increases in T in the field at the nests of the monogamous and territorial California mouse (Peromyscus californicus) to examine long-term (\&gt;24 hr) changes in ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs). Males of bonded male\&ndash;female dyads (=pair) were administered a T injection (vs. saline) three times over seven days and USVs of the male\&ndash;female dyad were measured for three days after the last injection. At T nests, the male\&ndash;female dyad produced significantly more 1SV (one call SV: an SV is a sustained vocalization that is long in duration and low in modulation) and 4SV (four call SV) type USVs than controls, but no significant changes in aggressive barks. Overall, male\&ndash;female dyad mice at T nests produced a greater diversity in call types such that 1SV, 4SV, 5SV, and a complex sweep were produced at T nests but not control nests. There were significantly more USVs produced at T nests on night 2 after the final injection. There were no differences in spectral characteristics of SV calls or aggressive barks between T and control nests. The function of the changes that occurred is unknown, but is consistent with increased long-term changes in behavioral interactions with nest mates and may reflect T-induced conditioned place preferences to the nest site. Significantly, transient increases in T influence future acoustic communication under field conditions with competing biotic and abiotic stimuli.</p>
},
	keywords = {androgens, conditioned place preference, field, male-female dyad, pair bond, Peromyscus californicus, social behavior, vocal communication},
	doi = {10.1111/eth.12812},
	author = {Timonin, Mary E and Kalcounis-Rueppell, Matina C and Marler, Catherine A}
}
