Opposing regulation of pair bond formation by cAMP signaling within the nucleus accumbens shell

The formation of monogamous pair bonds, by prairie voles, is facilitated by activation of dopamine (DA) D-2-like, but not D-1-like, receptors within the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) shell. Because DA exerts opposing regulation of cAMP production depending on the subtype of receptor activated, we tested the hypothesis that DA regulation of pair bond formation is mediated via the cAMP signaling cascade. Consistent with activation of D-2-like receptors, decreasing cAMP signaling, by blocking cAMP binding sites on protein kinase A (PKA), facilitated partner preference formation. Conversely, increasing cAMP signaling, by preventing the activation of inhibitory G-proteins, activating stimulatory G-proteins, or stimulating PKA prevented the formation of mating-induced partner preferences. These manipulations were effective in the shell, but not the core, of the NAcc. Together, these data demonstrate opposing regulation over pair bond formation by cAMP signaling within the NAcc shell.