The role of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), particularly the prelimbic region (PL), in determining male dominance has been previously reported (Zhou, et.al, Science, 2017). Apart from this established dominance hierarchy, our team has developed a Female-Male Preference Test (FMPT) by comparing four male mice. This test effectively differentiates between males perceived as attractive and unattractive from a female mouse's perspective. The correlation between a male's dominance and its attractiveness to females remains elusive.
Our preliminary investigations suggest that there isn't a direct proportionality between a male's social ranking within its group and its allure to females. In our previous work, we have identified cocaine as an activator of the PFC. Further, our research has elucidated the relationship between PFC dopamine activity and cocaine reactivity, revealing that cocaine regulates sensitization and its glutamate stimulation in the PFC controls dependency (Kawahara, et.al, Int J Neuropsychopharmacol, 2021).
Given these findings, we intend to administer cocaine to the less attractive male mice to observe potential shifts in their social ranking and desirability to females. This is based on the hypothesis that cocaine-induced alterations in reward-seeking behaviors might recalibrate male-male interactions, including competitions and their inherent attractiveness to females. After examining the relationship between male dominance and attractiveness, we plan to expose the less attractive males to cocaine under conditions mirroring the Cocaine Conditioned Place Preference (Cocaine CPP) to further investigate any changes in their social hierarchy and appeal.
This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between cocaine, PFC activity, and male social behaviors, potentially offering novel insights into the neuropharmacological mechanisms governing social interactions in mice.