The neurobiology of social play behaviour: Past, present and future

E J Marijke Achterberg; Louk J M J Vanderschuren

doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105319

The neurobiology of social play behaviour: Past, present and future

Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2023 Sep:152:105319. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105319. Epub 2023 Jul 15.

Authors

E J Marijke Achterberg¹, Louk J M J Vanderschuren²

Affiliations

¹ Dept. of Population Health Sciences, Section Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, the Netherlands. Electronic address: e.j.m.achterberg@uu.nl.
² Dept. of Population Health Sciences, Section Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, the Netherlands. Electronic address: l.j.m.j.vanderschuren@uu.nl.

PMID: 37454882
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105319

Abstract

Social play behaviour is a highly energetic and rewarding activity that is of great importance for the development of brain and behaviour. Social play is abundant during the juvenile and early adolescent phases of life, and it occurs in most mammalian species, as well as in certain birds and reptiles. To date, the majority of research into the neural mechanisms of social play behaviour has been performed in male rats. In the present review we summarize studies on the neurobiology of social play behaviour in rats, including work on pharmacological and genetic models for autism spectrum disorders, early life manipulations and environmental factors that influence play in rats. We describe several recent developments that expand the field, and highlight outstanding questions that may guide future studies.

Keywords: Brain; Neurodevelopmental disorders; Neurotransmission; Rats; Social play behaviour.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Brain*
Male
Mammals
Rats
Social Behavior*