Endocrine Regulations in Human–Dog Coexistence through Domestication

• Published in: Trends in endocrinology and metabolism 2019-11, Vol.30 (11), p.793-806
• Main Authors: Kikusui, Takefumi, Nagasawa, Miho, Nomoto, Kensaku, Kuse-Arata, Sayaka, Mogi, Kazutaka
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Canis familiaris; coevolution; glucocorticoid; oxytocin; social coordination; social tolerance
• ISSN: 1043-2760; 1879-3061
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2019.09.002

Endocrine system regulation is important for the maintenance of homeostasis; it controls hormonal functions in complex physiology and behavior and adaptations to social environments. Evidence indicates that for more than 35 000 years, dogs (Canis familiaris) have been domesticated through living with humans. For example, they have acquired human-like social skills, such as eye gazing and pointing gestures. These unique behaviors are, at least partially, regulated by hormones and are thought to have been genetically altered throughout domestication. Glucocorticoids affect social tolerance, while oxytocin facilitates social coordination and familiarity between individuals. We review historical and recent literature to facilitate an understanding of the roles of glucocorticoid and oxytocin functions in the human–canine coexistence dynamic established during domestication. Endocrine regulation plays pivotal roles in maintaining individual homeostasis, functioning from ancient organisms.Endocrine pathways have expanded their functions to maintain social relationships, such as mother–infant relationship, cooperation, and inner-group favoritism.The human–canine relationship, which has formed an interspecies coexistence for more than 35 000 years, is one of the most interesting models analyzing the social function of endocrine systems.During the domestication process, the glucocorticoid and oxytocin functions played fundamental roles in the connection between dogs and humans.