Chemistry of Our Bonds with Dogs
Chemistry Connections
Episode #3
Welcome to Chemistry Connections, my name is Mea Allex and I am your host for episode #3 called The Chemistry of Our Bonds with Dogs. Today I will be discussing the science behind why we form attachments to dogs with a focus on the neurotransmitter and hormone known as oxytocin.
Segment 1: Introduction to the Molecule Oxytocin
The molecule oxytocin functions as both a hormone and neurotransmitter, and it is associated with feelings of happiness and affection. It is also known as the love hormone, and is frequently seen in both romantic and parental relationships.
However, it is also a large reason why we feel attached to our dogs. Petting our dogs, gazing at them, or even thinking about them releases oxytocin, leading to feelings of attachment.
For dogs, oxytocin functions similarly; dogs with higher levels of oxytocin tend to be more affectionate and less aggressive. As our dogs are more loving towards us, our oxytocin levels also increase in a positive feedback loop that contributes to a strong bond between the caregiver and animal.
Segment 2: The Chemistry Behind The Release of Oxytocin and How it Pertains to our Dogs.
Oxytocin is represented by the molecular formula C43H66N12O12S2. It is bonded covalently, meaning that the atoms share electrons. In addition to this, oxytocin molecules experience London Dispersion(LD) and dipole-dipole intermolecular forces, specifically including hydrogen bonds. Due to the strength of the hydrogen bonds between molecules, oxytocin is soluble in many liquids, including water.
Bringing it back to the topic of animals, just thinking about our dogs raises oxytocin levels. These levels increase even more through eye contact and physical contact with our dogs. So, when we gaze at a puppy and our brain recognizes we’re looking at something adorable, a signal is sent to release oxytocin.
Specifically, to release oxytocin, it must be transported from the cell body to the axon terminal and then released from there. This occurs in the hypothalamus, after the trigger of seeing, petting, or thinking about a dog.
The process begins when the membrane potential is increased, opening voltage-gated ion channels and flooding that portion of the membrane with positively charged cations. This depolarizes that portion of the membrane. In order to restore its original charge, separate voltage-gated ion channels open and cations are released from that section of the membrane.
However, releasing the cations sends them to another area of the membrane, depolarizing that section. This cycle continues until oxytocin has been successfully transported through the membrane and released, at which point the ion channels close and the oxytocin stops being released. This is virtually instantaneous, and after it is completed, we feel the effects of love and attachment to the dog.
The reason for WHY we release oxytocin upon sighting of a dog is due to their physical appearance. With their large head and eyes combined with a small mouth and nose, as well as chubby cheeks, the physicality of dogs triggers the human instinct to be as caring and protective of them as we would a young child. What is the hormone that triggers those nurturing instincts? Oxytocin.
Segment 3: Personal Connections
This exploration was especially interesting for me because I have two dogs that I adore, and I wanted to know the science behind why we as humans feel the way we do about dogs. Additionally, a significant portion of the world has at least one dog in their household, so it’s a very relevant topic that I believe many people would be interested in learning more about.
I also have a fascination with analyzing our emotions scientifically, so it was intriguing to answer the question of what happens when we see something adorable and feel attachment to it on a molecular and biological level.
Thank you for listening to this episode of Chemistry Connections. For more student-ran podcasts and digital content, make sure that you visit www.hvspn.com.
Sources:
https://www.neuroscientificallychallenged.com/glossary/voltage-gated-ion-channel
https://www.neuroscientificallychallenged.com/glossary/membrane-potential
https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/mcat/organ-systems/neural-synapses/v/neurotransmitter-release
https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/chnt1.html
https://www.britannica.com/science/neurotransmitter-release
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/oxytocin
https://thebark.com/content/oxytocin-chemistry-between-people-and-dogs-real
https://academic.oup.com/ilarjournal/article/43/1/4/846604
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320170
Music Credits
Warm Nights by @LakeyInspired
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