Increasing oxytocin receptor expression in the nucleus accumbens of pre-pubertal female prairie voles enhances alloparental responsiveness and partner preference formation as adults

► OXTR density in the NAcc is positively correlated with alloparental behavior and partner preference formation. ► Enhanced OXTR signaling in the NAcc during adulthood has no effect on alloparental behavior in adults. ► Enhanced OXTR signaling in the NAcc during pre pubertal development enhances alloparental behavior in adults. ► OXTR activation during development plays an important role in the expression of affiliative behaviors in adulthood.