Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (αMSH) modulates the rewarding properties of social interactions in an oxytocin receptor-dependent manner in Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus Auratus)

•αMSH modulates social reward in an oxytocin-dependent manner.•αMSH decreased preference for the socially-paired chamber.•An αMSH/oxytocin antagonist cocktail returned preference to control levels.•αMSH did not affect any measures of body composition.•αMSH did not affect any specific social behaviors during conditioning.