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Clarici A, Bulfon M, Radin Y, Panksepp J. Neuromodulation of safety and surprise in the early stages of infant development: affective homeostatic regulation in bodily and mental functions. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1395247. [PMID: 38903479 PMCID: PMC11187996 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1395247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Developing a sense of internal safety and security depends mainly on others: numerous neuromodulators play a significant role in the homeostatic process, regulating the importance of proximity to a caregiver and experiencing feelings that enable us to regulate our interdependence with our conspecifics since birth. This array of neurofunctional structures have been called the SEPARATION DISTRESS system (now more commonly known as the PANIC/ GRIEF system). This emotional system is mainly involved in the production of depressive symptoms. The disruption of this essential emotional balance leads to the onset of feelings of panic followed by depression. We will focus on the neuropeptides that play a crucial role in social approach behavior in mammals, which enhance prosocial behavior and facilitate the consolidation of social bonds. We propose that most prosocial behaviors are regulated through the specific neuromodulators acting on salient intersubjective stimuli, reflecting an increased sense of inner confidence (safety) in social relationships. This review considers the neurofunctional link between the feelings that may ultimately be at the base of a sense of inner safety and the central neuromodulatory systems. This link may shed light on the clinical implications for the development of early mother-infant bonding and the depressive clinical consequences when this bond is disrupted, such as in post-partum depression, depressive feelings connected to, addiction, neurofunctional disorders, and psychological trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Clarici
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Cattinara Hospital, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Matteo Bulfon
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Trieste, Italy
| | - Yvonne Radin
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Trieste, Italy
| | - Jaak Panksepp
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
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Wiley KS, Camilo C, Gouveia G, Euclydes V, Panter-Brick C, Matijasevich A, Ferraro AA, Fracolli LA, Chiesa AM, Miguel EC, Polanczyk GV, Brentani H. Maternal distress, DNA methylation, and fetal programing of stress physiology in Brazilian mother-infant pairs. Dev Psychobiol 2023; 65:e22352. [PMID: 36567654 PMCID: PMC9792831 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Maternal prenatal psychosocial stress is associated with adverse hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA) function among infants. Although the biological mechanisms influencing this process remain unknown, altered DNA methylation is considered to be one potential mechanism. We investigated associations between maternal prenatal psychological distress, infant salivary DNA methylation, and stress physiology at 12 months. Mother's distress was measured via depression and anxiety in early and late pregnancy in a cohort of 80 pregnant adolescents. Maternal hair cortisol was collected during pregnancy. Saliva samples were collected from infants at 12 months to quantify DNA methylation of three stress-related genes (FKBP5, NR3C1, OXTR) (n = 62) and diurnal cortisol (n = 29). Multivariable linear regression was used to test for associations between prenatal psychological distress, and infant DNA methylation and cortisol. Hair cortisol concentrations in late pregnancy were negatively associated with two sites of FKBP5 (site 1: B = -22.33, p = .003; site 2: B = -15.60, p = .012). Infants of mothers with elevated anxiety symptoms in late pregnancy had lower levels of OXTR2 CpG2 methylation (B = -2.17, p = .03) and higher evening salivary cortisol (B = 0.41, p = .03). Furthermore, OXTR2 methylation was inversely associated with evening cortisol (B = -0.14, p-value ≤ .001). Our results are, to our knowledge, the first evidence that the methylation of the oxytocin receptor may contribute to the regulation of HPAA during infancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle S. Wiley
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Caroline Camilo
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gisele Gouveia
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Verônica Euclydes
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Alicia Matijasevich
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Archanjo Ferraro
- Departamento de Pediatria, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lislaine Aparecida Fracolli
- Departamento de Enfermagem Em Saúde Coletiva da Escola de Enfermagem, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anna Maria Chiesa
- Departamento de Enfermagem Em Saúde Coletiva da Escola de Enfermagem, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Euripedes Constantino Miguel
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Guilherme V. Polanczyk
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Helena Brentani
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Meier IM, Montoya ER, Spencer H, Orellana SC, van Buuren M, van Honk J, Bos PA. Preliminary data on oxytocin modulation of neural reactivity in women to emotional stimuli of children depending on childhood emotional neglect. Dev Psychobiol 2023; 65:e22349. [PMID: 36567648 PMCID: PMC9828591 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Sensitivity for rewarding cues and distress signals from children is fundamental to human caregiving and modulated by the neuropeptide oxytocin. In a functional magnetic resonance imaging study, we investigated whether oxytocin regulates neural responses to reward or distress cues form children. In a placebo-controlled, within-subject design, we measured neural responses to positive, negative, and neutral cues from children in 22 healthy female subjects who received oxytocin (24 IU) versus placebo. Further, based on current literature, we hypothesized that oxytocin effects are modulated by experiences of childhood trauma. The task elicited valence-specific effects-positive images activated the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, left anterior cingulate cortex, and right putamen, and images of children in distress activated the bilateral amygdala, hippocampus, and right medial superior frontal cortex. The effects of oxytocin depended on subjective reports of childhood emotional neglect. Self-reported neglect interacted with oxytocin administration in the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal areas. In individuals with higher scores of emotional neglect, oxytocin increased neural reactivity of limbic structures to positive and neutral images. Our findings need replication in larger samples and can therefore be considered preliminary but are in line with the recent literature on the modulating effect of childhood adversity on the sensitivity to oxytocin administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabell M. Meier
- Department of Experimental PsychologyUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Estrella R. Montoya
- Department of Experimental PsychologyUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Hannah Spencer
- Research Institute of Child Development and EducationUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Sofia C. Orellana
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical CampusCambridgeUK
| | - Mariët van Buuren
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Institute for Brain and Behavior AmsterdamVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Jack van Honk
- Department of Experimental PsychologyUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands,Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Groote Schuur Hospital, MRC Unit on Anxiety & Stress DisordersUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa,Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Peter A. Bos
- Institute of Education and Child StudiesLeiden UniversityLeidenThe Netherlands
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Oztan O, Zyga O, Stafford DEJ, Parker KJ. Linking oxytocin and arginine vasopressin signaling abnormalities to social behavior impairments in Prader-Willi syndrome. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 142:104870. [PMID: 36113782 PMCID: PMC11024898 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder. Global hypothalamic dysfunction is a core feature of PWS and has been implicated as a driver of many of PWS's phenotypic characteristics (e.g., hyperphagia-induced obesity, hypogonadism, short stature). Although the two neuropeptides (i.e., oxytocin [OXT] and arginine vasopressin [AVP]) most implicated in mammalian prosocial functioning are of hypothalamic origin, and social functioning is markedly impaired in PWS, there has been little consideration of how dysregulation of these neuropeptide signaling pathways may contribute to PWS's social behavior impairments. The present article addresses this gap in knowledge by providing a comprehensive review of the preclinical and clinical PWS literature-spanning endogenous neuropeptide measurement to exogenous neuropeptide administration studies-to better understand the roles of OXT and AVP signaling in this population. The preponderance of evidence indicates that OXT and AVP signaling are indeed dysregulated in PWS, and that these neuropeptide pathways may provide promising targets for therapeutic intervention in a patient population that currently lacks a pharmacological strategy for its debilitating social behavior symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozge Oztan
- 1201 Welch Road, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Olena Zyga
- 1201 Welch Road, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Diane E J Stafford
- Center for Academic Medicine, 453 Quarry Road, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Karen J Parker
- 1201 Welch Road, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; 300 Pasteur Drive, Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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Lehner M, Skórzewska A, Wisłowska-Stanek A. Sex-Related Predisposition to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Development-The Role of Neuropeptides. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 19:314. [PMID: 35010574 PMCID: PMC8750761 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by re-experiencing a traumatic event, avoidance, negative alterations in cognitions and mood, hyperarousal, and severe functional impairment. Women have a two times higher risk of developing PTSD than men. The neurobiological basis for the sex-specific predisposition to PTSD might be related to differences in the functions of stress-responsive systems due to the interaction between gonadal hormones and stress peptides such as corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), orexin, oxytocin, and neuropeptide Y. Additionally, in phases where estrogens levels are low, the risk of developing or exacerbating PTSD is higher. Most studies have revealed several essential sex differences in CRF function. They include genetic factors, e.g., the CRF promoter contains estrogen response elements. Importantly, sex-related differences are responsible for different predispositions to PTSD and diverse treatment responses. Fear extinction (the process responsible for the effectiveness of behavioral therapy for PTSD) in women during periods of high endogenous estradiol levels (the primary form of estrogens) is reportedly more effective than in periods of low endogenous estradiol. In this review, we present the roles of selected neuropeptides in the sex-related predisposition to PTSD development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Lehner
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland; (M.L.); (A.S.)
| | - Anna Skórzewska
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland; (M.L.); (A.S.)
| | - Aleksandra Wisłowska-Stanek
- Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology (CEPT), Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Warsaw, 1B Banacha Street, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
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McCook O, Denoix N, Radermacher P, Waller C, Merz T. H 2S and Oxytocin Systems in Early Life Stress and Cardiovascular Disease. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10163484. [PMID: 34441780 PMCID: PMC8397059 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10163484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Today it is well established that early life stress leads to cardiovascular programming that manifests in cardiovascular disease, but the mechanisms by which this occurs, are not fully understood. This perspective review examines the relevant literature that implicates the dysregulation of the gasomediator hydrogen sulfide and the neuroendocrine oxytocin systems in heart disease and their putative mechanistic role in the early life stress developmental origins of cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, interesting hints towards the mutual interaction of the hydrogen sulfide and OT systems are identified, especially with regards to the connection between the central nervous and the cardiovascular system, which support the role of the vagus nerve as a communication link between the brain and the heart in stress-mediated cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar McCook
- Institute for Anesthesiological Pathophysiology and Process Engineering, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (N.D.); (P.R.); (T.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-731-500-60185; Fax: +49-731-500-60162
| | - Nicole Denoix
- Institute for Anesthesiological Pathophysiology and Process Engineering, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (N.D.); (P.R.); (T.M.)
- Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Peter Radermacher
- Institute for Anesthesiological Pathophysiology and Process Engineering, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (N.D.); (P.R.); (T.M.)
| | - Christiane Waller
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Nuremberg General Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, 90471 Nuremberg, Germany;
| | - Tamara Merz
- Institute for Anesthesiological Pathophysiology and Process Engineering, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (N.D.); (P.R.); (T.M.)
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7
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Possible Mechanisms of Hypnosis from an Interactional Perspective. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11070903. [PMID: 34356137 PMCID: PMC8303437 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11070903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, utilizing the interactional research paradigm developed by Éva Bányai, we discuss the hypnotic relationship from the viewpoint of interactional synchrony. Based on our three decades of empirical studies of an interactional paradigm, we propose the analogy between hypnosis and mother–child interaction. Hypnosis is considered as a potential corrective/reparative possibility when the real childhood experiences appear to be unfavourable. Possible neuroanatomical and neurochemical mechanisms are also suggested in the right hemispheric orbitofrontal cortex and central oxytocin system.
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How Relevant is the Systemic Oxytocin Concentration for Human Sexual Behavior? A Systematic Review. Sex Med 2021; 9:100370. [PMID: 34118520 PMCID: PMC8360917 DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2021.100370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite its role in social cognition and affiliative behavior, less is known about the role played by oxytocin in human sexual behavior. Aim In the present systematic review, we aimed to find the levels of oxytocin related to human sexual arousal and orgasm. Methods We conducted the study according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. We performed a systematic search in the principal databases for studies that reported collection of salivary or plasmatic samples, with dosage of oxytocin in relation to sexual activity during induction of sexual arousal and orgasm. Results 414 articles were obtained. After duplicates removal and the application of pre exclusion criteria, 16 articles were considered eligible and 13 articles were included with a Cohen's k of 0.827. Most of the studies used sexual self-stimulation and collected plasmatic or salivary samples to measure oxytocin. The sexual arousal and orgasm were assessed based on subjective reports. Main Outcome Measure The primary outcomes were the oxytocin levels collected during the induction of sexual arousal and orgasm. Conclusions Several studies collected only subjective reports about the sexual arousal and the orgasm. Most of the studies found higher levels of oxytocin during the orgasm or ejaculation. Given the sexual arousal evoked by self-stimulation in which sexual fantasies play an important role, it should be possible to postulate for a role of the oxytocin in sexual desire. In particular, we hypothesize a complex role of the oxytocin in the modulation of sexual fantasies and thoughts that are relevant in the sexual desire and help to trigger genital and sexual arousal. Cera N, Vargas-Cáceres S, Oliveira C, et al. How Relevant is the Systemic Oxytocin Concentration for Human Sexual Behavior? A Systematic Review. Sex Med 2021;9:100370.
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Ellis BJ, Horn AJ, Carter CS, van IJzendoorn MH, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ. Developmental programming of oxytocin through variation in early-life stress: Four meta-analyses and a theoretical reinterpretation. Clin Psychol Rev 2021; 86:101985. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2021.101985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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10
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Sparapani S, Millet-Boureima C, Oliver J, Mu K, Hadavi P, Kalostian T, Ali N, Avelar CM, Bardies M, Barrow B, Benedikt M, Biancardi G, Bindra R, Bui L, Chihab Z, Cossitt A, Costa J, Daigneault T, Dault J, Davidson I, Dias J, Dufour E, El-Khoury S, Farhangdoost N, Forget A, Fox A, Gebrael M, Gentile MC, Geraci O, Gnanapragasam A, Gomah E, Haber E, Hamel C, Iyanker T, Kalantzis C, Kamali S, Kassardjian E, Kontos HK, Le TBU, LoScerbo D, Low YF, Mac Rae D, Maurer F, Mazhar S, Nguyen A, Nguyen-Duong K, Osborne-Laroche C, Park HW, Parolin E, Paul-Cole K, Peer LS, Philippon M, Plaisir CA, Porras Marroquin J, Prasad S, Ramsarun R, Razzaq S, Rhainds S, Robin D, Scartozzi R, Singh D, Fard SS, Soroko M, Soroori Motlagh N, Stern K, Toro L, Toure MW, Tran-Huynh S, Trépanier-Chicoine S, Waddingham C, Weekes AJ, Wisniewski A, Gamberi C. The Biology of Vasopressin. Biomedicines 2021; 9:89. [PMID: 33477721 PMCID: PMC7832310 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9010089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Vasopressins are evolutionarily conserved peptide hormones. Mammalian vasopressin functions systemically as an antidiuretic and regulator of blood and cardiac flow essential for adapting to terrestrial environments. Moreover, vasopressin acts centrally as a neurohormone involved in social and parental behavior and stress response. Vasopressin synthesis in several cell types, storage in intracellular vesicles, and release in response to physiological stimuli are highly regulated and mediated by three distinct G protein coupled receptors. Other receptors may bind or cross-bind vasopressin. Vasopressin is regulated spatially and temporally through transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms, sex, tissue, and cell-specific receptor expression. Anomalies of vasopressin signaling have been observed in polycystic kidney disease, chronic heart failure, and neuropsychiatric conditions. Growing knowledge of the central biological roles of vasopressin has enabled pharmacological advances to treat these conditions by targeting defective systemic or central pathways utilizing specific agonists and antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Chiara Gamberi
- Biology Department, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada; (S.S.); (C.M.-B.); (J.O.); (K.M.); (P.H.); (T.K.); (N.A.); (C.M.A.); (M.B.); (B.B.); (M.B.); (G.B.); (R.B.); (L.B.); (Z.C.); (A.C.); (J.C.); (T.D.); (J.D.); (I.D.); (J.D.); (E.D.); (S.E.-K.); (N.F.); (A.F.); (A.F.); (M.G.); (M.C.G.); (O.G.); (A.G.); (E.G.); (E.H.); (C.H.); (T.I.); (C.K.); (S.K.); (E.K.); (H.K.K.); (T.B.U.L.); (D.L.); (Y.F.L.); (D.M.R.); (F.M.); (S.M.); (A.N.); (K.N.-D.); (C.O.-L.); (H.W.P.); (E.P.); (K.P.-C.); (L.S.P.); (M.P.); (C.-A.P.); (J.P.M.); (S.P.); (R.R.); (S.R.); (S.R.); (D.R.); (R.S.); (D.S.); (S.S.F.); (M.S.); (N.S.M.); (K.S.); (L.T.); (M.W.T.); (S.T.-H.); (S.T.-C.); (C.W.); (A.J.W.); (A.W.)
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Abraham E, Zagoory-Sharon O, Feldman R. Early maternal and paternal caregiving moderates the links between preschoolers' reactivity and regulation and maturation of the HPA-immune axis. Dev Psychobiol 2021; 63:1482-1498. [PMID: 33432595 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
While early caregiving and child's temperamental dispositions work in concert to shape social-emotional outcomes, their unique and joint contribution to the maturation of the child's stress and immune systems remain unclear. We followed children longitudinally from infancy to preschool to address the buffering effect of early parenting on the link between temperamental dysregulation and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-immune axis in preschool-aged children. Participants included 47 typically developing children and their 94 parents in both mother-father and two-father families followed across the first 4-years of family formation. In infancy, we observed parent-infant synchrony and measured parental oxytocin; in preschool, we observed temperamental reactivity and self-regulation and assessed children's cortisol and secretory Immunoglobulin A (s-IgA), biomarkers of the stress and immune systems. Greater self-regulation and lower negative emotionality were associated with lower baseline s-IgA and cortisol, respectively. However, these links were defined by interactive effects so that preschoolers with low self-regulation displayed higher s-IgA levels only in cases of low parent-infant synchrony and negative emotionality linked with greater baseline cortisol levels only when parental oxytocin levels were low. Results emphasize the long-term stress-buffering role of the neurobiology of parental care, demonstrate comparable developmental paths for mothers and fathers, and delineate the complex developmental cascades to the maturation of children's stress-management systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eyal Abraham
- Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Interdisciplinary Center (IDC), Herzliya, Israel.,Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA.,Division of Translational Epidemiology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Orna Zagoory-Sharon
- Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Interdisciplinary Center (IDC), Herzliya, Israel
| | - Ruth Feldman
- Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Interdisciplinary Center (IDC), Herzliya, Israel.,Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Intranasal oxytocin administration facilitates the induction of long-term potentiation and promotes cognitive performance of maternally separated rats. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 123:105044. [PMID: 33227537 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.105044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Maternal separation (MS) is known to induce permanent changes in the central nervous system and is associated with increased levels of anxiety and cognitive impairments. The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) has been implicated in a broad spectrum of social and nonsocial and behaviors. Since it plays a significant role in learning and memory and enhances synaptic plasticity, we hypothesized that OT may affect MS-induced changes in synaptic plasticity and cognitive performance. Rat pups underwent MS protocol for 180 min/day from postnatal day (PND) 1-21. OT was administered intranasally (2 μg/μl, 7 days) to control and MS groups from PND 22-34. Plasma corticosterone (CORT) levels, anxiety-like behavior, sociability, learning and memory were measured in adolescent rats. In addition, extracellular evoked field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSP) were also recorded from hippocampal slices. MS induced higher plasma CORT levels and impaired social interaction, learning and memory. Moreover, MS reduced locomotor activity and increased anxiety-like behavior. Intranasal OT could overcome MS-induced deficits and promoted sociability, learning and memory of MS rats. OT also enhanced locomotor activity in the open field and decreased anxiety-like behavior. Obtained results showed that long term potentiation (LTP) was not induced in MS animals. However, OT injection overcame the MS-induced impairment in LTP generation in CA1 area of the hippocampus.
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Parianen Lesemann FH, Spencer H, Montoya ER, Kraaijenvanger EJ, He Y, Branje S, Boks MP, Bos PA. Methylation of oxytocin related genes and early life trauma together shape the N170 response to human faces. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2020; 39:19-28. [PMID: 32993882 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2020.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Childhood trauma fundamentally shapes social cognition and basic processing of social cues, which frequently cascade into adverse behavioral outcomes. Recent studies indicate that epigenetic changes in oxytocin functioning might contribute to these long-term effects, although a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms is still lacking. The electroencephalographic N170 response to faces might capture a neural response at the core of these interactive effects of oxytocin gene methylation and childhood adversity, given that this response is considered to reflect fundamental face processing, to be susceptible to oxytocin administration and also to be a biomarker of various psychiatric disorders. We assessed the N170 response to neutral faces in relation to participant's (81, women) recalled childhood trauma, methylation of their oxytocin structural (OXTg) and oxytocin receptor (OXTRg) genes, and endogenous levels of cortisol and testosterone. Additionally, we investigated the interactive effect of OXTg methylation and CTQ across three face sets of varying maturity. Methylation of OXTg relates to a weakened N170 response towards adults, children and infants. Moreover, methylation of both OXTRg and OXTg shaped the directionality of adversity effects, predicting a weakened N170 response in those with high methylation and hyper-vigilance with participants with low methylation. Our results are the first to relate OXT(R)g methylation to the N170 response. They shed light on biological processes linking childhood adversity and epigenetic marks to altered behavior and potentially psychopathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franca H Parianen Lesemann
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584 CS, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Hannah Spencer
- Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, PO Box 15780, 1001 NG Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Estrella R Montoya
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584 CS, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Eline J Kraaijenvanger
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim / Heidelberg University, J5, D-68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Yujie He
- Brain Center University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Susan Branje
- Department of Youth and Family, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584 CS, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marco P Boks
- Brain Center University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Peter A Bos
- Institute of Education and Child Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
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14
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Daniels N, Prinsen J, Soriano JR, Alaerts K. Oxytocin enhances the recovery of eye-contact induced autonomic arousal: A treatment mechanism study with placebo-controlled design. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2020; 39:87-98. [PMID: 32868176 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) is suggested to exert a pivotal role in a variety of complex human behaviors, including trust, attachment, social perception and fear regulation. Previous studies have demonstrated that intranasal administration of OT reduces subjective and neuroendocrine stress responses and dampens amygdala reactivity. OT has also been proposed to modulate activity of the autonomic nervous system. Here, a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study (with parallel design) was conducted with 56 healthy adult men to investigate whether a single-dose of OT (24 IU) modulates sympathetic autonomic arousal upon live dyadic gaze interactions. To do so, electrodermal recordings of skin conductance were performed during the engagement of eye contact with a live model in a two-person social context. In accordance to prior research, direct eye gaze elicited a significant enhancement in skin conductance responses, but OT did not specifically enhance or dampen the overall magnitude (amplitude) of the skin conductance response. Administration of OT did facilitate the recovery of skin conductance responses back to baseline (reduced recovery time), indicating a role of OT in restoring homeostatic balance. Notably, the treatment-effect on autonomic recovery was most prominent in participants with low self-reported social responsiveness, indicating that person-dependent factors play an important role in determining OT treatment-responses. Exploratory, it was shown that OT also significantly reduced self-reported feelings of tension and (at trend-level) worrying about how one presents oneself. Together, these observations add further evidence to a role of OT in modulating activity of the autonomic nervous system, primarily by facilitating a restoration of homeostatic balance after stimulus-induced increases in sympathetically-driven autonomic arousal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicky Daniels
- KU Leuven, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Research Group for Neuromotor Rehabilitation, Tervuursevest 101 box 1501, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jellina Prinsen
- KU Leuven, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Research Group for Neuromotor Rehabilitation, Tervuursevest 101 box 1501, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Javier R Soriano
- KU Leuven, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Research Group for Neuromotor Rehabilitation, Tervuursevest 101 box 1501, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kaat Alaerts
- KU Leuven, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Research Group for Neuromotor Rehabilitation, Tervuursevest 101 box 1501, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
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15
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Soriano JR, Daniels N, Prinsen J, Alaerts K. Intranasal oxytocin enhances approach-related EEG frontal alpha asymmetry during engagement of direct eye contact. Brain Commun 2020; 2:fcaa093. [PMID: 32954338 PMCID: PMC7475692 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcaa093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin is suggested to play a major role in a variety of complex human behaviours, including interpersonal bonding, trust and attachment. Recent theories have suggested that the role oxytocin plays in these complex social behaviours involves a modulation of motivational tendencies of approach-/avoidance-related behaviours. However, to date, direct neurophysiological evidence supporting this notion is limited. In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study with parallel design, we assessed the effects of administered intranasal oxytocin in 40 adult men on gaze behaviour and a neural marker of approach/avoidance motivational tendencies. Specifically, electroencephalography recordings were performed during the engagement of eye contact with a live model in a naturalistic two-person social context and electroencephalographic frontal alpha asymmetry, an established neurophysiological index of motivational tendencies for approach-/avoidance-related behaviours, was assessed. Compared to placebo, a single dose of oxytocin (24 international units) was shown to increase relative left-sided frontal asymmetry upon direct eye contact with a live model, which is indicative of an increase in approach-related motivational tendencies towards the presented eye contact stimulus. Notably, the treatment effect was most prominently observed in participants with lower self-reported social motivation (higher Motivation subscale scores on the Social Responsiveness Scale), indicating that participants with lower social motivation benefitted the most from the administered oxytocin. No treatment-specific changes were identified in terms of gaze behaviour towards the eye region of the live model. Together, these observations add neurophysiological evidence to the hypothesized role of oxytocin in modulating approach-/avoidance-related tendencies and suggest that inter-subject variability in person-dependent factors need to be considered to evaluate the potential benefit of intranasal oxytocin as a treatment. This notion is of particular relevance to the variety of neuropsychiatric populations such as autism spectrum disorder, social anxiety disorder and depression, for which intranasal oxytocin is increasingly considered a potential treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier R Soriano
- Research Group for Neurorehabilitation, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nicky Daniels
- Research Group for Neurorehabilitation, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jellina Prinsen
- Research Group for Neurorehabilitation, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kaat Alaerts
- Research Group for Neurorehabilitation, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
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16
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Wang T, Tang Q, Wu X, Chen X. Attachment anxiety moderates the effect of oxytocin on negative emotion recognition: Evidence from eye-movement data. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2020; 198:173015. [PMID: 32835786 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2020.173015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Valence-specific effects of oxytocin have been revealed in a selection of preceding studies, while others report that oxytocin could improve facial recognition, regardless of emotion valence. The reported effect was mediated by increased eye gaze during face processing, and attachment style proved to moderate the effect of oxytocin administration on social behavior and cognition. In this study, we used eye tracking to test whether attachment style moderates the effect of oxytocin on negative emotion recognition, which is crucial for social cognition. We employed a placebo-controlled, double-blind, within-participants design. The participants were 73 healthy individuals (41 men) who received a single dose of intranasal oxytocin (24 IU) on one occasion and a placebo dose on another occasion. Visual attention to the eye region was assessed on both occasions, through the completion of an emotion recognition task. Our results showed that oxytocin increased participants' eye gaze towards facial expressions. Among participants who received oxytocin, as opposed to a placebo, only individuals with high attachment anxiety displayed more eye gaze and less mouth gaze towards facial expression, regardless of emotion valence. Our findings confirmed that oxytocin increases gaze to the eye region, thus improving facial recognition, regardless of emotion valence, this relationship was moderated by attachment anxiety. Further, our results highlighted the importance of considering individual differences when evaluating the effects of oxytocin on emotion recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Wang
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400175, China
| | - Qingting Tang
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400175, China
| | - Xin Wu
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400175, China
| | - Xu Chen
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400175, China.
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17
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Verhees MWFT, van IJzendoorn MH, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ, Ceulemans E, de Winter S, Santens T, Alaerts K, Casteels K, Salemink E, Verhaeghe J, Bosmans G. Combining oxytocin and cognitive bias modification training in a randomized controlled trial: Effects on trust in maternal support. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2020; 66:101514. [PMID: 31610435 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2019.101514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Research on the social effects of intranasal oxytocin in children is scarce. Oxytocin has been proposed to have clearer beneficial effects when added to social learning paradigms. The current study tested this proposition in middle childhood by assessing effects of cognitive bias modification (CBM) training and oxytocin on trust in maternal support. METHODS Children (N = 100, 8-12 years) were randomly assigned to one of two training conditions: CBM training aimed at increasing trust or neutral placebo training. Within each training condition, half the participants received oxytocin and half a placebo. Main and interaction effects were assessed on measures of trust-related interpretation bias and trust. We explored whether child characteristics moderated intervention effects. RESULTS Children in the CBM training were faster to interpret maternal behaviour securely versus insecurely. Effects did not generalize to interpretation bias measures or trust. There were no main or interaction effects of oxytocin. Exploratory moderation analyses indicated that combining CBM training with oxytocin had less positive effects on trust for children with more internalizing problems. LIMITATIONS As this was the first study combining CBM and oxytocin, replication of the results is needed. CONCLUSIONS This study combined a social learning paradigm with oxytocin in children. CBM training was effective at an automatic level of processing. Oxytocin did not enhance CBM effects or independently exert effects. Research in larger samples specifying when oxytocin might have beneficial effects is necessary before oxytocin can be used as intervention option in children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marinus H van IJzendoorn
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Primary Care Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Eva Ceulemans
- Quantitative Psychology and Individual Differences Research Unit, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Simon de Winter
- Parenting and Special Education Research Unit, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tara Santens
- Parenting and Special Education Research Unit, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kaat Alaerts
- Research Group for Neuromotor Rehabilitation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kristina Casteels
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elske Salemink
- Department of Developmental Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Johan Verhaeghe
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Guy Bosmans
- Parenting and Special Education Research Unit, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Clinical Psychology Research Unit, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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18
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Riem MME, Kunst LE, Bekker MHJ, Fallon M, Kupper N. Intranasal oxytocin enhances stress-protective effects of social support in women with negative childhood experiences during a virtual Trier Social Stress Test. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 111:104482. [PMID: 31677411 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.104482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin is considered a biological mechanism underlying stress-protective effects of positive social interactions. It is assumed to underlie the women-specific tend-and-befriend response to stress, although few studies have tested this assertion with female samples. The aim of the present study was, therefore, to test whether oxytocin enhances stress-protective effects of social support during stress in women, taking into account the moderating role of childhood adversity. The sample consisted of 180 female undergraduate students who had reported on experiences of childhood abuse and how often their mother used love withdrawal as an insensitive disciplinary strategy. Women participated in a virtual version of the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) and were randomly assigned to receive 24 IU oxytocin or a placebo and to receive support or no support from a female friend (sub-groups N = 45). Results showed that oxytocin reduced heart rate variability during the TSST in participants who received support, possibly indicating that oxytocin increases attention and stimulates a challenge motivational state in the presence of a friend. In addition, we found that, in the presence of a friend, oxytocin reduced state anxiety levels and cortisol levels after the TSST, but only in women with higher levels of adverse childhood experiences. Our findings may indicate that oxytocin is a neurobiological means to attain and benefit from social support under stressful circumstances, which may be particularly adaptive for women with a history of adversity. Thus, oxytocin may function as motivator for affiliative disposition during stress exposure in women with a history of childhood adversity. Results should be replicated in clinical samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M E Riem
- Center of Research on Psychological and Somatic disorders, Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands; Clinical Child and Family Studies, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - L E Kunst
- Center of Research on Psychological and Somatic disorders, Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | - M H J Bekker
- Center of Research on Psychological and Somatic disorders, Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical Psychology, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - M Fallon
- Business School, University of Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - N Kupper
- Center of Research on Psychological and Somatic disorders, Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands
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19
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Burmester V, Gibson EL, Butler G, Bailey A, Terry P. Oxytocin reduces post-stress sweet snack intake in women without attenuating salivary cortisol. Physiol Behav 2019; 212:112704. [PMID: 31628930 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2019.112704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Intranasal oxytocin produces anorectic effects on snack intake in men when tested in the absence of deprivation-induced hunger, but its effects on food intake in women without eating disorders have not been reported. Oxytocin may reduce food intake by reducing stress eating, since it inhibits ACTH release. The present study adopted a double-blind, repeated measures and fully concealed crossover protocol in which 38 women self-administered 24 IU of oxytocin or placebo intranasally, ate lunch, and underwent two consecutive stress tests. Snack intake was assessed 15-20 min after lunch, via a sham taste test. Salivary cortisol was measured throughout the test period every 15 min. Oxytocin significantly reduced sweet fatty snack intake independently of any effect on salivary cortisol, which declined over time at a similar rate after either drug or placebo. Ratings of sweet taste were slightly reduced by oxytocin, but only in self-reported stress eaters. These results differ from previous studies with men that found an effect of oxytocin on postprandial cortisol levels. However, previous research assayed the less active form of plasma cortisol and did not control for protein intake, which can drive elevated cortisol. The finding that oxytocin reduces snack intake in females after acute stress has important implications for appetite regulation and its treatment in obese people and in those with eating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Burmester
- Department of Psychology, School of Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UK
| | - E L Gibson
- Department of Psychology, Whitelands College, University of Roehampton, London SW15 4JD, UK
| | - G Butler
- Department of Psychology, School of Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UK
| | - A Bailey
- Institute of Medical and Biomedical Education, St George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK
| | - P Terry
- Department of Psychology, School of Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UK.
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20
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Oxytocin reduces interpersonal distance: Examining moderating effects of childrearing experiences and interpersonal context in virtual reality. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 108:102-109. [PMID: 31252303 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin has been shown to stimulate social approach behaviors, although effects may depend on contextual and individual difference factors. Here, we examined intranasal oxytocin effects on interpersonal distance using an immersive Virtual Reality paradigm, taking into account early caregiving experiences and interpersonal context as potential moderators. Participants were 180 women who received 24 IU oxytocin or a placebo and had reported how often their mother used love withdrawal as a disciplinary strategy, involving withholding love and affection after a failure or misbehavior. We used a virtual stop-distance paradigm, instructing participants to approach a virtual person or to stop an approaching virtual person at a preferred distance (passive approach). In order to examine the role of interpersonal context in shaping oxytocin effects, facial expressions and bodily gestures of the virtual person were manipulated. The person showed a dynamical expression of sadness, happiness, anger, fear, disgust, or no emotional expression in six different emotion conditions. We found that oxytocin reduced interpersonal distance across the different emotion conditions, but only in individuals with lower levels of love withdrawal. In addition, oxytocin reduced anxiety levels during passive approach, in particular in the disgust condition, but only in individuals with lower levels of maternal disciplinary love withdrawal. Individuals with more love withdrawal experienced more anxiety while being approached by a virtual person displaying disgust or fear, but benefitted less from anxiety-reducing oxytocin effects. These results are consistent with previous research showing a dysregulated oxytocinergic system after childhood adversity and indicate that oxytocin may be less effective for individuals who are most in need of an intervention because of a problematic family background.
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21
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Narvaez D, Wang L, Cheng A, Gleason TR, Woodbury R, Kurth A, Lefever JB. The importance of early life touch for psychosocial and moral development. PSICOLOGIA-REFLEXAO E CRITICA 2019; 32:16. [PMID: 32025990 PMCID: PMC6967013 DOI: 10.1186/s41155-019-0129-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the primary means of communicating with a baby is through touch. Nurturing physical touch promotes healthy physiological development in social mammals, including humans. Physiology influences wellbeing and psychosocial functioning. The purpose of this paper is to explore the connections among early life positive and negative touch and wellbeing and sociomoral development. In study 1, mothers of preschoolers (n = 156) reported their attitudes toward positive/negative touch and on their children's wellbeing and sociomoral outcomes, illustrating moderate to strong positive correlations between positive touch attitudes and children's sociomoral capacities and orientations and negative correlations with psychopathology. In study 2, we used an existing longitudinal dataset, with at-risk mothers (n = 682) and their children to test touch effects on moral capacities and social behaviors in early life. Results demonstrated moderate to strong relationships between positive/negative touch and concurrent child behavioral regulation and positive correlations between low corporal punishment and child sociomoral outcomes. In a third study with adults (n = 607), we found significant mediation processes connecting retrospective reports of childhood touch to adult moral orientation through attachment security, mental health, and moral capacities. In general across studies, more affectionate touch and less punishing touch were positively associated with wellbeing and development of moral capacities and engaged moral orientation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darcia Narvaez
- Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
| | - Lijuan Wang
- Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
| | - Alison Cheng
- Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
| | - Tracy R. Gleason
- Department of Psychology, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA 02481-8203 USA
| | - Ryan Woodbury
- Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
| | - Angela Kurth
- Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
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22
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Velasco ER, Florido A, Milad MR, Andero R. Sex differences in fear extinction. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 103:81-108. [PMID: 31129235 PMCID: PMC6692252 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Despite the exponential increase in fear research during the last years, few studies have included female subjects in their design. The need to include females arises from the knowledge gap of mechanistic processes underlying the behavioral and neural differences observed in fear extinction. Moreover, the exact contribution of sex and hormones in relation to learning and behavior is still largely unknown. Insights from this field could be beneficial as fear-related disorders are twice as prevalent in women compared to men. Here, we review an up-to-date summary of animal and human studies in adulthood that report sex differences in fear extinction from a structural and functional approach. Furthermore, we describe how these factors could contribute to the observed sex differences in fear extinction during normal and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- E R Velasco
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Florido
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - M R Milad
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA
| | - R Andero
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain; CIBERSAM, Corporació Sanitaria Parc Taulí, Sabadell, Spain; Department of Psychobiology and Methodology of Health Sciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain.
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23
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Kompier NF, Keysers C, Gazzola V, Lucassen PJ, Krugers HJ. Early Life Adversity and Adult Social Behavior: Focus on Arginine Vasopressin and Oxytocin as Potential Mediators. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:143. [PMID: 31404254 PMCID: PMC6676334 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to stress during the early postnatal period (i.e., early life stress, ES) can impact brain physiology and modify individual variability in adult social behavior. Arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OXT) are two centrally released neuropeptides that are involved in shaping essential social behaviors, like aggression, social recognition, and social motivation. AVP and OXT modulate activity in brain regions important for the establishment of social behavior, and may be particularly sensitive to ES. In this review, we discuss whether ES alters the characteristics of the AVP- and OXT- systems in rodents, and whether these changes are associated with later alterations in aggression, social recognition, and social motivation. We have integrated causal studies indicating that (1) ES affects AVP/OXT, and (2) that changing AVP/OXT in affected regions alters social behavior. Although there is encouraging evidence that ES causes AVP- and OXT-system changes, and that these may mediate social behavior, a comprehensive understanding of the exact nature of AVP- and OXT changes and whether they are causal in establishing these behavioral disturbances needs further investigation. As there are indications that ES alters AVP- and OXT characteristics in humans as well, and that these may interact with adult predisposition to psychopathology with social dysfunction, future rodent studies may lay ground for a better understanding of such changes in humans. Ultimately, this may assist in developing therapeutic strategies to target ES effects on social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nine F. Kompier
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Social Brain Lab, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Christian Keysers
- Social Brain Lab, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Valeria Gazzola
- Social Brain Lab, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Paul J. Lucassen
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Harmen J. Krugers
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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24
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Li Y, Hassett AL, Seng JS. Exploring the mutual regulation between oxytocin and cortisol as a marker of resilience. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2019; 33:164-173. [PMID: 30927986 PMCID: PMC6442937 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2018.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Early trauma can increase the risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adulthood. Early trauma has also been associated with the dysregulation between the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and oxytocin systems and may influence the co-regulation between these two systems. But whether the mutual regulation of the two systems represents a sign of resilience and/or mutual dysregulation could be a sign of vulnerability to PTSD and the dissociative subtype of PTSD (PTSD-D) is unknown. The study aims to synthesize and conduct a preliminary test of a conceptual model of the mutual regulation between these two systems as a marker of resilience. We analyzed a pilot data with 22 pregnant women in 3 groups (PTSD only, PTSD-D, and trauma-exposed resilient controls) and repeated measures of plasma oxytocin and cortisol. Oxytocin and cortisol seemed reciprocal in all three groups, but both levels were relatively high in women with PTSD-D and low in those with PTSD compared with controls. This suggests that both hormones in women with PTSD-D and PTSD only are dysregulated, but not lacking in reciprocity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
| | - Afton L Hassett
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48106, USA
| | - Julia S Seng
- University of Michigan School of Nursing, 400 North Ingalls Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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25
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Baião R, Fearon P, Belsky J, Baptista J, Carneiro A, Pinto R, Nogueira M, Oliveira C, Soares I, Mesquita AR. Child's oxytocin response to mother-child interaction: The contribution of child genetics and maternal behavior. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 102:79-83. [PMID: 30529717 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The oxytocinergic system is a primary biological system involved in regulating a child's needs for bonding and for protection from threats. It is responsive to social experiences in close relationships, though evidence across studies is not entirely consistent. Guided by previous literature, we investigated individual and environmental factors predicting and presumably affecting children's oxytocin (OT) response during mother-child interaction. by focusing on children's OXTR genotype, and maternal behavior, respectively. This was achieved by assessing salivary OT levels of 88 Portuguese preschoolers prior to and following a mother-child interaction task, and by genotyping children's OXTR SNP rs53576. Maternal interactive behavior was assessed using Ainsworth scales. Results indicated that child genotype and mother's sensitive responsiveness interacted in predicting change in child OT concentrations from before to after the interaction. Specifically, Genotypic differences emerged under conditions of low maternal sensitive responsiveness: OT levels increased over time for children with the GG genotype when maternal sensitive responsiveness was low, but no such genotypic differences were evident when mothers were highly sensitive responsive. Findings provide preliminary support for the notion that increased understanding of children's OT and close relationships requires consideration of both individual and environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Baião
- CIPsi, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Portugal; Present address: Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Pasco Fearon
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, UCL, UK
| | - Jay Belsky
- Department of Human Ecology, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Joana Baptista
- CIPsi, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Portugal; Present address: Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Alexandra Carneiro
- Research Centre for Human Development, Catholic University of Portugal, Portugal
| | - Raquel Pinto
- CIPsi, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Portugal
| | | | - César Oliveira
- Chemistry Centre, University of Minho, Portugal; Present address: REQUIMTE/LAQV, Porto, Portugal
| | - Isabel Soares
- CIPsi, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Portugal
| | - Ana R Mesquita
- CIPsi, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Portugal.
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Riem MME, van IJzendoorn MH, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ. Hippocampal volume modulates salivary oxytocin level increases after intranasal oxytocin administration. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 101:182-185. [PMID: 30469085 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences have been shown to affect sensitivity to intranasal oxytocin administration, but the neural mechanisms underlying this altered sensitivity are unclear. The aim of the current study was to examine whether hippocampal abnormalities underlie the effects of adversity on the response to oxytocin administration. In a sample of healthy women (N = 54, age M = 19.63), we examined 1) the association between hippocampal volume and experiences of emotional maltreatment and 2) whether hippocampal volume reductions influence the effect of intranasal oxytocin administration on salivary oxytocin levels. There was no association between hippocampal volume and experiences of emotional maltreatment in the current study. However, we found that larger hippocampal volume was related to a stronger increase in salivary oxytocin level after intranasal oxytocin administration. The hippocampus may be a neural substrate underlying individual differences in sensitivity to oxytocin administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madelon M E Riem
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands.
| | - Marinus H van IJzendoorn
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Primary Care Unit School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Marian J Bakermans-Kranenburg
- Primary Care Unit School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, UK; Clinical Child and Family Studies, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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27
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Oxytocin administration and emotion recognition abilities in adults with a history of childhood adversity. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 99:66-71. [PMID: 30189345 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Adverse childhood experience such as neglect or abuse can lead to long-term deficits in emotion processing abilities. Animal studies indicate that oxytocin production and/or sensitivity are influenced by variation in early nurturing experiences. The goal of this study was to test whether emotion recognition abilities and empathy might be improved via intranasal oxytocin administration in adults with a history of childhood maltreatment. We assessed a total of 80 healthy participants, half with and half without a history of childhood adversity. Participants performed the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) and an emotion recognition task under 24 IU intranasal oxytocin and placebo, using a double-blind crossover study design. In the first of two sessions, both groups profited equally form oxytocin administration and showed greater accuracy under oxytocin compared to placebo in the RMET (p = .049). In the emotion recognition task, only the early adversity group benefited significantly from oxytocin administration in the first session (p = .035), mainly due to more accurate recognition of angry and fearful facial expression. Our findings show that emotion processing abilities might be improved via oxytocin administration in adults reporting adverse childhood experiences.
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28
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Abstract
Current perspectives on attractiveness-related prosocial biases emphasize the contribution of evolutionarily shaped mating drives. Here, we extend these concepts by highlighting the pivotal role of the hypothalamic peptide oxytocin in augmenting the salience and rewarding value of social stimuli, including the partner's face, thereby fostering social bonding in general and the stability of monogamous pair bonds and offspring care in particular.
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29
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Herbeck YE, Gulevich RG. Neuropeptides as facilitators of domestication. Cell Tissue Res 2018; 375:295-307. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-018-2939-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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30
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Londono Tobon A, Newport DJ, Nemeroff CB. The Role of Oxytocin in Early Life Adversity and Later Psychopathology: a Review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s40501-018-0158-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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31
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Wang D, Yan X, Li M, Ma Y. Neural substrates underlying the effects of oxytocin: a quantitative meta-analysis of pharmaco-imaging studies. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2018; 12:1565-1573. [PMID: 29048602 PMCID: PMC5647800 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsx085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamic peptide oxytocin (OT) is crucial in social adaptation and used to treat emotional and social deficits. Here, we conducted a systematic, quantitative meta-analysis of functional-MRI studies intranasally administering OT (IN-OT) to uncover neural substrates underlying the IN-OT effects and to elucidate differential IN-OT effects between healthy and clinical populations. Meta-analyses were conducted on 66 IN-OT fMRI studies, stratified by psychopathology, valence and sex. IN-OT increased bilateral amygdala, caudate head, and superior temporal activity in healthy individuals and increased dorsal anterior cingulate activity in patients. Moreover, IN-OT decreased amygdala activity in both patients and healthy individuals but did so to a greater degree in patients than healthy individuals. The OT-increased amygdala activity was only found on the negative social and affective processes, whereas the OT-decreased amygdala activity was mainly contributed by contrasts on negative-valenced processes. IN-OT increased parahippocampal activity and decreased amygdala activity during negative socio-affective processing. During positive socio-affective processes, IN-OT increased caudate head activity. This study indicates convergent neural substrates and the underlying neuropsychological mechanisms for IN-OT effects on social and affective processes. The common and different effects of IN-OT on patients and healthy individuals and the modulation of OT effects by valence have critical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xinyuan Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Ming Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
| | - Yina Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
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32
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Donadon MF, Martin-Santos R, Osório FDL. The Associations Between Oxytocin and Trauma in Humans: A Systematic Review. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:154. [PMID: 29545749 PMCID: PMC5838009 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies have shown that traumatic experiences may affect hormonal systems mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the oxytocinergic system. This effect is the result of long-term impairments in hypothalamic structures and negative feedback mechanisms within the HPA axis, structures that mediate the response to stress. This deregulation reduces the production and release of cortisol and oxytocin (OXT), which may alter stress responses and lead to increased vulnerability to impairments from stressful experiences. The presence of gene polymorphisms might also have an impact on the vulnerability to psychopathology. We made a systematic review of articles dealing with the relationship between OXT and traumatic emotional experiences in humans. Thirty-five studies were reviewed and significant associations between experiences of emotional trauma (ET) and OXT were found. The main results showed that the presence of ET and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is strongly associated with reductions in endogenous OXT, and also that the acute effects of OXT administrations in individuals with ET tend to be anxiolytic only in less severe forms. In victims of recent traumatic experiences (RTE), OXT increased the re-experience of traumas and restored the function of different neural networks associated with fear control/extinction in PTSD patients. The results available also suggest that gene receptor polymorphisms may have a protective function in different outcomes after the experience of traumatic events. We conclude that the relationship between ET and OXT is multifaceted, complex, and mediated by contextual and individual factors. Directions for future studies are suggested considering the gaps in the available literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Fortunata Donadon
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rocio Martin-Santos
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Hospital Clínic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Technology Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Brasília, Brazil
| | - Flávia de Lima Osório
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Technology Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Brasília, Brazil
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Tully J, Gabay AS, Brown D, Murphy DGM, Blackwood N. The effect of intranasal oxytocin on neural response to facial emotions in healthy adults as measured by functional MRI: A systematic review. Psychiatry Res 2018; 272:17-29. [PMID: 29272737 PMCID: PMC6562202 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2017.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Revised: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Abnormalities in responses to human facial emotions are associated with a range of psychiatric disorders. Addressing these abnormalities may therefore have significant clinical applications. Previous meta-analyses have demonstrated effects of the neuropeptide oxytocin on behavioural response to facial emotions, and effects on brain, as measured by functional MRI. Evidence suggests that these effects may be mediated by sex and the role of eye gaze. However, the specific effect of oxytocin on brain response to facial emotions in healthy adults has not been systematically analysed. To address this question, this further systematic review was conducted. Twenty-two studies met our inclusion criteria. In men, oxytocin consistently attenuated brain activity in response to negative emotional faces, particularly fear, compared with placebo, while in women, oxytocin enhanced activity. Brain regions consistently involved included the amygdala, fusiform gyrus and anterior cingulate cortex. In some studies, oxytocin increased fixation changes towards the eyes with enhanced amygdala and/or fusiform gyrus activation. By enhancing understanding of emotion processing in healthy subjects, these pharmacoimaging studies provide a theoretical basis for studying deficits in clinical populations. However, progress to date has been limited by low statistical power, methodological heterogeneity, and a lack of multimodal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Tully
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Anthony S Gabay
- Department of Neuroimaging, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Danielle Brown
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Declan G M Murphy
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel Blackwood
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom
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34
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Fragkaki I, Cima M, Granic I. The role of trauma in the hormonal interplay of cortisol, testosterone, and oxytocin in adolescent aggression. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 88:24-37. [PMID: 29156403 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Although numerous studies have examined the neuroendocrinology of aggression, the findings are mixed and focused on cortisol and testosterone. We argue that past findings remain inconclusive partly because the key roles of oxytocin and trauma have not been systematically integrated yet. Oxytocin is associated with social behavior and interacts with cortisol and testosterone, whereas trauma is a crucial risk factor of aggression that strongly affects hormonal activity. In this review, we investigate the role of trauma in the hormonal interplay of cortisol, testosterone, and oxytocin in aggression during adolescence. We first discuss how these hormones interact with each other and how trauma influences these interactions and then we propose a model that highlights the role of trauma in the hormonal interplay in aggression. We suggest that the timing of trauma has a distinct effect on hormonal activity and it should be integrated into any comprehensive model. Current trauma is linked to different levels of oxytocin, cortisol, testosterone, and testosterone/cortisol ratio than childhood trauma, but this distinction is also influenced by gender and type of aggression. We conclude that in order to better understand the neuroendocrinology of aggression, it is crucial to incorporate the investigation of oxytocin and trauma in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iro Fragkaki
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Maaike Cima
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Isabela Granic
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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35
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Pohl TT, Young LJ, Bosch OJ. Lost connections: Oxytocin and the neural, physiological, and behavioral consequences of disrupted relationships. Int J Psychophysiol 2018; 136:54-63. [PMID: 29330007 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2017.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 11/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In humans and rodent animal models, the brain oxytocin system is paramount for facilitating social bonds, from the formation and consequences of early-life parent-infant bonds to adult pair bond relationships. In social species, oxytocin also mediates the positive effects of healthy social bonds on the partners' well-being. However, new evidence suggests that the negative consequences of early neglect or partner loss may be mediated by disruptions in the oxytocin system as well. With a focus on oxytocin and its receptor, we review studies from humans and animal models, i.e. mainly from the biparental, socially monogamous prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster), on the beneficial effects of positive social relationships both between offspring and parents and in adult partners. The abundance of social bonds and benevolent social relationships, in general, are associated with protective effects against psycho- and physiopathology not only in the developing infant, but also during adulthood. Furthermore, we discuss the negative effects on well-being, emotionality and behavior, when these bonds are diminished in quality or are disrupted, for example through parental neglect of the young or the loss of the partner in adulthood. Strikingly, in prairie voles, oxytocinergic signaling plays an important developmental role in the ability to form bonds later in life in the face of early-life neglect, while disruption of oxytocin signaling following partner loss results in the emergence of depressive-like behavior and physiology. This review demonstrates the translational value of animal models for investigating the oxytocinergic mechanisms that underlie the detrimental effects of developmental parental neglect and pair bond disruption, encouraging future translationally relevant studies on this topic that is so central to our daily lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias T Pohl
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Larry J Young
- Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.
| | - Oliver J Bosch
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
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36
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Riem MME, De Carli P, van IJzendoorn MH, Linting M, Grewen KM, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ. Emotional maltreatment is associated with atypical responding to stimulation of endogenous oxytocin release through mechanically-delivered massage in males. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 85:115-122. [PMID: 28850941 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Revised: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin plays an important role in social behavior, parenting, and affectionate touch and there is some evidence that oxytocin release can be stimulated by massage or affectionate touch. We examined the effects of massage applied by a massage seat cover on salivary oxytocin levels in two exploratory studies using within-subject designs. In Study 1 massage effects on oxytocin levels were examined in a sample of N=20 healthy female participants. Effects of a 15-min massage session were compared to a control condition during which participants sat on a comfortable chair without a massage seat cover. Salivary oxytocin levels were measured at baseline and up to three hours after the session. We found that massage attenuated oxytocin decreases over time, indicating that massage stimulates oxytocin release. In Study 2, we examined whether effects of massage in N=46 healthy male participants depend on experiences of emotional maltreatment. In addition, we examined whether enhanced oxytocin levels after massage affect the use of excessive handgrip force in response to infant crying and laughter as measured with a handgrip dynamometer. Our findings show that massage results in elevated oxytocin levels compared to a control condition, but that the effects of massage are dependent on experiences of emotional maltreatment. Men with experiences of emotional maltreatment showed lower oxytocin levels, which did not increase after massage. Furthermore, we found that high oxytocin levels after massage were related to reduced handgrip force during exposure to infant crying and laughter, indicating that massage stimulates a sensitive response to infant signals by stimulating oxytocin release. Although massage did not affect oxytocin levels in individuals with experiences of maltreatment, it reduced the use of handgrip force in response to infant crying and laughter in these individuals. Our findings indicate that emotional maltreatment is associated with atypical responding to stimulation of endogenous oxytocin release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madelon M E Riem
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, The Netherlands; Centre for Child and Family Studies, Leiden University, The Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Pietro De Carli
- University of Padua, Padua, Italy; University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Marinus H van IJzendoorn
- Centre for Child and Family Studies, Leiden University, The Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marielle Linting
- Centre for Child and Family Studies, Leiden University, The Netherlands
| | - Karen M Grewen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Marian J Bakermans-Kranenburg
- Centre for Child and Family Studies, Leiden University, The Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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37
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Gouin JP, Zhou QQ, Booij L, Boivin M, Côté SM, Hébert M, Ouellet-Morin I, Szyf M, Tremblay RE, Turecki G, Vitaro F. Associations among oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) DNA methylation in adulthood, exposure to early life adversity, and childhood trajectories of anxiousness. Sci Rep 2017; 7:7446. [PMID: 28785027 PMCID: PMC5547144 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-07950-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent models propose deoxyribonucleic acid methylation of key neuro-regulatory genes as a molecular mechanism underlying the increased risk of mental disorder associated with early life adversity (ELA). The goal of this study was to examine the association of ELA with oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) methylation among young adults. Drawing from a 21-year longitudinal cohort, we compared adulthood OXTR methylation frequency of 46 adults (23 males and 23 females) selected for high or low ELA exposure based on childhood socioeconomic status and exposure to physical and sexual abuse during childhood and adolescence. Associations between OXTR methylation and teacher-rated childhood trajectories of anxiousness were also assessed. ELA exposure was associated with one significant CpG site in the first intron among females, but not among males. Similarly, childhood trajectories of anxiousness were related to one significant CpG site within the promoter region among females, but not among males. This study suggests that females might be more sensitive to the impact of ELA on OXTR methylation than males.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Gouin
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada.
- Research Unit on Children's Psychosocial Maladjustment (GRIP), University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Q Q Zhou
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
| | - L Booij
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
- Research Unit on Children's Psychosocial Maladjustment (GRIP), University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - M Boivin
- Research Unit on Children's Psychosocial Maladjustment (GRIP), Laval University, Québec, Canada
- Institute of Genetic, Neurobiological, and Social Foundations of Child Development, Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russian Federation
- School of Psychology, Laval University, Québec, Canada
| | - S M Côté
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
- Research Unit on Children's Psychosocial Maladjustment (GRIP), University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
- Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, INSERM and Bordeaux University, Bordeaux, France
| | - M Hébert
- Department of Sexology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - I Ouellet-Morin
- Research Unit on Children's Psychosocial Maladjustment (GRIP), University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Criminology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - M Szyf
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - R E Tremblay
- Research Unit on Children's Psychosocial Maladjustment (GRIP), University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
- School of Public Health, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - G Turecki
- Research Unit on Children's Psychosocial Maladjustment (GRIP), University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - F Vitaro
- Research Unit on Children's Psychosocial Maladjustment (GRIP), University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
- School of Psychoeducation, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
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38
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Verhees MWFT, Ceulemans E, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ, van IJzendoorn MH, de Winter S, Bosmans G. The effects of Cognitive Bias Modification training and oxytocin administration on trust in maternal support: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2017; 18:326. [PMID: 28709470 PMCID: PMC5513044 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-017-2077-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lack of trust in parental support is a transdiagnostic risk factor for the development of psychological problems throughout the lifespan. Research suggests that children's cognitive attachment representations and related information processing biases could be an important target for interventions aiming to build trust in the parent-child relationship. A paradigm that can alter these biases and increase trust is that of Cognitive Bias Modification (CBM), during which a target processing bias is systematically trained. Trust-related CBM training effects could possibly be enhanced by oxytocin, a neuropeptide that has been proposed to play an important role in social information processing and social relationships. The present article describes the study protocol for a double-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed at testing the individual and combined effects of CBM training and oxytocin administration on trust in maternal support. METHODS/DESIGN One hundred children (aged 8-12 years) are randomly assigned to one of four intervention conditions. Participants inhale a nasal spray that either contains oxytocin (OT) or a placebo. Additionally, they receive either a CBM training aimed at positively modifying trust-related information processing bias or a neutral placebo training aimed to have no trust-related effects. Main and interaction effects of the interventions are assessed on three levels of trust-related outcome measures: trust-related interpretation bias; self-reported trust; and mother-child interactional behavior. Importantly, side-effects of a single administration of OT in middle childhood are monitored closely to provide further information on the safety of OT administration in this age group. DISCUSSION The present RCT is the first study to combine CBM training with oxytocin to test for individual and combined effects on trust in mother. If effective, CBM training and oxytocin could be easily applicable and nonintrusive additions to interventions that target trust in the context of the parent-child relationship. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02737254 . Registered on 23 March 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine W. F. T. Verhees
- Parenting and Special Education Research Unit, KU Leuven, Leopold Vanderkelenstraat 32, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eva Ceulemans
- Quantitative Psychology and Individual Differences Research Unit, KU Leuven, Tiensestraat 102, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Marinus H. van IJzendoorn
- Centre for Child and Family Studies, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333 AK Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Simon de Winter
- Parenting and Special Education Research Unit, KU Leuven, Leopold Vanderkelenstraat 32, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Guy Bosmans
- Parenting and Special Education Research Unit, KU Leuven, Leopold Vanderkelenstraat 32, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Herbeck YE, Gulevich RG, Shepeleva DV, Grinevich VV. Oxytocin: Coevolution of human and domesticated animals. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1134/s2079059717030042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Kim S, Strathearn L. Trauma, Mothering, and Intergenerational Transmission: A Synthesis of Behavioral and Oxytocin Research. PSYCHOANALYTIC STUDY OF THE CHILD 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/00797308.2016.1277897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sohye Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine
- Center for Reproductive Psychiatry, Pavilion for Women, Texas Children’s Hospital
| | - Lane Strathearn
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
- Center for Disabilities and Development, University of Iowa Children’s Hospital
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Niwayama R, Nishitani S, Takamura T, Shinohara K, Honda S, Miyamura T, Nakao Y, Oishi K, Araki-Nagahashi M. Oxytocin Mediates a Calming Effect on Postpartum Mood in Primiparous Mothers. Breastfeed Med 2017; 12:103-109. [PMID: 28103103 DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2016.0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The current study sought to characterize changes in salivary oxytocin (OT) secretion patterns across the breastfeeding cycle, and to evaluate whether breastfeeding has a positive effect on mood disturbances related to postpartum depression, via endogenous OT release. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-four primiparous mothers who delivered vaginally at term and were exclusively breastfeeding were examined 4-5 days postpartum. Salivary OT was measured using enzyme immunoassays at 30 minutes before breastfeeding (baseline), during breastfeeding (feeding), and 30 minutes after completing breastfeeding (postfeeding). In addition, maternal mood changes were evaluated at baseline and postfeeding using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire. RESULTS OT levels rose significantly during feeding (pcorr < .05) and postfeeding (pcorr < 0.05), compared with baseline. POMS scores for Tension-Anxiety were decreased postfeeding compared with baseline (p < 0.001). This decrease was significantly associated with increased OT (feeding minus baseline: r = -0.52, rpart = -0.51, postfeeding minus baseline: r = -0.53, rpart = -0.52, ps < 0.05). POMS scores for Fatigue and Confusion also decreased, while Vigor significantly increased. Significant correlations were found between Fatigue decreases and OT increases (feeding minus baseline: r = -0.48, rpart = -0.53, postfeeding minus baseline: rpart = -0.60, ps < 0.05). This result partially contradicted with the finding of no correlation between increased Vigor and increased OT. CONCLUSIONS OT is released across the breastfeeding cycle and can be detected with salivary measurement. This OT release exhibited a temporary anxiolytic-like calming effect on postpartum maternal mood disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Risa Niwayama
- 1 Unit of Nursing, Department of Reproductive Health, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University , Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Shota Nishitani
- 2 Unit of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Course of Medical and Dental Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University , Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Tsunehiko Takamura
- 2 Unit of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Course of Medical and Dental Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University , Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Shinohara
- 2 Unit of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Course of Medical and Dental Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University , Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Sumihisa Honda
- 3 Unit of Nursing, Department of Public Health Nursing, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University , Nagasaki, Japan
| | | | - Yuko Nakao
- 5 Research Field in Medicine and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kagoshima University , Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Kazuyo Oishi
- 1 Unit of Nursing, Department of Reproductive Health, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University , Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Miyuki Araki-Nagahashi
- 1 Unit of Nursing, Department of Reproductive Health, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University , Nagasaki, Japan
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Hecht EE, Robins DL, Gautam P, King TZ. Intranasal oxytocin reduces social perception in women: Neural activation and individual variation. Neuroimage 2017; 147:314-329. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2016.12.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Revised: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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Sippel LM, Allington CE, Pietrzak RH, Harpaz-Rotem I, Mayes LC, Olff M. Oxytocin and Stress-related Disorders: Neurobiological Mechanisms and Treatment Opportunities. CHRONIC STRESS (THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF.) 2017; 1:2470547016687996. [PMID: 28649672 PMCID: PMC5482285 DOI: 10.1177/2470547016687996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Novel pharmacotherapies that improve outcomes for individuals with stress-related psychiatric disorders are needed. The neurohormone oxytocin (OT) is a promising candidate given its influence on the social-emotional brain. In this review, we present an overview of evidence supporting OT's utility for treating major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder. We first discuss endogenous OT, which research suggests is not yet a reliable biomarker of stress-related disorders. Second, we review effects of intranasal (IN) OT on processes relevant to stress-related disorders in healthy populations (anhedonia, reward processing, psychosocial stress reactivity, fear/anxiety, and social behavior) and their neurobiological mechanisms (e.g., the salience network and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis). Third, we present the sparse but promising findings from clinical populations, followed by discussion of critical moderating variables to consider in the service of maximizing the therapeutic potential of OT (e.g., patient sex and child maltreatment). We also identify heterogeneous findings and limitations of existing research, including reliance on single-dose studies in psychiatrically healthy samples and unanswered questions regarding the effectiveness of IN drug delivery and dosing schedules. Well-controlled multidose studies including women and measures of potentially moderating variables are sorely needed and would inform our understanding of the utility of OT for preventing and treating stress-related psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M. Sippel
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Clinical Neurosciences Division,
VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale
University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Robert H. Pietrzak
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Clinical Neurosciences Division,
VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale
University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ilan Harpaz-Rotem
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Clinical Neurosciences Division,
VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale
University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Miranda Olff
- Department of Psychiatry, Academic
Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group, Diemen,
The Netherlands
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Abstract
The expression of emotion in faces serves numerous meaningful functions, such as conveying messages of danger or approach, facilitating communication, and promoting the formation of social bonds and relationships. The study of facial expressions of emotion has become integral to research in social psychology and social neuroscience, particularly with respect to the neuropeptide oxytocin. This chapter examines how oxytocin influences the processing of emotion in faces by reviewing intranasal administration studies of automatic processing, selective attention, and emotion recognition. Two important trends in the literature have been identified: exogenous oxytocin attenuates early attentional biases towards negative stimuli and increases selective attention and recognition of emotional cues in faces, particularly around the eyes. Both of these effects can be traced to well-delineated neural circuits involving amygdala, early visual processing areas, and reward circuits, and both purportedly facilitate approach-related behavior when affiliative opportunities are available. These data are integrated into a conceptual model incorporating contextual factors and moderating influences, as oxytocinergic effects on cognition and social behavior appear to vary in persons along indices of social competence, interpersonal sensitivity, and early adversity. Limitations of this literature and future directions for research are briefly discussed.
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Abstract
In the present chapter, we review the literature focusing on oxytocin (OT)-centered research in anxiety spectrum conditions, comprising separation anxiety disorder, specific phobias, social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and anxiety-related endophenotypes (e.g., trust behavior, behavioral inhibition, neuroticism, and state/trait anxiety). OT receptor gene (OXTR) polymorphisms have been implicated in gene-environment interactions with attachment style and childhood maltreatment and to influence clinical outcomes, including SAD intensity and limbic responsiveness. Epigenetic OXTR DNA methylation patterns have emerged as a link between categorical, dimensional, neuroendocrinological, and neuroimaging SAD correlates, highlighting them as potential peripheral surrogates of the central oxytocinergic tone. A pathophysiological framework of OT integrating the dynamic nature of epigenetic biomarkers and the summarized genetic and peripheral evidence is proposed. Finally, we emphasize opportunities and challenges of OT as a key network node of social interaction and fear learning in social contexts. In conjunction with multi-level investigations incorporating a dimensional understanding of social affiliation and avoidance in anxiety spectrum disorders, these concepts will help to promote research for diagnostic, state, and treatment response biomarkers of the OT system, advancing towards indicated preventive interventions and personalized treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Gottschalk
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Margarete-Höppel-Platz 1, Würzburg, 97080, Germany
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hauptstrasse 5, Freiburg im Breisgau, 79104, Germany.
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Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) has emerged as a potent modulator of diverse aspects of interpersonal relationships. OT appears to work in close interaction with several other neurotransmitter networks, including the dopaminergic reward circuit, and to be dependent on sex-specific hormonal influences. In this chapter, we focus on four main domains of OT and interpersonal relationships, including (1) the protective effect of OT on an individual's ability to withstand stress (i.e., stress buffering), (2) the effect of OT on emotion recognition and empathy, (3) OT's ability to enhance social synchrony and cooperation among individuals, and (4) the effect of OT on an individual's perception of social touch. We then illustrate the connection between OT and loneliness while grieving the loss of a loved one. We finish by discussing the clinical potential of OT, focusing on its potential role as an adjunct to psychotherapy, its enhancement through sex-specific hormonal influences, and the difficulties that present themselves when considering OT as a therapy. Overall, we argue that OT continues to hold strong therapeutic promise, but that it is strongly dependent on internal and external influences, for instance the patient's personal past experiences and interaction with the therapist, in order to provide the best possible therapy.
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Toepfer P, Heim C, Entringer S, Binder E, Wadhwa P, Buss C. Oxytocin pathways in the intergenerational transmission of maternal early life stress. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 73:293-308. [PMID: 28027955 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Severe stress in early life, such as childhood abuse and neglect, constitutes a major risk factor in the etiology of psychiatric disorders and somatic diseases. Importantly, these long-term effects may impact the next generation. The intergenerational transmission of maternal early life stress (ELS) may occur via pre-and postnatal pathways, such as alterations in maternal-fetal-placental stress physiology, maternal depression during pregnancy and postpartum, as well as impaired mother-offspring interactions. The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) has gained considerable attention for its role in modulating all of these assumed transmission pathways. Moreover, central and peripheral OT signaling pathways are highly sensitive to environmental exposures and may be compromised by ELS with implications for these putative transmission mechanisms. Together, these data suggest that OT pathways play an important role in the intergenerational transmission of maternal ELS in humans. By integrating recent studies on gene-environment interactions and epigenetic modifications in OT pathway genes, the present review aims to develop a conceptual framework of intergenerational transmission of maternal ELS that emphasizes the role of OT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Toepfer
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Luisenstraße 57, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christine Heim
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Luisenstraße 57, 10117, Berlin, Germany; Department of Biobehavioral Health, Penn State University, 219 Biobehavioral Health Building University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Sonja Entringer
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Luisenstraße 57, 10117, Berlin, Germany; UC Irvine Development, Health and Disease Research Program, 333 The City Blvd. W, Suite 810, Orange, CA, 92868, USA
| | - Elisabeth Binder
- Max-Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804, Munich, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, School of Medicine Atlanta, GA, 30307, USA
| | - Pathik Wadhwa
- UC Irvine Development, Health and Disease Research Program, 333 The City Blvd. W, Suite 810, Orange, CA, 92868, USA
| | - Claudia Buss
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Luisenstraße 57, 10117, Berlin, Germany; UC Irvine Development, Health and Disease Research Program, 333 The City Blvd. W, Suite 810, Orange, CA, 92868, USA.
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Abstract
AbstractVariation in the quality of parental care has a tremendous impact on a child's social–emotional development. Research investigating the predictors of this variability in human caregiving behavior has mostly focused on learning mechanisms. Evidence is currently accumulating for the complementary underlying role of steroid hormones and neuropeptides. An overview is provided of the hormones and neuropeptides relevant for human caregiving behavior. Then the developmental factors are described that stimulate variability in sensitivity to these hormones and neuropeptides, which may result in variability in the behavioral repertoire of caregiving. The role of genetic variation in neuropeptide and steroid receptors, the role of testosterone and oxytocin during fetal development and parturition, and the impact of experienced caregiving in childhood on functioning of the neuroendocrine stress and oxytocin system are discussed. Besides providing a heuristic framework for further research on the ontogenetic development of human caregiving, a neuroendocrine model is also presented for the intergenerational transmission of caregiving practices. Insight into the underlying biological mechanisms that bring about maladaptive caregiving behavior, such as neglect and insensitive parenting, will hopefully result in more efficient approaches to reduce the high prevalence of such behavior and to minimize the impact on those affected.
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Marazziti D, Baroni S, Giannaccini G, Catena-Dell'Osso M, Piccinni A, Massimetti G, Dell'Osso L. Plasma Oxytocin Levels in Untreated Adult Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Patients. Neuropsychobiology 2016; 72:74-80. [PMID: 26509891 DOI: 10.1159/000438756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Given the paucity of information on the possible role of oxytocin (OT) in the pathophysiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), our study aimed at evaluating plasma OT levels in a group of 44 OCD outpatients, as compared with a similar group of healthy control subjects. At the same time, the relationships between OT and clinical features and romantic attachment characteristics were examined as well. METHODS Diagnosis was assessed according to DSM-IV-TR criteria, while the OCD severity was measured by means of the Y-BOCS rating scale. All patients were drug free and not depressed. The romantic attachment was assessed by means of the Italian version of the 'Experiences in Close Relationships' questionnaire. Plasma OT levels were evaluated by means of a standard RIA kit. RESULTS The main findings of our study showed that OT levels were increased in OCD patients, as compared with healthy subjects, and negatively related to symptom severity. Positive relationships were detected between OT levels and the fearful-avoidant and dismissing styles of romantic attachments, but only in male OCD patients. CONCLUSION Taken together, these findings suggest that OT may play a role in OCD pathophysiology and also in the romantic attachment of patients with gender specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Marazziti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Abstract
This broad review elaborates on the most up-to-date knowledge on biochemical and psychobiological aspects of parental loss and other childhood adversities during divorce involving minor children. So far, divorce involving minor children was unfortunately considered by authorities only as a purely juridical problem, and this approach has often allowed a completely different approach according to the Courts. Now, scientific research, also making use of animal models, is demonstrating the biological basis of the problem and the indisputable consequences on the well-being and health of children. The innovative conclusion of this review is that this argument (because of its frequency and gravity) is primarily a question of public health and that it is necessary to further harmonize practices in this area.
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