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Freeman SM, Catrow JL, Cox JE, Turano A, Rich MA, Ihrig HP, Poudyal N, Chang CWT, Gese EM, Young JK, Olsen AL. Binding Affinity, Selectivity, and Pharmacokinetics of the Oxytocin Receptor Antagonist L-368,899 in the Coyote ( Canis latrans). Comp Med 2024; 74:3-11. [PMID: 38532262 PMCID: PMC10938559 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-cm-23-000044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
L-368,899 is a selective small-molecule oxytocin receptor (OXTR) antagonist originally developed in the 1990s to prevent preterm labor. Although its utility for that purpose was limited, L-368,899 is now one of the most commonly used drugs in animal research for the selective blockade of neural OXTR after peripheral delivery. A growing number of rodent and primate studies have used L-368,899 to evaluate whether certain behaviors are oxytocin dependent. These studies have improved our understanding of oxytocin's function in the brains of rodents and monkeys, but very little work has been done in other mammals, and only a single paper in macaques has provided any evidence that L-368,899 can be detected in the CNS after peripheral delivery. The current study sought to extend those findings in a novel species: coyotes ( Canis latrans ). Coyotes are ubiquitous North American canids that form long-term monogamous pair-bonds. Although monogamy is rare in rodents and primates, all wild canid species studied to date exhibit social monogamy. Coyotes are therefore an excellent model organism for the study of oxytocin and social bonds. Our goal was to determine whether L-368,899 is a viable candidate for future use in behavioral studies in coyotes. We used captive coyotes at the USDA National Wildlife Research Center's Predator Research Facility to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of L-368,899 in blood and CSF during a 90-min time course after intramuscular injection. We then characterized the binding affinity and selectivity of L-368,899 to coyote OXTR and the structurally similar vasopressin 1a receptor. We found that L-368,899 peaked in CSF at 15 to 30 min after intramuscular injection and slowly accumulated in blood. L-368,899 was 40 times more selective for OXTR than vasopressin 1a receptors and bound to the coyote OXTR with an affinity of 12 nM. These features of L-368,899 support its utility in future studies to probe the oxytocin system of coyotes.
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Key Words
- avp, arginine vasopressin
- avpr1a, vasopressin 1a receptor
- lva, linearized vasopressin antagonist
- mrm, multiple reaction monitoring
- nwrc, national wildlife research center
- obd, optical binding values
- ovta, ornithine vasotocin analog
- oxt, oxytocin
- oxtr, oxytocin receptor
- ptfe, polytetrafluoroethylene
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Freeman
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, Utah
| | - J Leon Catrow
- Metabolomics, Proteomics, and Mass Spectrometry Cores, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - James Eric Cox
- Metabolomics, Proteomics, and Mass Spectrometry Cores, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | | | - McKenna A Rich
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, Utah
| | | | - Naveena Poudyal
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Utah State University, Logan, Utah
| | | | - Eric M Gese
- Department of Wildland Resources, Utah State University, Logan, Utah
- Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan, Utah
- US Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Predator Research Facility, Millville, Utah; and
| | - Julie K Young
- Department of Wildland Resources, Utah State University, Logan, Utah
- Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan, Utah
- US Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Predator Research Facility, Millville, Utah; and
| | - Aaron L Olsen
- Animal Dairy and Veterinary Sciences Department, Utah State University, Logan, Utah
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Frehner SS, Dooley KT, Palumbo MC, Smith AL, Goodman MM, Bales KL, Freeman SM. Effect of sex and autism spectrum disorder on oxytocin receptor binding and mRNA expression in the dopaminergic pars compacta of the human substantia nigra. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210118. [PMID: 35858098 PMCID: PMC9272142 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin is an endogenous neuropeptide hormone that influences social behaviour and bonding in mammals. Variations in oxytocin receptor (OXTR) expression may play a role in the social deficits seen in autism spectrum disorder. Previous studies from our laboratory found a dense population of OXTR in the human substantia nigra (SN), a basal ganglia structure in the midbrain that is important in both movement and reward pathways. Here, we explore whether differences in OXTR can be identified in the dopaminergic SN pars compacta of individuals with autism. Postmortem human brain tissue specimens were processed for OXTR autoradiography from four groups: males with autism, females with autism, typically developing (TD) males and TD females. We found that females with autism had significantly lower levels of OXTR than the other groups. To examine potential gene expression differences, we performed in situ hybridization in adjacent slides to visualize and quantify OXTR mRNA as well as mRNA for tyrosine hydroxylase. We found no differences in mRNA levels for either gene across the four groups. These results suggest that a dysregulation in local OXTR protein translation or increased OXTR internalization/recycling may contribute to the differences in social symptoms seen in females with autism. This article is part of the theme issue 'Interplays between oxytocin and other neuromodulators in shaping complex social behaviours'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sage S. Frehner
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Kip T. Dooley
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Michelle C. Palumbo
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Aaron L. Smith
- Department of Radiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Mark M. Goodman
- Department of Radiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Karen L. Bales
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Sara M. Freeman
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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3
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Freeman SM. Using Receptor Autoradiography to Visualize and Quantify Oxytocin and Vasopressin 1a Receptors in the Human and Nonhuman Primate Brain. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2384:105-125. [PMID: 34550571 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1759-5_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Despite its development almost 40 years ago, receptor autoradiography remains a regular and reliable practice for the localization of oxytocin and vasopressin receptors in brain tissue sections. It is used across many laboratories, institutions, and animal species to characterize and quantify the distribution and density of these receptors at baseline and/or in response to experimental manipulations or lived experience. This powerful tool and the neuroanatomical receptor maps that it generates have allowed researchers to more accurately investigate and understand the neural substrates upon which oxytocin and vasopressin act to affect behavior. Researchers have used these maps to design site-specific pharmacological manipulations and electrophysiological recordings in animal studies to directly probe the underlying neural mechanisms in this system. This methods chapter describes the specific procedures by which a pharmacologically optimized, competitive binding modification to receptor autoradiography can be used to reliably localize oxytocin and vasopressin receptors in the human brain and in the brains of nonhuman primates. The ability to reliably perform receptor autoradiography for these targets in human brain tissue can finally inform our interpretation of past intranasal oxytocin neuroimaging studies and allows us to move past the reliance on transcriptomic studies using brain tissue homogenates so that we can directly investigate the involvement of oxytocin and vasopressin receptors in human behavior, physiology, and neuropsychiatric disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Freeman
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA.
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Jucaite A, Stenkrona P, Cselényi Z, De Vita S, Buil-Bruna N, Varnäs K, Savage A, Varrone A, Johnström P, Schou M, Davison C, Sykes A, Pilla Reddy V, Hoch M, Vazquez-Romero A, Moein MM, Halldin C, Merchant MS, Pass M, Farde L. Brain exposure of the ATM inhibitor AZD1390 in humans-a positron emission tomography study. Neuro Oncol 2021; 23:687-696. [PMID: 33123736 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noaa238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The protein kinase ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) mediates cellular response to DNA damage induced by radiation. ATM inhibition decreases DNA damage repair in tumor cells and affects tumor growth. AZD1390 is a novel, highly potent, selective ATM inhibitor designed to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and currently evaluated with radiotherapy in a phase I study in patients with brain malignancies. In the present study, PET was used to measure brain exposure of 11C-labeled AZD1390 after intravenous (i.v.) bolus administration in healthy subjects with an intact BBB. METHODS AZD1390 was radiolabeled with carbon-11 and a microdose (mean injected mass 1.21 µg) was injected in 8 male subjects (21-65 y). The radioactivity concentration of [11C]AZD1390 in brain was measured using a high-resolution PET system. Radioactivity in arterial blood was measured to obtain a metabolite corrected arterial input function for quantitative image analysis. Participants were monitored by laboratory examinations, vital signs, electrocardiogram, adverse events. RESULTS The brain radioactivity concentration of [11C]AZD1390 was 0.64 SUV (standard uptake value) and reached maximum 1.00% of injected dose at Tmax[brain] of 21 min (time of maximum brain radioactivity concentration) after i.v. injection. The whole brain total distribution volume was 5.20 mL*cm-3. No adverse events related to [11C]AZD1390 were reported. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that [11C]AZD1390 crosses the intact BBB and supports development of AZD1390 for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme or other brain malignancies. Moreover, it illustrates the potential of PET microdosing in predicting and guiding dose range and schedule for subsequent clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurelija Jucaite
- PET Science Centre, Precision Medicine and Biosamples, R&D, AstraZeneca, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Stenkrona
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Zsolt Cselényi
- PET Science Centre, Precision Medicine and Biosamples, R&D, AstraZeneca, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Nuria Buil-Bruna
- Clinical Pharmacology and Quantitative Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Katarina Varnäs
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Andrea Varrone
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peter Johnström
- PET Science Centre, Precision Medicine and Biosamples, R&D, AstraZeneca, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Magnus Schou
- PET Science Centre, Precision Medicine and Biosamples, R&D, AstraZeneca, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Andy Sykes
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Matthias Hoch
- Clinical Pharmacology and Quantitative Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ana Vazquez-Romero
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mohammad Mahdi Moein
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christer Halldin
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Lars Farde
- PET Science Centre, Precision Medicine and Biosamples, R&D, AstraZeneca, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
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Exogenous effects of oxytocin in five psychiatric disorders: a systematic review, meta-analyses and a personalized approach through the lens of the social salience hypothesis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 114:70-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Freeman SM, Palumbo MC, Lawrence RH, Smith AL, Goodman MM, Bales KL. Effect of age and autism spectrum disorder on oxytocin receptor density in the human basal forebrain and midbrain. Transl Psychiatry 2018; 8:257. [PMID: 30514927 PMCID: PMC6279786 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-018-0315-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The prosocial hormone oxytocin (OXT) has become a new target for research on the etiology and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a condition characterized by deficits in social function. However, it remains unknown whether there are alterations in OXT receptor (OXTR) levels in the ASD brain. This study quantified the density of OXTR and of the structurally related vasopressin 1a receptor (AVPR1a) in postmortem brain tissue from individuals with ASD and typically developing individuals. We analyzed two regions known to contain OXTR across all primates studied to date: the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM), which mediates visual attention, and the superior colliculus, which controls gaze direction. In the NBM specimens, we also analyzed the neighboring ventral pallidum (VP) and the external segment of the globus pallidus. In the superior colliculus specimens, we also analyzed the adjacent periaqueductal gray. We detected dense OXTR binding in the human NBM and VP and moderate to low OXTR binding in the human globus pallidus, superior colliculus, and periaqueductal gray. AVPR1a binding was negligible across all five regions in all specimens. Compared to controls, ASD specimens exhibited significantly higher OXTR binding in the NBM and significantly lower OXTR binding in the VP, an area in the mesolimbic reward pathway. There was no effect of ASD on OXTR binding in the globus pallidus, superior colliculus, or periaqueductal gray. We also found a significant negative correlation between age and OXTR binding in the VP across all specimens. Further analysis revealed a peak in OXTR binding in the VP in early childhood of typically developing individuals, which was absent in ASD. This pattern suggests a possible early life critical period, which is lacking in ASD, where this important reward area becomes maximally sensitive to OXT binding. These results provide unique neurobiological insight into human social development and the social symptoms of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M. Freeman
- 0000 0004 1936 9684grid.27860.3bDepartment of Psychology, California National Primate Research Center, University of California-Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616 USA
| | - Michelle C. Palumbo
- 0000 0004 1936 9684grid.27860.3bDepartment of Psychology, California National Primate Research Center, University of California-Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616 USA
| | - Rebecca H. Lawrence
- 0000 0004 1936 9684grid.27860.3bDepartment of Psychology, California National Primate Research Center, University of California-Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616 USA
| | - Aaron L. Smith
- 0000 0001 0941 6502grid.189967.8Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA 30329 USA
| | - Mark M. Goodman
- 0000 0001 0941 6502grid.189967.8Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, 1841 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
| | - Karen L. Bales
- 0000 0004 1936 9684grid.27860.3bDepartment of Psychology, California National Primate Research Center, University of California-Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616 USA
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7
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Jurek B, Neumann ID. The Oxytocin Receptor: From Intracellular Signaling to Behavior. Physiol Rev 2018; 98:1805-1908. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00031.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 408] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The many facets of the oxytocin (OXT) system of the brain and periphery elicited nearly 25,000 publications since 1930 (see FIGURE 1 , as listed in PubMed), which revealed central roles for OXT and its receptor (OXTR) in reproduction, and social and emotional behaviors in animal and human studies focusing on mental and physical health and disease. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of OXT expression and release, expression and binding of the OXTR in brain and periphery, OXTR-coupled signaling cascades, and their involvement in behavioral outcomes to assemble a comprehensive picture of the central and peripheral OXT system. Traditionally known for its role in milk let-down and uterine contraction during labor, OXT also has implications in physiological, and also behavioral, aspects of reproduction, such as sexual and maternal behaviors and pair bonding, but also anxiety, trust, sociability, food intake, or even drug abuse. The many facets of OXT are, on a molecular basis, brought about by a single receptor. The OXTR, a 7-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor capable of binding to either Gαior Gαqproteins, activates a set of signaling cascades, such as the MAPK, PKC, PLC, or CaMK pathways, which converge on transcription factors like CREB or MEF-2. The cellular response to OXT includes regulation of neurite outgrowth, cellular viability, and increased survival. OXTergic projections in the brain represent anxiety and stress-regulating circuits connecting the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, or the medial prefrontal cortex. Which OXT-induced patterns finally alter the behavior of an animal or a human being is still poorly understood, and studying those OXTR-coupled signaling cascades is one initial step toward a better understanding of the molecular background of those behavioral effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Jurek
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Inga D. Neumann
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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8
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Vidal B, Karpenko IA, Liger F, Fieux S, Bouillot C, Billard T, Hibert M, Zimmer L. [ 11 C]PF-3274167 as a PET radiotracer of oxytocin receptors: Radiosynthesis and evaluation in rat brain. Nucl Med Biol 2017; 55:1-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nucmedbio.2017.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Revised: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Marzano C, Jakobsen S, Salinas C, Tang SP, Bender D, Passchier J, Plisson C. Radiosynthesis and evaluation of 1-substituted 3-(2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-2-yl)-6-(1-ethylpropyl)-(3R,6R)-2,5-piperazinedione derivatives as PET tracers for imaging the central oxytocinergic system. J Labelled Comp Radiopharm 2017; 60:556-565. [PMID: 28670707 DOI: 10.1002/jlcr.3535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin is known to be implicated in a variety of functions, such as learning, stress, anxiety, feeding, and pain perception. Oxytocin is also important for social memory and attachment, human bonding, sexual and maternal behaviour, and aggression. Human disorders characterized by aberrant social interactions, such as autism and schizophrenia, may also involve abnormal oxytocin levels. GSK712043, GSK711320, and GSK664004, three antagonists exhibiting subnanomolar affinity for the human oxytocin receptor (hOTR) and high selectivity over vasopressin receptors were successfully labelled with carbon-11 with suitable yields (0.5-1GBq @EOS), high molar activity (275-700 GBq/μmol), and radiochemical purities. The in vivo regional uptake of these radiotracers was determined in porcine brain. [11 C]GSK711320 baseline scan showed no significant brain uptake, and limited initial uptake was observed following administration of [11 C]GSK712043 or [11 C]GSK664004. The [11 C]GSK712043 and [11 C]GSK664004 kinetics were slow and peaked at around 2%ID/L at 90 minutes post-injection. For both tracers, the distribution of activity was homogeneous throughout the brain. All the tracers showed high uptake in the pituitary gland, especially [11 C]GSK711320; however, its uptake could not be blocked by pretreatment with the known OTR antagonist, L368,899. In vivo evaluation of these candidates demonstrated that they are not suitable as central OTR PET imaging agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmine Marzano
- Imanova Limited, Burlington Danes Building, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | | | - Cristian Salinas
- Imanova Limited, Burlington Danes Building, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Sac Pham Tang
- Imanova Limited, Burlington Danes Building, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | | | - Jan Passchier
- Imanova Limited, Burlington Danes Building, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Christophe Plisson
- Imanova Limited, Burlington Danes Building, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
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10
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Intranasal oxytocin enhances intrinsic corticostriatal functional connectivity in women. Transl Psychiatry 2017; 7:e1099. [PMID: 28418398 PMCID: PMC5416709 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2017.72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Revised: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin may influence various human behaviors and the connectivity across subcortical and cortical networks. Previous oxytocin studies are male biased and often constrained by task-based inferences. Here, we investigate the impact of oxytocin on resting-state connectivity between subcortical and cortical networks in women. We collected resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data on 26 typically developing women 40 min following intranasal oxytocin administration using a double-blind placebo-controlled crossover design. Independent components analysis (ICA) was applied to examine connectivity between networks. An independent analysis of oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene expression in human subcortical and cortical areas was carried out to determine plausibility of direct oxytocin effects on OXTR. In women, OXTR was highly expressed in striatal and other subcortical regions, but showed modest expression in cortical areas. Oxytocin increased connectivity between corticostriatal circuitry typically involved in reward, emotion, social communication, language and pain processing. This effect was 1.39 standard deviations above the null effect of no difference between oxytocin and placebo. This oxytocin-related effect on corticostriatal connectivity covaried with autistic traits, such that oxytocin-related increase in connectivity was stronger in individuals with higher autistic traits. In sum, oxytocin strengthened corticostriatal connectivity in women, particularly with cortical networks that are involved in social-communicative, motivational and affective processes. This effect may be important for future work on neurological and psychiatric conditions (for example, autism), particularly through highlighting how oxytocin may operate differently for subsets of individuals.
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11
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Smith AL, Walum H, Connor-Stroud F, Freeman SM, Inoue K, Parr LA, Goodman MM, Young LJ. An evaluation of central penetration from a peripherally administered oxytocin receptor selective antagonist in nonhuman primates. Bioorg Med Chem 2016; 25:305-315. [PMID: 27838170 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2016.10.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The physiology of the oxytocin receptor has increasingly become a focus of scientific investigation due to its connection with social behavior and psychiatric disorders with impairments in social funciton. Experimental utilization of small molecule and peptide antagonists for the oxytocin receptor has played a role in deciphering these biological and social behavior connections in rodents. Described herein is the evaluation of a potent and selective oxytocin receptor antagonist, ALS-I-41, and details to consider for its use in nonhuman primate behavioral pharmacology experiments utilizing intranasal or intramuscular administration. The central nervous system penetration and rate of metabolism of ALS-I-41 was investigated via mass spectroscopy analysis of cerebrospinal fluid and plasma in the rhesus macaque after intranasal and intramuscular administration. Positron emission tomography was also utilized with [18F] ALS-I-41 in a macaque to verify observed central nervous system (CNS) penetration and to further evaluate the effects of administration rate on CNS penetration of Sprague-Dawley rats in comparison to previous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron L Smith
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Center for Systems Imaging, Emory University, 1841 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| | - Hasse Walum
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Fawn Connor-Stroud
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Sara M Freeman
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Kiyoshi Inoue
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Lisa A Parr
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Mark M Goodman
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Center for Systems Imaging, Emory University, 1841 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Larry J Young
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
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12
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Vaidyanathan R, Hammock EA. Oxytocin receptor dynamics in the brain across development and species. Dev Neurobiol 2016; 77:143-157. [DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Radhika Vaidyanathan
- Department of Psychology; Florida State University; Tallahassee FL
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University; Tallahassee FL
| | - Elizabeth A.D. Hammock
- Department of Psychology; Florida State University; Tallahassee FL
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University; Tallahassee FL
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13
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Initial investigation of three selective and potent small molecule oxytocin receptor PET ligands in New World monkeys. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2016; 26:3370-3375. [PMID: 27209233 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.04.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin is part of a neuroendocrine system that has physiological effects ranging from ensuring uterine myometrial contractions at parturition and post-partum mammary gland milk ejection to the modulation of neural control of social relationships. This initial study was performed to investigate the potential use of positron emission tomography (PET) for localizing oxytocin receptors in two New World primates. Three biomarkers for PET (1-3) that are known to have high affinity and selectivity for the human oxytocin receptor were investigated in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) via PET imaging. Brain penetration, and uptake in the salivary gland area were both observed with biomarkers 2 and 3. No brain penetration was observed with 1, but uptake was observed more specifically in several peripheral endocrine glands compared to 2 or 3. Biomarker 2, which displayed the best brain penetration of the three biomarkers in the marmoset, was then investigated in the monogamous coppery titi monkey (Callicebus cupreus) in a brain scan and a limited full body scan. No significant brain penetration of 2 was observed in the titi monkey, but significant uptake was observed in various locations throughout the periphery. Metabolism of 2 was suspected to have been significant based upon HPLC analysis of blood draws, but parent compound was still present near the end of the scan. Follow-up investigations will focus on next generation biomarkers bearing improved binding characteristics and brain penetrability as well as investigating tissue in regions where biomarker uptake was observed.
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Freeman SM, Young LJ. Comparative Perspectives on Oxytocin and Vasopressin Receptor Research in Rodents and Primates: Translational Implications. J Neuroendocrinol 2016; 28. [PMID: 26940141 PMCID: PMC4886472 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Revised: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In the last several decades, sophisticated experimental techniques have been used to determine the neurobiology of the oxytocin and vasopressin systems in rodents. Using a suite of methodologies, including electrophysiology, site-specific selective pharmacology, receptor autoradiography, in vivo microdialysis, and genetic and optogenetic manipulations, we have gained unprecedented knowledge about how these neuropeptides engage neural circuits to regulate behaviour, particularly social behaviour. Based on this foundation of information from rodent studies, we have started generating new hypotheses and frameworks about how the oxytocin and vasopressin systems could be acting in humans to influence social cognition. However, despite the recent inundation of publications using intranasal oxytocin in humans, we still know very little about the neurophysiology of the oxytocin system in primates more broadly. Furthermore, the design and analysis of these human studies have remained largely uninformed of the potential neurobiological mechanisms underlying their findings. Although the methods available for studying the oxytocin and vasopressin systems in humans are incredibly limited as a result of practical and ethical considerations, there is great potential to fill the gaps in our knowledge by developing better nonhuman primate models of social functioning. Behavioural pharmacology and receptor autoradiography have been used to study the oxytocin and vasopressin systems in nonhuman primates, and there is now great potential to broaden our understanding of the neurobiology of these systems. In this review, we discuss comparative findings in receptor distributions in rodents and primates, with perspectives on the functionality of conserved regions of expression in these distinct mammalian clades. We also identify specific ways that established technologies can be used to answer basic research questions in primates. Finally, we highlight areas of future research in nonhuman primates that are experimentally poised to yield critical insights into the anatomy, physiology and behavioural effects of the oxytocin system, given its remarkable translational potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Freeman
- Department of Psychology, California National Primate Research Center, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Larry J Young
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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15
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Freeman SM, Smith AL, Goodman MM, Bales KL. Selective localization of oxytocin receptors and vasopressin 1a receptors in the human brainstem. Soc Neurosci 2016; 12:113-123. [PMID: 26911439 DOI: 10.1080/17470919.2016.1156570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Intranasal oxytocin (OT) affects a suite of human social behaviors, including trust, eye contact, and emotion recognition. However, it is unclear where oxytocin receptors (OXTR) and the structurally related vasopressin 1a receptors (AVPR1a) are expressed in the human brain. We have previously described a reliable, pharmacologically informed receptor autoradiography protocol for visualizing these receptors in postmortem primate brain tissue. We used this technique in human brainstem tissue to identify the neural targets of OT and vasopressin. To determine binding selectivity of the OXTR radioligand and AVPR1a radioligand, sections were incubated in four conditions: radioligand alone, radioligand with the selective AVPR1a competitor SR49059, and radioligand with a low or high concentration of the selective OXTR competitor ALS-II-69. We found selective OXTR binding in the spinal trigeminal nucleus, a conserved region of OXTR expression in all primate species investigated to date. We found selective AVPR1a binding in the nucleus prepositus, an area implicated in eye gaze stabilization. The tissue's postmortem interval (PMI) was not correlated with either the specific or nonspecific binding of either radioligand, indicating that it will not likely be a factor in similar postmortem studies. This study provides critical data for future studies of OXTR and AVPR1a in human brain tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Freeman
- a California National Primate Research Center , University of California-Davis , Davis , CA , USA
| | - Aaron L Smith
- b Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center , Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Mark M Goodman
- c Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Center for Systems Imaging , Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Karen L Bales
- d Department of Psychology , University of California-Davis , Davis , CA , USA
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16
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Wenzel B, Mollitor J, Deuther-Conrad W, Dukic-Stefanovic S, Kranz M, Vraka C, Teodoro R, Günther R, Donat CK, Ludwig FA, Fischer S, Smits R, Wadsak W, Mitterhauser M, Steinbach J, Hoepping A, Brust P. Development of a Novel Nonpeptidic 18F-Labeled Radiotracer for in Vivo Imaging of Oxytocin Receptors with Positron Emission Tomography. J Med Chem 2016; 59:1800-17. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b01080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Wenzel
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Research Site Leipzig, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals,, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jan Mollitor
- ABX Advanced Biochemical Compounds GmbH, 01454 Radeberg, Germany
| | - Winnie Deuther-Conrad
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Research Site Leipzig, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals,, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sladjana Dukic-Stefanovic
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Research Site Leipzig, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals,, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mathias Kranz
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Research Site Leipzig, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals,, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Chrysoula Vraka
- Radiopharmacy
and Experimental Nuclear Medicine, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Rodrigo Teodoro
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Research Site Leipzig, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals,, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Robert Günther
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Research Site Leipzig, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals,, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Cornelius K. Donat
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Research Site Leipzig, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals,, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Friedrich-Alexander Ludwig
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Research Site Leipzig, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals,, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Steffen Fischer
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Research Site Leipzig, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals,, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Rene Smits
- ABX Advanced Biochemical Compounds GmbH, 01454 Radeberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wadsak
- Radiopharmacy
and Experimental Nuclear Medicine, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Mitterhauser
- Radiopharmacy
and Experimental Nuclear Medicine, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jörg Steinbach
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Research Site Leipzig, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals,, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Peter Brust
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Research Site Leipzig, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals,, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
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Quintana DS, Guastella AJ, Westlye LT, Andreassen OA. The promise and pitfalls of intranasally administering psychopharmacological agents for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2016; 21:29-38. [PMID: 26552590 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2015.166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2015] [Revised: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating research demonstrates the potential of intranasal delivery of psychopharmacological agents to treat a range of psychiatric disorders and symptoms. It is believed that intranasal administration offers both direct and indirect pathways to deliver psychopharmacological agents to the central nervous system. This administration route provides a unique opportunity to repurpose both old drugs for new uses and improve currently approved drugs that are indicated for other administration routes. Despite this promise, however, the physiology of intranasal delivery and related assumptions behind the bypassing of the blood brain barrier is seldom considered in detail in clinical trials and translational research. In this review, we describe the current state of the art in intranasal psychopharmacological agent delivery research and current challenges using this administration route, and discuss important aspects of nose-to-brain delivery that may improve the efficacy of these new therapies in future research. We also highlight current gaps in the literature and suggest how research can directly examine the assumptions of nose-to-brain delivery of psychopharmacological agents in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- D S Quintana
- NORMENT, KG Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, University of Oslo, and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - A J Guastella
- Brain and Mind Center, Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - L T Westlye
- NORMENT, KG Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, University of Oslo, and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - O A Andreassen
- NORMENT, KG Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, University of Oslo, and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Baribeau DA, Anagnostou E. Oxytocin and vasopressin: linking pituitary neuropeptides and their receptors to social neurocircuits. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:335. [PMID: 26441508 PMCID: PMC4585313 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin and vasopressin are pituitary neuropeptides that have been shown to affect social processes in mammals. There is growing interest in these molecules and their receptors as potential precipitants of, and/or treatments for, social deficits in neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder. Numerous behavioral-genetic studies suggest that there is an association between these peptides and individual social abilities; however, an explanatory model that links hormonal activity at the receptor level to complex human behavior remains elusive. The following review summarizes the known associations between the oxytocin and vasopressin neuropeptide systems and social neurocircuits in the brain. Following a micro- to macro- level trajectory, current literature on the synthesis and secretion of these peptides, and the structure, function and distribution of their respective receptors is first surveyed. Next, current models regarding the mechanism of action of these peptides on microcircuitry and other neurotransmitter systems are discussed. Functional neuroimaging evidence on the acute effects of exogenous administration of these peptides on brain activity is then reviewed. Overall, a model in which the local neuromodulatory effects of pituitary neuropeptides on brainstem and basal forebrain regions strengthen signaling within social neurocircuits proves appealing. However, these findings are derived from animal models; more research is needed to clarify the relevance of these mechanisms to human behavior and treatment of social deficits in neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Autism Research Centre, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Toronto, ON, Canada
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19
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Mercedes Perez-Rodriguez M, Mahon K, Russo M, Ungar AK, Burdick KE. Oxytocin and social cognition in affective and psychotic disorders. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2015; 25:265-82. [PMID: 25153535 PMCID: PMC4443696 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2014.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2014] [Revised: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Impairments in social cognition are now recognized as core illness features in psychotic and affective disorders. Despite the significant disability caused by social cognitive abnormalities, treatments for this symptom dimension are lacking. Here, we describe the evidence demonstrating abnormalities in social cognition in schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder, as well as the neurobiology of social cognition including the role of oxytocin. We then review clinical trials of oxytocin administration in psychotic and affective disorders and the impact of this agent on social cognition. To date, several studies have demonstrated that oxytocin may improve social cognition in schizophrenia; too few studies have been conducted in affective disorders to determine the effect of oxytocin on social cognition in these disorders. Future work is needed to clarify which aspects of social cognition may be improved with oxytocin treatment in psychotic and affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mercedes Perez-Rodriguez
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Psychiatry Box # 1230 One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA; The Mental Health Patient Care Center and the Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 130 West Kingsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10468, USA; CIBERSAM, Autonoma University of Madrid, Fundacion Jimenez Diaz Hospital, Spain.
| | - Katie Mahon
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Psychiatry Box # 1230 One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Manuela Russo
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Psychiatry Box # 1230 One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Allison K Ungar
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Psychiatry Box # 1230 One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Katherine E Burdick
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Psychiatry Box # 1230 One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
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20
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Wigton R, Radua J, Allen P, Averbeck B, Meyer-Lindenberg A, McGuire P, Shergill SS, Fusar-Poli P. Neurophysiological effects of acute oxytocin administration: systematic review and meta-analysis of placebo-controlled imaging studies. J Psychiatry Neurosci 2015; 40:E1-22. [PMID: 25520163 PMCID: PMC4275335 DOI: 10.1503/jpn.130289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxytocin (OXT) plays a prominent role in social cognition and may have clinical applications for disorders such as autism, schizophrenia and social anxiety. The neural basis of its mechanism of action remains unclear. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature review of placebo-controlled imaging studies using OXT as a pharmacological manipulator of brain activity. RESULTS We identified a total of 21 studies for inclusion in our review, and after applying additional selection criteria, 11 of them were included in our fMRI voxel-based meta-analysis. The results demonstrate consistent alterations in activation of brain regions, including the temporal lobes and insula, during the processing of social stimuli, with some variation dependent on sex and task. The meta-analysis revealed significant left insular hyperactivation after OXT administration, suggesting a potential modulation of neural circuits underlying emotional processing. LIMITATIONS This quantitative review included only a limited number of studies, thus the conclusions of our analysis should be interpreted cautiously. This limited sample size precluded a more detailed exploration of potential confounding factors, such as sex or other demographic factors, that may have affected our meta-analysis. CONCLUSION Oxytocin has a wide range of effects over neural activity in response to social and emotional processing, which is further modulated by sex and task specificity. The magnitude of this neural activation is largest in the temporal lobes, and a meta-analysis across all tasks and both sexes showed that the left insula demonstrated the most robust activation to OXT administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah Wigton
- Correspondence to: R. Wigton, Cognition and Schizophrenia Imaging Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, De Crespigny Park Rd., London, UK, SE5 8AF;
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21
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Freeman SM, Inoue K, Smith AL, Goodman MM, Young LJ. The neuroanatomical distribution of oxytocin receptor binding and mRNA in the male rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta). Psychoneuroendocrinology 2014; 45:128-41. [PMID: 24845184 PMCID: PMC4043226 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2014] [Revised: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) is an important primate model for social cognition, and recent studies have begun to explore the impact of oxytocin on social cognition and behavior. Macaques have great potential for elucidating the neural mechanisms by which oxytocin modulates social cognition, which has implications for oxytocin-based pharmacotherapies for psychiatric disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. Previous attempts to localize oxytocin receptors (OXTR) in the rhesus macaque brain have failed due to reduced selectivity of radioligands, which in primates bind to both OXTR and the structurally similar vasopressin 1a receptor (AVPR1A). We have developed a pharmacologically-informed competitive binding autoradiography protocol that selectively reveals OXTR and AVPR1A binding sites in primate brain sections. Using this protocol, we describe the neuroanatomical distribution of OXTR in the macaque. Finally, we use in situ hybridization to localize OXTR mRNA. Our results demonstrate that OXTR expression in the macaque brain is much more restricted than AVPR1A. OXTR is largely limited to the nucleus basalis of Meynert, pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus, the superficial gray layer of the superior colliculus, the trapezoid body, and the ventromedial hypothalamus. These regions are involved in a variety of functions relevant to social cognition, including modulating visual attention, processing auditory and multimodal sensory stimuli, and controlling orienting responses to visual stimuli. These results provide insights into the neural mechanisms by which oxytocin modulates social cognition and behavior in this species, which, like humans, uses vision and audition as the primary modalities for social communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M. Freeman
- Corresponding Author: Sara M. Freeman, Ph.D. California National Primate Research Center- BMB University of California, Davis One Shields Ave. Davis, CA 95616 Telephone: 530.752.1506 Fax: 530.754.8166
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22
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Freeman SM, Walum H, Inoue K, Smith AL, Goodman MM, Bales KL, Young LJ. Neuroanatomical distribution of oxytocin and vasopressin 1a receptors in the socially monogamous coppery titi monkey (Callicebus cupreus). Neuroscience 2014; 273:12-23. [PMID: 24814726 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.04.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Revised: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The coppery titi monkey (Callicebus cupreus) is a socially monogamous New World primate that has been studied in the field and the laboratory to investigate the behavioral neuroendocrinology of primate pair bonding and parental care. Arginine vasopressin has been shown to influence male titi monkey pair-bonding behavior, and studies are currently underway to examine the effects of oxytocin on titi monkey behavior and physiology. Here, we use receptor autoradiography to identify the distribution of arginine vasopressin 1a receptor (AVPR1a) and oxytocin receptors (OXTR) in hemispheres of titi monkey brain (n=5). AVPR1a are diffuse and widespread throughout the brain, but the OXTR distribution is much more limited, with the densest binding being in the hippocampal formation (dentate gyrus, CA1 field) and the presubiculum (layers I and III). Moderate OXTR binding was detected in the nucleus basalis of Meynert, pulvinar, superior colliculus, layer 4C of primary visual cortex, periaqueductal gray (PAG), pontine gray, nucleus prepositus, and spinal trigeminal nucleus. OXTR mRNA overlapped with OXTR radioligand binding, confirming that the radioligand was detecting OXTR protein. AVPR1a binding is present throughout the cortex, especially in cingulate, insular, and occipital cortices, as well as in the caudate, putamen, nucleus accumbens, central amygdala, endopiriform nucleus, hippocampus (CA4 field), globus pallidus, lateral geniculate nucleus, infundibulum, habenula, PAG, substantia nigra, olivary nucleus, hypoglossal nucleus, and cerebellum. Furthermore, we show that, in the titi monkey brain, the OXTR antagonist ALS-II-69 is highly selective for OXTR and that the AVPR1a antagonist SR49059 is highly selective for AVPR1a. Based on these results and the fact that both ALS-II-69 and SR49059 are non-peptide, small-molecule antagonists that should be capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, these two compounds emerge as excellent candidates for the pharmacological manipulation of OXTR and AVPR1a in future behavioral experiments in titi monkeys and other primate species.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Freeman
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.
| | - H Walum
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - K Inoue
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - A L Smith
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Department of Radiology, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - M M Goodman
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Department of Radiology, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - K L Bales
- California National Primate Research Center, One Shields Avenue, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Department of Psychology, 135 Young Hall, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - L J Young
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
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