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Uvnäs-Moberg K, Gross MM, Calleja-Agius J, Turner JD. The Yin and Yang of the oxytocin and stress systems: opposites, yet interdependent and intertwined determinants of lifelong health trajectories. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1272270. [PMID: 38689729 PMCID: PMC11058227 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1272270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
During parturition and the immediate post-partum period there are two opposite, yet interdependent and intertwined systems that are highly active and play a role in determining lifelong health and behaviour in both the mother and her infant: the stress and the anti-stress (oxytocin) system. Before attempting to understand how the environment around birth determines long-term health trajectories, it is essential to understand how these two systems operate and how they interact. Here, we discuss together the hormonal and neuronal arms of both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the oxytocinergic systems and how they interact. Although the HPA axis and glucocorticoid stress axis are well studied, the role of oxytocin as an extremely powerful anti-stress hormone deserves more attention. It is clear that these anti-stress effects depend on oxytocinergic nerves emanating from the supraoptic nucleus (SON) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN), and project to multiple sites at which the stress system is regulated. These, include projections to corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) neurons within the PVN, to the anterior pituitary, to areas involved in sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous control, to NA neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC), and to CRH neurons in the amygdala. In the context of the interaction between the HPA axis and the oxytocin system birth is a particularly interesting period as, for both the mother and the infant, both systems are very strongly activated within the same narrow time window. Data suggest that the HPA axis and the oxytocin system appear to interact in this early-life period, with effects lasting many years. If mother-child skin-to-skin contact occurs almost immediately postpartum, the effects of the anti-stress (oxytocin) system become more prominent, moderating lifelong health trajectories. There is clear evidence that HPA axis activity during this time is dependent on the balance between the HPA axis and the oxytocin system, the latter being reinforced by specific somatosensory inputs, and this has long-term consequences for stress reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Uvnäs-Moberg
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Section of Anthrozoology and Applied Ethology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skara, Sweden
| | - Mechthild M. Gross
- Midwifery Research and Education Unit, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jean Calleja-Agius
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Jonathan D. Turner
- Immune Endocrine Epigenetics Research Group, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch sur Alzette, Luxembourg
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2
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Jin Y, Song D, Yan Y, Quan Z, Qing H. The Role of Oxytocin in Early-Life-Stress-Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10430. [PMID: 37445607 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Early-life stress during critical periods of brain development can have long-term effects on physical and mental health. Oxytocin is a critical social regulator and anti-inflammatory hormone that modulates stress-related functions and social behaviors and alleviates diseases. Oxytocin-related neural systems show high plasticity in early postpartum and adolescent periods. Early-life stress can influence the oxytocin system long term by altering the expression and signaling of oxytocin receptors. Deficits in social behavior, emotional control, and stress responses may result, thus increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, and other stress-related neuropsychiatric diseases. Oxytocin is regarded as an important target for the treatment of stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, we describe the history of oxytocin and its role in neural circuits and related behaviors. We then review abnormalities in the oxytocin system in early-life stress and the functions of oxytocin in treating stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Jin
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Da Song
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yan Yan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Zhenzhen Quan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Hong Qing
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
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3
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Qi XG, Wu J, Zhao L, Wang L, Guang X, Garber PA, Opie C, Yuan Y, Diao R, Li G, Wang K, Pan R, Ji W, Sun H, Huang ZP, Xu C, Witarto AB, Jia R, Zhang C, Deng C, Qiu Q, Zhang G, Grueter CC, Wu D, Li B. Adaptations to a cold climate promoted social evolution in Asian colobine primates. Science 2023; 380:eabl8621. [PMID: 37262163 DOI: 10.1126/science.abl8621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The biological mechanisms that underpin primate social evolution remain poorly understood. Asian colobines display a range of social organizations, which makes them good models for investigating social evolution. By integrating ecological, geological, fossil, behavioral, and genomic analyses, we found that colobine primates that inhabit colder environments tend to live in larger, more complex groups. Specifically, glacial periods during the past 6 million years promoted the selection of genes involved in cold-related energy metabolism and neurohormonal regulation. More-efficient dopamine and oxytocin pathways developed in odd-nosed monkeys, which may have favored the prolongation of maternal care and lactation, increasing infant survival in cold environments. These adaptive changes appear to have strengthened interindividual affiliation, increased male-male tolerance, and facilitated the stepwise aggregation from independent one-male groups to large multilevel societies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Guang Qi
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jinwei Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lan Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lu Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | | | - Paul A Garber
- Department of Anthropology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Christopher Opie
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Yuan Yuan
- College of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Runjie Diao
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Gang Li
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kun Wang
- College of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ruliang Pan
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Weihong Ji
- School of Natural and Computational Sciences, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Zhi-Pang Huang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chunzhong Xu
- Shanghai Wild Animal Park Development Co., Shanghai, China
| | - Arief B Witarto
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Pertahanan, Jabodetabek, Indonesia
| | - Rui Jia
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | | | - Cheng Deng
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiang Qiu
- College of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Guojie Zhang
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Cyril C Grueter
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Dongdong Wu
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Baoguo Li
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
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4
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Neuroimaging genetics of oxytocin: A transcriptomics-informed systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 142:104912. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Geißert L, Schmidt NM, Henkel K, Luxem A, Hennig J. Dopamine and oxytocin and their relevance for attachment: A gene x gene interaction study. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2022.111752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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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: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [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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Haakenson CM, Balthazart J, Madison FN, Ball GF. The neural distribution of the avian homologue of oxytocin, mesotocin, in two songbird species, the zebra finch and the canary: A potential role in song perception and production. J Comp Neurol 2022; 530:2402-2414. [PMID: 35599378 PMCID: PMC9283256 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The avian homologue of oxytocin (OT), formerly called mesotocin, influences social behaviors in songbirds and potentially song production. We sought to characterize the distribution of OT peptide in the brain of two songbird species: canaries (Serinus canaria) and zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). To visualize OT, we performed immunocytochemistry using an antibody previously shown to identify OT in avian species. In both canaries and zebra finches, dense OT‐ir perikarya were located in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), preoptic area (POA), supraoptic nucleus (SON), and medial bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNSTm). We also observed morphologically distinct OT‐ir cells scattered throughout the mesopallium. OT‐ir fibers were observed in the PVN, ventral medial hypothalamus (VMH), periaqueductal gray (PAG), intercollicular nucleus (ICo), and ventral tegmental area (VTA). We also observed punctate OT‐ir fibers in the song control nucleus HVC. In both male and female canaries, OT‐ir fibers were present in the lateral septum (LS), but innervation was greater in males. We did not observe this sex difference in zebra finches. Much of the OT staining observed is consistent with general distributions within the vertebrate hypothalamus, indicating a possible conserved function. However, some extra‐hypothalamic distributions, such as perikarya in the mesopallium, may be specific to songbirds and play a role in song perception and production. The presence of OT‐ir fibers in HVC and song control nuclei projecting dopaminergic regions provides anatomical evidence in support of the idea that OT can influence singing behavior—either directly via HVC or indirectly via the PAG, VTA, or POA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea M. Haakenson
- Program in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science, Department of Psychology University of Maryland College Park Maryland USA
| | - Jacques Balthazart
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, GIGA Neurosciences University of Liege Liege Belgium
| | - Farrah N. Madison
- Program in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science, Department of Psychology University of Maryland College Park Maryland USA
- Department of Biology Hope College Holland Michigan USA
| | - Gregory F. Ball
- Program in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science, Department of Psychology University of Maryland College Park Maryland USA
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8
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Uvnäs Moberg K, Petersson M. Physiological effects induced by stimulation of cutaneous sensory nerves, with a focus on oxytocin. Curr Opin Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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9
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The vagus nerve mediates the suppressing effects of peripherally administered oxytocin on methamphetamine self-administration and seeking in rats. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:297-304. [PMID: 32450570 PMCID: PMC7852687 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-0719-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin has emerged as a promising pharmacotherapy for methamphetamine (METH) addiction, and clinical trials of intranasal oxytocin are underway. However, there is debate as to how peripherally administered oxytocin alters brain signalling to modulate addiction processes. Interestingly, there is evidence for functional interactions between peripheral oxytocin administration and the vagus nerve. Therefore, this study investigated whether the effects of peripherally administered oxytocin require vagal signalling to reduce METH self-administration and reinstatement of METH-seeking behaviours. Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats underwent surgery for jugular catheterisation and either subdiaphragmatic vagotomy (SDV) or a sham operation. Rats were trained to self-administer METH, and the effect of peripherally administered oxytocin on METH intake was assessed. Rats then underwent extinction, and effects of oxytocin were assessed on cue- and METH-induced reinstatement of METH-seeking. Oxytocin treatment robustly attenuated METH intake in both sexes, and SDV entirely prevented the suppressant effect of oxytocin (0.3 mg/kg) on METH intake, and partially prevented the effects of 1 mg/kg oxytocin in both sexes. After extinction, SDV decreased the suppressing effects of oxytocin on cue- and METH-primed reinstatement in males, but not females. SDV was functionally confirmed by measuring food intake following administration of the vagal dependent peptide, cholecyostokin-8. Our data suggest that vagus nerve signalling is required for the inhibitory effects of peripherally administered oxytocin on METH self-administration and reinstatement, and that this vagal dependency is partially mediated by sex and drug withdrawal. This study has implications for the use of oxytocin as a therapy for METH use disorder for both sexes.
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10
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Arakawa H. Dynamic regulation of oxytocin neuronal circuits in the sequential processes of prosocial behavior in rodent models. CURRENT RESEARCH IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2021; 2:100011. [PMID: 36246512 PMCID: PMC9559098 DOI: 10.1016/j.crneur.2021.100011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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11
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Wei SY, Tseng HH, Chang HH, Lu TH, Chang WH, Chiu NT, Yang YK, Chen PS. Dysregulation of oxytocin and dopamine in the corticostriatal circuitry in bipolar II disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:281. [PMID: 32788579 PMCID: PMC7423887 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-00972-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The oxytocin (OXT) and dopamine systems synergistically facilitate striatal reactivity. Abnormal striatal activation has repeatedly been observed in patients with bipolar disorder (BD); however, such abnormality remains unclear in BD II. Here we aimed to investigate whether the corticostriatal connectivity was altered and the possible relationships among corticostriatal connectivity, OXT, and dopamine systems in BD II. Twenty-five BD II patients, as defined by the DSM-V, and 29 healthy controls (HC) were enrolled in this study. Plasma OXT was measured and striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) availability was assessed using [99mTc]TRODAT-1 single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Brain network functional connectivity (FC) was measured during the resting-state using functional magnetic resonance imaging, and the dorsal caudate (DC) was selected as the seed region. The results showed that the OXT level was significantly lower in the BD II patients, while the striatal DAT availability was not significantly different between the BD II and HC groups. The BD II patients exhibited significantly lower FC between the DC and the executive control network (dorsolateral prefrontal, anterior cingulate cortex, and posterior parietal cortex) as compared with the HC. Only observed in HC, the DC-posterior parietal cortex FC was negatively correlated with the OXT level and striatal DAT availability. Our findings in the HC support a model in which the OXT and dopamine systems act in tandem to regulate corticostriatal circuitry, while the synergistic interaction was perturbed in BD II. Taken together, these results implied a maladaptive neuroplasticity in BD II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyh-Yuh Wei
- grid.412040.30000 0004 0639 0054Department of Psychiatry, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Huai-Hsuan Tseng
- grid.412040.30000 0004 0639 0054Department of Psychiatry, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan ,grid.64523.360000 0004 0532 3255Institute of Behavioral Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Hui Hua Chang
- grid.64523.360000 0004 0532 3255Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan ,grid.64523.360000 0004 0532 3255School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan ,grid.412040.30000 0004 0639 0054Department of Pharmacy, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan ,grid.412040.30000 0004 0639 0054Department of Pharmacy, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Dou-Liou Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hua Lu
- grid.412040.30000 0004 0639 0054Department of Psychiatry, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wei Hung Chang
- grid.412040.30000 0004 0639 0054Department of Psychiatry, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan ,grid.412040.30000 0004 0639 0054Department of Psychiatry, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Dou-Liou Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Nan Tsing Chiu
- grid.412040.30000 0004 0639 0054Department of Nuclear Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yen Kuang Yang
- grid.412040.30000 0004 0639 0054Department of Psychiatry, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan ,grid.64523.360000 0004 0532 3255Institute of Behavioral Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan ,grid.410770.50000 0004 0639 1057Department of Psychiatry, Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Po See Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan. .,Institute of Behavioral Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan. .,Department of Psychiatry, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Dou-Liou Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan.
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Lee MR, Shnitko TA, Blue SW, Kaucher AV, Winchell AJ, Erikson DW, Grant KA, Leggio L. Labeled oxytocin administered via the intranasal route reaches the brain in rhesus macaques. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2783. [PMID: 32494001 PMCID: PMC7270110 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15942-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin may have promise as a treatment for neuropsychiatric disorders. Its therapeutic effect may depend on its ability to enter the brain and bind to the oxytocin receptor. To date, the brain tissue penetrance of intranasal oxytocin has not been demonstrated. In this nonhuman primate study, we administer deuterated oxytocin intranasally and intravenously to rhesus macaques and measure, with mass spectrometry, concentrations of labeled (exogenously administered) and endogenous oxytocin in 12 brain regions two hours after oxytocin administration. Labeled oxytocin is quantified after intranasal (not intravenous) administration in brain regions (orbitofrontal cortex, striatum, brainstem, and thalamus) that lie in the trajectories of the olfactory and trigeminal nerves. These results suggest that intranasal administration bypasses the blood-brain barrier, delivering oxytocin to specific brain regions, such as the striatum, where oxytocin acts to impact motivated behaviors. Further, high concentrations of endogenous oxytocin are in regions that overlap with projection fields of oxytocinergic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Lee
- Section on Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research and National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive (10CRC/15330), Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - T A Shnitko
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - S W Blue
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - A V Kaucher
- Endocrine Technologies Core, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - A J Winchell
- Endocrine Technologies Core, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - D W Erikson
- Endocrine Technologies Core, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - K A Grant
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR, USA
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, L-470, Portland, OR, USA
| | - L Leggio
- Section on Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research and National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive (10CRC/15330), Bethesda, MD, USA
- Medication Development Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center on Compulsive Behaviors, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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13
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Tolomeo S, Chiao B, Lei Z, Chew SH, Ebstein RP. A Novel Role of CD38 and Oxytocin as Tandem Molecular Moderators of Human Social Behavior. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 115:251-272. [PMID: 32360414 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin is an important modulator of human affiliative behaviors, including social skills, human pair bonding, and friendship. CD38 will be discussed as an immune marker and then in more detail the mechanisms of CD38 on releasing brain oxytocin. Mention is made of the paralogue of oxytocin, vasopressin, that has often overlapping and complementary functions with oxytocin on social behavior. Curiously, vasopressin does not require CD38 to be released from the brain. This review discusses the social salience hypothesis of oxytocin action, a novel view of how this molecule influences much of human social behaviors often in contradictory ways. The oxytocinergic-vasopressinergic systems are crucial modulators of broad aspects of human personality. Of special interest are studies of these two hormones in trust related behavior observed using behavioral economic games. This review also covers the role of oxytocin in parenting and parental attachment. In conclusion, the effects of oxytocin on human behavior depend on the individual's social context and importantly as well, the individual's cultural milieu, viz. East and West. ACRONYMS: ACC = Anterior Cingulate ADP = Adenosine diphosphate AQ = Autism Quotient cADPR = Cyclic ADP-ribose CNS = Central nervous system DA = Dopamine eQTLC = Expression Quantitative Trait Loci LC-NE = Locus Coeruleus-Norepinephrine MRI = Magnetic Resonance Imaging OFC = Orbitofrontal cortices OXT = Oxytocin RAGE = Receptor for advanced glycation end-products SARM1 = Sterile Alpha and toll/interleukin-1 receptor motif-containing 1 TRPM2= Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel Subfamily M Member 2 AVP = Vasopressin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serenella Tolomeo
- Department of Psychology, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Benjamin Chiao
- CCBEF (China Center for Behavior Economics and Finance) & SOE (School of Economics), Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, Chengdu, China; PSB Paris School of Business, Paris, France
| | - Zhen Lei
- CCBEF (China Center for Behavior Economics and Finance) & SOE (School of Economics), Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, Chengdu, China
| | - Soo Hong Chew
- CCBEF (China Center for Behavior Economics and Finance) & SOE (School of Economics), Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, Chengdu, China.
| | - Richard P Ebstein
- CCBEF (China Center for Behavior Economics and Finance) & SOE (School of Economics), Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, Chengdu, China.
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14
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Oxytocin & well-being as promoters of affect regulation and homeostasis: a neuroscientific review. PSICO 2020. [DOI: 10.15448/1980-8623.2020.2.30291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurohormone oxytocin release affects mood and behavior in humans, regulating emotional and physiologic aspects. Neuroscience associates well-being to oxytocin to characterize a general positive-valenced emotional state. However, the terms well-being and oxytocin are absent, or present in a limited way, in most indexes of psychological terminology and health science descriptors. This study aimed at studying how this association occurs in literature, based on a systematic review on oxytocin and well-being in the last five years. Main results: the neuroscientific context seemed to be the most adequate to the study between oxytocin and well-being; association between psychological and neuroendocrine aspects was unusual; medical templates predominated over psychological references; oxytocin release and feelings of well-being were associated to stimuli of the affective-sensorial type, to psychiatric interventions, to familiarity; results varied according to age, gender, context and personality.
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15
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Li Q, Zhang B, Cao H, Liu W, Guo F, Shen F, Ye B, Liu H, Li Y, Liu Z. Oxytocin Exerts Antidepressant-like effect by potentiating dopaminergic synaptic transmission in the mPFC. Neuropharmacology 2019; 162:107836. [PMID: 31682854 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) and dopamine (DA) are two important elements that are closely related to mental and reward processes in the brain. OT controlled DA functional regulation contributes to various behaviours such as social reward, social cognition and emotion-related behaviours. Previous studies indicated that diminished dopaminergic transmission in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is correlated with the pathophysiology of depression. However, the interaction of OT and DA and their roles in antidepressant effects still require further exploration. Here, we investigated the antidepressant effect of OT through local mPFC administration, and further explored the underlying mechanisms that indicated that OT could strengthen dopaminergic synaptic transmission with OT receptor (OTR) activation dependent in the mPFC. Our results showed that local administration of OT in the mPFC exerts antidepressant (-like) effects in both naïve and social defeat stress (SDS) depressive animal model. Mechanism study suggested that OT enhances DA level with OTR activation dependent, and elevated mPFC DA levels might further enhance excitatory synaptic transmission by activating the D1/PKA/DARPP32 intracellular signalling pathway in the mPFC. Hence, our study revealed that the activation of OTR strengthens excitatory synaptic transmission via the potentiation of dopaminergic synaptic transmission, especially via D1R activation dependent, in the mPFC, which may be the underlying mechanism of antidepressant (-like) effects mediated by OT. With specifically activation of the D1/PKA/DAPRR32 signalling pathway, our results may augment the important role of OT in reward circuits in the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201204, China
| | - Bing Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201204, China.
| | - Hang Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201204, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201204, China
| | - Fei Guo
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Fuyi Shen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201204, China
| | - Binglu Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201204, China
| | - Huan Liu
- Shanghai Research Center for Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yang Li
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Zhiqiang Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201204, China; Anesthesia and Brain Function Research Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200082, China.
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16
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Thakur P, Shrivastava R, Shrivastava VK. Effects of exogenous oxytocin and atosiban antagonist on GABA in different region of brain. IBRO Rep 2019; 6:185-189. [PMID: 31211283 PMCID: PMC6562178 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibror.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the vertebral central nervous system. It functions by altering the membrane conductance of Cl- ions, maintaining the membrane potential close to the resting potential. The hormone oxytocin (OT) has a central action where it acts as a neuromodulatory peptide and exerts its action depending upon the distribution of OT receptors (OTR) in the target site. OTRs are G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) comprising different subunits (Gq, Gi, and Gs). The G- protein isoforms have the ability to activate different pathways, but specific agonists and antagonists may show different affinities to OTRs, depending on the specific G-protein isoform to which they are coupled. It is well documented that OTR distribution varies with age and species and in regions of the brain. In this study, we attempted to observe the impact of OT and atosiban (OTA), an OT antagonist, on GABA levels in different regions of the brain. Study animals were exposed intraperitoneally (i.p.) to normal saline (0.89%), OT 0.0116 mg/kg, and OTA 1 mg/kg in different combinations, for 30days. It was observed that OT and OTA administration modulated GABA levels in different regions of brain, while normal saline had no effect. It may be due to OTR receptor expression in different regions of the brain. This is significant because region-specific expression of different receptors could be important in the development of new drugs targeting specific neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratibha Thakur
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Biosciences, Barkatullah University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462026, India
| | - Renu Shrivastava
- Sri Satya Sai College for Women BHEL, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462024, India
| | - Vinoy K. Shrivastava
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Biosciences, Barkatullah University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462026, India
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17
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Oxytocin for learning calm and safety. Int J Psychophysiol 2019; 136:5-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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18
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Wang H, Fang G, Wang K, Wu Z, Yao Q. Determination of Dopamine Using 2-(4-Boronophenyl)quinoline-4-carboxylic Acids as Fluorescent Probes. ANAL LETT 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/00032719.2018.1488258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- School of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Jinan-Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory for Biotech-Drugs Ministry of Health, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory for Rare & Uncommon Diseases of Shandong Province, Jinan, China
| | - Guiqian Fang
- School of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Jinan-Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory for Biotech-Drugs Ministry of Health, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory for Rare & Uncommon Diseases of Shandong Province, Jinan, China
| | - Kai Wang
- School of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Jinan-Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory for Biotech-Drugs Ministry of Health, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory for Rare & Uncommon Diseases of Shandong Province, Jinan, China
| | - Zhongyu Wu
- School of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Jinan-Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory for Biotech-Drugs Ministry of Health, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory for Rare & Uncommon Diseases of Shandong Province, Jinan, China
| | - Qingqiang Yao
- School of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Jinan-Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory for Biotech-Drugs Ministry of Health, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory for Rare & Uncommon Diseases of Shandong Province, Jinan, China
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19
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Althammer F, Grinevich V. Diversity of oxytocin neurons: beyond magno- and parvocellular cell types? J Neuroendocrinol 2017; 30. [PMID: 29024187 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The hypothalamic neuropeptide oxytocin (OT), which is evolutionarily conserved among different species throughout the animal kingdom, is a key modulator of a variety of socio-emotional behaviors such as fear, trust and empathy. OT cells in the mammalian hypothalamus have been traditionally divided into two distinct types - magnocellular (magnOT) and parvocellular (parvOT) or preautonomic neurons. This distinction is based on OT cell sizes and shapes, projections, electrophysiological activity and functions. Indeed, while neuroendocrine magnOT neurons are known to primarily project their axons to the posterior pituitary and to a number of forebrain regions, non-neuroendocrine parvOT neurons have been seen as the main source of OT innervation of the brainstem and spinal cord to control autonomic functions and pain perception. However, very recent findings demonstrated distinct genetic profiles in OT neurons, allowing discrimination of at least four types of cells expressing OT. Furthermore, unexpected axonal projections of parvOT neurons to the forebrain and magnOT neurons to the midbrain have been newly reported. In this review, we focus on the detailed analysis of methods of distinction between OT cell types, in- and output sites, morphology as well as on the direct connectivity between OT neurons and its physiological significance. At the end, we propose a hypothesis that the central OT system is composed of more than just two OT cell types, which should be further verified by the application of available genetic and anatomical techniques. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdinand Althammer
- Schaller Research Group on Neuropeptides at German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Valery Grinevich
- Schaller Research Group on Neuropeptides at German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
- CellNetworks Cluster of Excellence at the, University of Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, 68159, Germany
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