1
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van der Westhuizen ET. Single nucleotide variations encoding missense mutations in G protein-coupled receptors may contribute to autism. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:2158-2181. [PMID: 36787962 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition with a range of symptoms that vary in intensity and severity from person to person. Genetic sequencing has identified thousands of genes containing mutations in autistic individuals, which may contribute to the development of autistic symptoms. Several of these genes encode G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which are cell surface expressed proteins that transduce extracellular messages to the intracellular space. Mutations in GPCRs can impact their function, resulting in aberrant signalling within cells and across neurotransmitter systems in the brain. This review summarises the current knowledge on autism-associated single nucleotide variations encoding missense mutations in GPCRs and the impact of these genetic mutations on GPCR function. For some autism-associated mutations, changes in GPCR expression levels, ligand affinity, potency and efficacy have been observed. However, for many the functional consequences remain unknown. Thus, further work to characterise the functional impacts of the genetically identified mutations is required. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue Therapeutic Targeting of G Protein-Coupled Receptors: hot topics from the Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists 2021 Virtual Annual Scientific Meeting. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.14/issuetoc.
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DelaCuesta-Barrutia J, Hidema S, Caldwell HK, Nishimori K, Erdozain AM, Peñagarikano O. In need of a specific antibody against the oxytocin receptor for neuropsychiatric research: A KO validation study. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 173:260-270. [PMID: 38554622 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Antibodies are one of the most utilized tools in biomedical research. However, few of them are rigorously evaluated, as there are no accepted guidelines or standardized methods for determining their validity before commercialization. Often, an antibody is considered validated if it detects a band by Western blot of the expected molecular weight and, in some cases, if blocking peptides result in loss of staining. Neither of these approaches are unquestionable proof of target specificity. Since the oxytocin receptor has recently become a popular target in neuropsychiatric research, the need for specific antibodies to be used in brain has arisen. In this work, we have tested the specificity of six commercially available oxytocin receptor antibodies, indicated by the manufacturers to be suitable for Western blot and with an available image showing the correct size band (45-55 KDa). Antibodies were first tested by Western blot in brain lysates of wild-type and oxytocin receptor knockout mice. Uterus tissue was also tested as control for putative differential tissue specificity. In brain, the six tested antibodies lacked target specificity, as both wild-type and receptor knockout samples resulted in a similar staining pattern, including the expected 45-55 KDa band. Five of the six antibodies detected a selective band in uterus (which disappeared in knockout tissue). These five specific antibodies were also tested for immunohistochemistry in uterus, where only one was specific. However, when the uterine-specific antibody was tested in brain tissue, it lacked specificity. In conclusion, none of the six tested commercial antibodies are suitable to detect oxytocin receptor in brain by either Western blot or immunohistochemistry, although some do specifically detect it in uterus. The present work highlights the need to develop standardized antibody validation methods, including a proper negative control, in order to grant quality and reproducibility of the generated data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon DelaCuesta-Barrutia
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, 48940, Spain
| | - Shizu Hidema
- Department of Obesity and Inflammation, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Heather K Caldwell
- Department of Biological Sciences and School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Ohio, 44242, USA
| | - Katsuhiko Nishimori
- Department of Obesity and Inflammation, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Amaia M Erdozain
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, 48940, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Leioa, 48940, Spain
| | - Olga Peñagarikano
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, 48940, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Leioa, 48940, Spain.
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3
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Xiao S, Ebner NC, Manzouri A, Li TQ, Cortes DS, Månsson KNT, Fischer H. Age-dependent effects of oxytocin in brain regions enriched with oxytocin receptors. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 160:106666. [PMID: 37951085 PMCID: PMC10841644 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
Although intranasal oxytocin administration to tap into central functions is the most commonly used non-invasive means for exploring oxytocin's role in human cognition and behavior, the way by which intranasal oxytocin acts on the brain is not yet fully understood. Recent research suggests that brain regions densely populated with oxytocin receptors may play a central role in intranasal oxytocin's action mechanisms in the brain. In particular, intranasal oxytocin may act directly on (subcortical) regions rich in oxytocin receptors via binding to these receptors while only indirectly affecting other (cortical) regions via their neural connections to oxytocin receptor-enriched regions. Aligned with this notion, the current study adopted a novel approach to test 1) whether the connections between oxytocin receptor-enriched regions (i.e., the thalamus, pallidum, caudate nucleus, putamen, and olfactory bulbs) and other regions in the brain were responsive to intranasal oxytocin administration, and 2) whether oxytocin-induced effects varied as a function of age. Forty-six young (24.96 ± 3.06 years) and 44 older (69.89 ± 2.99 years) participants were randomized, in a double-blind procedure, to self-administer either intranasal oxytocin or placebo before resting-state fMRI. Results supported age-dependency in the effects of intranasal oxytocin administration on connectivity between oxytocin receptor-enriched regions and other regions in the brain. Specifically, compared to placebo, oxytocin decreased both connectivity density and connectivity strength of the thalamus for young participants while it increased connectivity density and connectivity strength of the caudate for older participants. These findings inform the mechanisms underlying the effects of exogenous oxytocin on brain function and highlight the importance of age in these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Xiao
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Campus Albano hus 4, Albanovägen, SE-114 19 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Natalie C Ebner
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 112250, Gainesville, FL 32611-2250, USA; Cognitive Aging and Memory Program, Clinical Translational Research Program (CAM-CTRP), University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, 1149 Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
| | - Amirhossein Manzouri
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Norra stationsgatan 69, SE-113 64 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Tie-Qiang Li
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention, and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels Allé 8, SE-141 52 Huddinge, Sweden; Department of Medical Radiation Physics and Nuclear Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Diana S Cortes
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Campus Albano hus 4, Albanovägen, SE-114 19 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Kristoffer N T Månsson
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Norra stationsgatan 69, SE-113 64 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Håkan Fischer
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Campus Albano hus 4, Albanovägen, SE-114 19 Stockholm, Sweden; Stockholm University Brain Imaging Center (SUBIC), SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden; Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Tomtebodavägen 18 A, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.
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4
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Matsushima T, Izumi T, Vallortigara G. The domestic chick as an animal model of autism spectrum disorder: building adaptive social perceptions through prenatally formed predispositions. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1279947. [PMID: 38356650 PMCID: PMC10864568 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1279947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Equipped with an early social predisposition immediately post-birth, humans typically form associations with mothers and other family members through exposure learning, canalized by a prenatally formed predisposition of visual preference to biological motion, face configuration, and other cues of animacy. If impaired, reduced preferences can lead to social interaction impairments such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) via misguided canalization. Despite being taxonomically distant, domestic chicks could also follow a homologous developmental trajectory toward adaptive socialization through imprinting, which is guided via predisposed preferences similar to those of humans, thereby suggesting that chicks are a valid animal model of ASD. In addition to the phenotypic similarities in predisposition with human newborns, accumulating evidence on the responsible molecular mechanisms suggests the construct validity of the chick model. Considering the recent progress in the evo-devo studies in vertebrates, we reviewed the advantages and limitations of the chick model of developmental mental diseases in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiya Matsushima
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Health Science University of Hokkaido, Tobetsu, Japan
- Centre for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Takeshi Izumi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Health Science University of Hokkaido, Tobetsu, Japan
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Lefevre A, Meza J, Miller CT. Long range projections of oxytocin neurons in the marmoset brain. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.02.573953. [PMID: 38260560 PMCID: PMC10802265 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.02.573953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
The neurohormone oxytocin (OT) has become a major target for the development of novel therapeutic strategies to treat psychiatric disorders such as autism spectrum disorder because of its integral role in governing many facets of mammalian social behavior. Whereas extensive work in rodents has produced much of our knowledge of OT, we lack basic information about its neurobiology in primates making it difficult to interpret the limited effects that OT manipulations have had in human patients. In fact, previous studies have revealed only limited OT fibers in primate brains. Here, we investigated the OT connectome in marmoset using immunohistochemistry, and mapped OT fibers throughout the brains of adult male and female marmoset monkeys. We found extensive OT projections reaching limbic and cortical areas that are involved in the regulation of social behaviors, such as the amygdala, the medial prefrontal cortex and the basal ganglia. The pattern of OT fibers observed in marmosets is notably similar to the OT connectomes described in rodents. Our findings here contrast with previous results by demonstrating a broad distribution of OT throughout the marmoset brain. Given the prevalence of this neurohormone in the primate brain, methods developed in rodents to manipulate endogenous OT are likely to be applicable in marmosets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Lefevre
- Cortical Systems and Behavior Laboratory, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Institute of cognitive sciences Marc Jeannerod, CNRS and University of Lyon, Bron, France
| | - Jazlynn Meza
- Cortical Systems and Behavior Laboratory, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Cory T. Miller
- Cortical Systems and Behavior Laboratory, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Neuroscience graduate program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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6
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Menon R, Neumann ID. Detection, processing and reinforcement of social cues: regulation by the oxytocin system. Nat Rev Neurosci 2023; 24:761-777. [PMID: 37891399 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-023-00759-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Many social behaviours are evolutionarily conserved and are essential for the healthy development of an individual. The neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) is crucial for the fine-tuned regulation of social interactions in mammals. The advent and application of state-of-the-art methodological approaches that allow the activity of neuronal circuits involving OXT to be monitored and functionally manipulated in laboratory mammals have deepened our understanding of the roles of OXT in these behaviours. In this Review, we discuss how OXT promotes the sensory detection and evaluation of social cues, the subsequent approach and display of social behaviour, and the rewarding consequences of social interactions in selected reproductive and non-reproductive social behaviours. Social stressors - such as social isolation, exposure to social defeat or social trauma, and partner loss - are often paralleled by maladaptations of the OXT system, and restoring OXT system functioning can reinstate socio-emotional allostasis. Thus, the OXT system acts as a dynamic mediator of appropriate behavioural adaptations to environmental challenges by enhancing and reinforcing social salience and buffering social stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Menon
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Inga D Neumann
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
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7
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Kong XJ, Kang J, Liu K. Probiotic and intra-nasal oxytocin combination therapy on autonomic function and gut-brain axis signaling in young children and teens with autism spectrum disorder. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 166:1-9. [PMID: 37639877 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Autonomic dysfunction has been widely studied in individuals with autism spectral disorder (ASD); however, the autonomic response to probiotic and oxytocin (OT) combination intervention has not yet been explored. We conducted the present study that includes 35 individuals with ASD aged 3-20 years to explore autonomic responses to daily Lactobacillus plantarum probiotic supplementation and OT nasal spray treatment both alone and in combination. We identified significant improvements in autonomic indices from subjects receiving combination treatment relative to those receiving placebo. Parameters that were observed to improve following combination treatment are time domain metrics of heart rate variability (HRV), including the root mean square of successive differences between normal heartbeats (RMSSD), standard deviation of normal-to-normal R-R intervals (SDNN), and proportion of the number of pairs of adjacent NN intervals that differ by more than 50ms (pNN50, p < 0.05). Furthermore, individuals that received either probiotics or OT alone demonstrated fewer changes in RMSSD, pNN50, and SDNN. Several parameters that demonstrated significant improvements in combination therapy were found to be correlated with baseline levels of OT (LF power: r = -0.86, p = 0.024; mean HR: r = 0.89, p = 0.012). Additionally, Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) raw total scores (mean HR, r = 0.86, p = 0.024) and Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) raw total scores (mean HR r = 0.94, p = 0.017) were correlated with mean heart rate (HR) and HRV-derived parameters. These results provide further evidence of synergy of probiotic and OT combination and help us gain a better understanding of the role of the gut-brain axis in ASD phenotypes and pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Jun Kong
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Jiayi Kang
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Kevin Liu
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
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8
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Pavăl D. The dopamine hypothesis of autism spectrum disorder: A comprehensive analysis of the evidence. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 173:1-42. [PMID: 37993174 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2023.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Despite intensive research into the etiopathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), limited progress has been achieved so far. Among the plethora of models seeking to clarify how ASD arises, a coherent dopaminergic model was lacking until recently. In 2017, we provided a theoretical framework that we designated "the dopamine hypothesis of ASD". In the meantime, numerous studies yielded empirical evidence for this model. 4 years later, we provided a second version encompassing a refined and reconceptualized framework that accounted for these novel findings. In this chapter, we will review the evidence backing the previous versions of our model and add the most recent developments to the picture. Along these lines, we intend to lay out a comprehensive analysis of the supporting evidence for the dopamine hypothesis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Pavăl
- The Romanian Association for Autoimmune Encephalitis, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; Department of Psychiatry, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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9
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Portnova GV, Proskurnina EV, Skorokhodov IV, Sokolova SV, Semirechenko AN, Varlamov AA. Salivary Oxytocin and Antioxidative Response to Robotic Touch in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12322. [PMID: 37569698 PMCID: PMC10419114 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with ASD are known to have a tendency to have tactile sensory processing issues that could be associated with their impairment as regards social communication. The alterations in tactile processing in autistic subjects are usually accompanied by hypersensitivity and other unpleasant emotions induced by tactile contact. In our study, we investigated the impact of the velocity and the force of a tactile stroke received impersonally by a custom-built robotic device. A total of 21 adults with ASD and 22 adults from a control group participated in our study. The participants' responses were assessed according to subjective scales, EEG changes, and the dynamics of saliva antioxidants and oxytocin. It was found that the oxytocin level was significantly lower in subjects with ASD but increased after tactile stimulation. However, contrary to expectations, the increase in the oxytocin level in the target group negatively correlated with the subjective pleasantness of tactile stimulation and was probably associated with a stress-induced effect. The basic levels of antioxidants did not differ between the TD and ASD groups; however, these had significantly increased in individuals with ASD by the end of the study. The EEG findings, which revealed enhanced antioxidant levels, contributed to the relief of the cognitive control during the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina V. Portnova
- Laboratory of Human Higher Nervous Activity, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 5A Butlerova Str., 117485 Moscow, Russia
- Tactile Communication Research Laboratory, Pushkin State Russian Language Institute, 6 Volgina Str., 117485 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena V. Proskurnina
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Centre for Medical Genetics, 1 Moskvorechye Str., 115522 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Ivan V. Skorokhodov
- Tactile Communication Research Laboratory, Pushkin State Russian Language Institute, 6 Volgina Str., 117485 Moscow, Russia
- Autonomous Non-Profit Organization “Our Sunny World”, 98 Nizhegorodskaya Str., 109052 Moscow, Russia
| | - Svetlana V. Sokolova
- Medical Scientific and Educational Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lomonosovsky Prosp. 27-10, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey N. Semirechenko
- Tactile Communication Research Laboratory, Pushkin State Russian Language Institute, 6 Volgina Str., 117485 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anton A. Varlamov
- Autonomous Non-Profit Organization “Our Sunny World”, 98 Nizhegorodskaya Str., 109052 Moscow, Russia
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10
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Pierzynowska K, Gaffke L, Żabińska M, Cyske Z, Rintz E, Wiśniewska K, Podlacha M, Węgrzyn G. Roles of the Oxytocin Receptor (OXTR) in Human Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043887. [PMID: 36835321 PMCID: PMC9966686 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The oxytocin receptor (OXTR), encoded by the OXTR gene, is responsible for the signal transduction after binding its ligand, oxytocin. Although this signaling is primarily involved in controlling maternal behavior, it was demonstrated that OXTR also plays a role in the development of the nervous system. Therefore, it is not a surprise that both the ligand and the receptor are involved in the modulation of behaviors, especially those related to sexual, social, and stress-induced activities. As in the case of every regulatory system, any disturbances in the structures or functions of oxytocin and OXTR may lead to the development or modulation of various diseases related to the regulated functions, which in this case include either mental problems (autism, depression, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorders) or those related to the functioning of reproductive organs (endometriosis, uterine adenomyosis, premature birth). Nevertheless, OXTR abnormalities are also connected to other diseases, including cancer, cardiac disorders, osteoporosis, and obesity. Recent reports indicated that the changes in the levels of OXTR and the formation of its aggregates may influence the course of some inherited metabolic diseases, such as mucopolysaccharidoses. In this review, the involvement of OXTR dysfunctions and OXTR polymorphisms in the development of different diseases is summarized and discussed. The analysis of published results led us to suggest that changes in OXTR expression and OXTR abundance and activity are not specific to individual diseases, but rather they influence processes (mostly related to behavioral changes) that might modulate the course of various disorders. Moreover, a possible explanation of the discrepancies in the published results of effects of the OXTR gene polymorphisms and methylation on different diseases is proposed.
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11
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Manjila SB, Betty R, Kim Y. Missing pieces in decoding the brain oxytocin puzzle: Functional insights from mouse brain wiring diagrams. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1044736. [PMID: 36389241 PMCID: PMC9643707 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1044736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamic neuropeptide, oxytocin (Oxt), has been the focus of research for decades due to its effects on body physiology, neural circuits, and various behaviors. Oxt elicits a multitude of actions mainly through its receptor, the Oxt receptor (OxtR). Despite past research to understand the central projections of Oxt neurons and OxtR- coupled signaling pathways in different brain areas, it remains unclear how this nonapeptide exhibits such pleiotropic effects while integrating external and internal information. Most reviews in the field either focus on neuroanatomy of the Oxt-OxtR system, or on the functional effects of Oxt in specific brain areas. Here, we provide a review by integrating brain wide connectivity of Oxt neurons and their downstream circuits with OxtR expression in mice. We categorize Oxt connected brain regions into three functional modules that regulate the internal state, somatic visceral, and cognitive response. Each module contains three neural circuits that process distinct behavioral effects. Broad innervations on functional circuits (e.g., basal ganglia for motor behavior) enable Oxt signaling to exert coordinated modulation in functionally inter-connected circuits. Moreover, Oxt acts as a neuromodulator of neuromodulations to broadly control the overall state of the brain. Lastly, we discuss the mismatch between Oxt projections and OxtR expression across various regions of the mouse brain. In summary, this review brings forth functional circuit-based analysis of Oxt connectivity across the whole brain in light of Oxt release and OxtR expression and provides a perspective guide to future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yongsoo Kim
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA, United States
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12
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Rashidi M, Maier E, Dekel S, Sütterlin M, Wolf RC, Ditzen B, Grinevich V, Herpertz SC. Peripartum effects of synthetic oxytocin: The good, the bad, and the unknown. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 141:104859. [PMID: 36087759 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The first clinical applications of oxytocin (OT) were in obstetrics as a hormone to start and speed up labor and to control postpartum hemorrhage. Discoveries in the 1960s and 1970s revealed that the effects of OT are not limited to its peripheral actions around birth and milk ejection. Indeed, OT also acts as a neuromodulator in the brain affecting fear memory, social attachment, and other forms of social behaviors. The peripheral and central effects of OT have been separately subject to extensive scrutiny. However, the effects of peripheral OT-particularly in the form of administration of synthetic OT (synOT) around birth-on the central nervous system are surprisingly understudied. Here, we provide a narrative review of the current evidence, suggest putative mechanisms of synOT action, and provide new directions and hypotheses for future studies to bridge the gaps between neuroscience, obstetrics, and psychiatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Rashidi
- Department of General Psychiatry, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Eduard Maier
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sharon Dekel
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marc Sütterlin
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Robert C Wolf
- Department of General Psychiatry, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Beate Ditzen
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Valery Grinevich
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabine C Herpertz
- Department of General Psychiatry, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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Fathabadipour S, Mohammadi Z, Roshani F, Goharbakhsh N, Alizadeh H, Palizgar F, Cumming P, Michel TM, Vafaee MS. The neural effects of oxytocin administration in autism spectrum disorders studied by fMRI: A systematic review. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 154:80-90. [PMID: 35933858 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Oxytocin (OXT) is a hypothalamic neuropeptide that is released from the posterior pituitary gland and at specific targets in the central nervous system (CNS). The prosocial effects of OXT acting in the CNS present it as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of aspects of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this article, we systematically review the functional MRI (fMRI) literature that reports task-state and resting-state fMRI (rsfMRI) studies of the neural effects of single or multiple dose intranasal OXT (IN-OXT) administration in individuals with ASD. METHOD We searched four databases for relevant documents (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar) using the keywords "autism spectrum disorder", "Asperger Syndrome", "oxytocin", and "fMRI". Moreover, we made a manual search to assess the quality of our automatic search. The search was confined to English language articles published in the interval February 2013 until March 2021. RESULTS The search yielded 12 fMRI studies with OXT intervention, including 288 individuals with ASD (age 8-55 years) enrolled in randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel designs, within-subject-crossover experimental OXT trials. Studies reporting activation task and rsfMRI were summarized with region of interest (ROI) or whole-brain voxel wise analysis. The systematic review of the 12 studies supported the proposition that IN-OXT administration alters brain activation in individuals with ASD. The effects of IN-OXT interacted with the type of the task and the overall results did not indicate restoration of normal brain activation in ASD signature regions albeit the lack of statistical evidence. CONCLUSION A large body of evidence consistently indicates that OXT alters activation to fMRI in brain networks of individuals with ASD, but with uncertain implications for alleviation of their social deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Fathabadipour
- Department of Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch, Karaj, Iran
| | - Zohreh Mohammadi
- Neurosciences Research Centre, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Niloofar Goharbakhsh
- Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran
| | - Hadi Alizadeh
- Neurosciences Research Centre, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Palizgar
- School of Psychology, Keele University, Newcastle Under Lyme, UK
| | - Paul Cumming
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland; School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Tanja Maria Michel
- Department of Clinical Research, BRIDGE, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Research Unit for Psychiatry, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Manouchehr Seyedi Vafaee
- Department of Clinical Research, BRIDGE, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Research Unit for Psychiatry, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
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14
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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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15
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Imam B, Rahmatinia M, Shahsavani A, Khodagholi F, Hopke PK, Bazazzpour S, Hadei M, Yarahmadi M, Abdollahifar MA, Torkmahalleh MA, Kermani M, Ilkhani S, MirBehbahani SH. Autism-like symptoms by exposure to air pollution and valproic acid-induced in male rats. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:59263-59286. [PMID: 35384534 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19865-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to air pollution during prenatal or neonatal periods is associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to epidemiology studies. Furthermore, prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) has also been found to be associated with an increased prevalence of ASD. To assess the association between simultaneous exposure to VPA and air pollutants, seven exposure groups of rats were included in current study (PM2.5 and gaseous pollutants exposed - high dose of VPA (PGE-high); PM2.5 and gaseous pollutants exposed - low dose of VPA (PGE-low); gaseous pollutants only exposed - high dose of VPA (GE-high); gaseous pollutants only exposed - low dose of VPA (GE-low); clean air exposed - high dose of VPA (CAE-high); clean air exposed - low dose of VPA (CAE-low) and clean air exposed (CAE)). The pollution-exposed rats were exposed to air pollutants from embryonic day (E0) to postnatal day 42 (PND42). In all the induced groups, decreased oxidative stress biomarkers, decreased oxytocin receptor (OXTR) levels, and increased the expression of interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were found. The volumes of the cerebellum, hippocampus, striatum, and prefrontal decreased in all induced groups in comparison to CAE. Additionally, increased numerical density of glial cells and decreased of numerical density of neurons were found in all induced groups. Results show that simultaneous exposure to air pollution and VPA can cause ASD-related behavioral deficits and air pollution reinforced the mechanism of inducing ASD ̉s in VPA-induced rat model of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahran Imam
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Rahmatinia
- Student Research Committee, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Shahsavani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Air Quality and Climate Change Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Fariba Khodagholi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Philip K Hopke
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
- Institute for a Sustainable Environment, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, 13699, USA
| | - Shahriyar Bazazzpour
- Student Research Committee, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Hadei
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Yarahmadi
- Environmental and Occupational Health Center, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Amin Abdollahifar
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Amouei Torkmahalleh
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, School of Engineering and Digital Sciences, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, 010000
| | - Majid Kermani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saba Ilkhani
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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16
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Marazziti D, Diep PT, Carter S, Carbone MG. Oxytocin: An Old Hormone, A Novel Psychotropic Drug And Possible Use In Treating Psychiatric Disorders. Curr Med Chem 2022; 29:5615-5687. [PMID: 35894453 DOI: 10.2174/0929867329666220727120646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxytocin is a nonapeptide synthesized in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus. Historically, this molecule has been involved as a key factor in the formation of infant attachment, maternal behavior and pair bonding and, more generally, in linking social signals with cognition, behaviors and reward. In the last decades, the whole oxytocin system has gained a growing interest as it was proposed to be implicated in etiopathogenesis of several neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. METHODS With the main goal of an in-depth understanding of the oxytocin role in the regulation of different functions and complex behaviors as well as its intriguing implications in different neuropsychiatric disorders, we performed a critical review of the current state of art. We carried out this work through PubMed database up to June 2021 with the search terms: 1) "oxytocin and neuropsychiatric disorders"; 2) "oxytocin and neurodevelopmental disorders"; 3) "oxytocin and anorexia"; 4) "oxytocin and eating disorders"; 5) "oxytocin and obsessive-compulsive disorder"; 6) "oxytocin and schizophrenia"; 7) "oxytocin and depression"; 8) "oxytocin and bipolar disorder"; 9) "oxytocin and psychosis"; 10) "oxytocin and anxiety"; 11) "oxytocin and personality disorder"; 12) "oxytocin and PTSD". RESULTS Biological, genetic, and epigenetic studies highlighted quality and quantity modifications in the expression of oxytocin peptide or in oxytocin receptor isoforms. These alterations would seem to be correlated with a higher risk of presenting several neuropsychiatric disorders belonging to different psychopathological spectra. Collaterally, the exogenous oxytocin administration has shown to ameliorate many neuropsychiatric clinical conditions. CONCLUSION Finally, we briefly analyzed the potential pharmacological use of oxytocin in patient with severe symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and immunoregulatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Marazziti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy.,Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Phuoc-Tan Diep
- Department of Histopathology, Royal Lancaster Infirmary, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Sue Carter
- Director Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Manuel G Carbone
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Division of Psychiatry, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
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17
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Rokicki J, Kaufmann T, de Lange AMG, van der Meer D, Bahrami S, Sartorius AM, Haukvik UK, Steen NE, Schwarz E, Stein DJ, Nærland T, Andreassen OA, Westlye LT, Quintana DS. Oxytocin receptor expression patterns in the human brain across development. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022; 47:1550-1560. [PMID: 35347267 PMCID: PMC9205980 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01305-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin plays a vital role in social behavior and homeostatic processes, with animal models indicating that oxytocin receptor (OXTR) expression patterns in the brain influence behavior and physiology. However, the developmental trajectory of OXTR gene expression is unclear. By analyzing gene expression data in human post-mortem brain samples, from the prenatal period to late adulthood, we demonstrate distinct patterns of OXTR gene expression in the developing brain, with increasing OXTR expression along the course of the prenatal period culminating in a peak during early childhood. This early life OXTR expression peak pattern appears slightly earlier in a comparative macaque sample, which is consistent with the relative immaturity of the human brain during early life compared to macaques. We also show that a network of genes with strong spatiotemporal couplings with OXTR is enriched in several psychiatric illness and body composition phenotypes. Taken together, these results demonstrate that oxytocin signaling plays an important role in a diverse set of psychological and somatic processes across the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Rokicki
- grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921NORMENT Centre for Psychosis Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway ,grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway ,grid.55325.340000 0004 0389 8485Centre of Research and Education in Forensic Psychiatry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tobias Kaufmann
- grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921NORMENT Centre for Psychosis Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway ,grid.10392.390000 0001 2190 1447Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ann-Marie G. de Lange
- grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921NORMENT Centre for Psychosis Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway ,grid.9851.50000 0001 2165 4204LREN, Centre for Research in Neurosciences - Department of Clinical Neurosciences, CHUV and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland ,grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Dennis van der Meer
- grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921NORMENT Centre for Psychosis Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway ,grid.5012.60000 0001 0481 6099School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Shahram Bahrami
- grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921NORMENT Centre for Psychosis Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway ,grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Alina M. Sartorius
- grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921NORMENT Centre for Psychosis Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway ,grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Unn K. Haukvik
- grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921NORMENT Centre for Psychosis Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway ,grid.55325.340000 0004 0389 8485Centre of Research and Education in Forensic Psychiatry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nils Eiel Steen
- grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921NORMENT Centre for Psychosis Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Emanuel Schwarz
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Central Institute of Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Dan J. Stein
- grid.7836.a0000 0004 1937 1151SAMRC Unit on Risk & Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Terje Nærland
- grid.55325.340000 0004 0389 8485NevSom, Department of Rare Disorders, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway ,grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921KG Jebsen Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole A. Andreassen
- grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921NORMENT Centre for Psychosis Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway ,grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921KG Jebsen Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars T. Westlye
- grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921NORMENT Centre for Psychosis Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway ,grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway ,grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921KG Jebsen Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Daniel S. Quintana
- grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921NORMENT Centre for Psychosis Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway ,grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway ,grid.55325.340000 0004 0389 8485NevSom, Department of Rare Disorders, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway ,grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921KG Jebsen Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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18
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Siafis S, Çıray O, Wu H, Schneider-Thoma J, Bighelli I, Krause M, Rodolico A, Ceraso A, Deste G, Huhn M, Fraguas D, San José Cáceres A, Mavridis D, Charman T, Murphy DG, Parellada M, Arango C, Leucht S. Pharmacological and dietary-supplement treatments for autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Mol Autism 2022; 13:10. [PMID: 35246237 PMCID: PMC8896153 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-022-00488-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is still no approved medication for the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This network meta-analysis investigated pharmacological and dietary-supplement treatments for ASD. Methods We searched for randomized-controlled-trials (RCTs) with a minimum duration of seven days in ClinicalTrials.gov, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, WHO-ICTRP (from inception up to July 8, 2018), CENTRAL and PubMed (up to November 3, 2021). The co-primary outcomes were core symptoms (social-communication difficulties-SCD, repetitive behaviors-RB, overall core symptoms-OCS) measured by validated scales and standardized-mean-differences (SMDs). Associated symptoms, e.g., irritability/aggression and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, dropouts and important side-effects, were investigated as secondary outcomes. Studies in children/adolescents and adults were analyzed separately in random-effects pairwise and network meta-analyses. Results We analyzed data for 41 drugs and 17 dietary-supplements, from 125 RCTs (n = 7450 participants) in children/adolescents and 18 RCTs (n = 1104) in adults. The following medications could improve at least one core symptom domain in comparison with placebo: aripiprazole (k = 6 studies in analysis, SCD: SMD = 0.27 95% CI [0.09, 0.44], RB: 0.48 [0.26, 0.70]), atomoxetine (k = 3, RB:0.49 [0.18, 0.80]), bumetanide (k = 4, RB: 0.35 [0.09, 0.62], OCS: 0.61 [0.31, 0.91]), and risperidone (k = 4, SCM: 0.31 [0.06, 0.55], RB: 0.60 [0.29, 0.90]; k = 3, OCS: 1.18 [0.75, 1.61]) in children/adolescents; fluoxetine (k = 1, RB: 1.20 [0.45, 1.96]), fluvoxamine (k = 1, RB: 1.04 [0.27, 1.81]), oxytocin (k = 6, RB:0.41 [0.16, 0.66]) and risperidone (k = 1, RB: 0.97 [0.21,1.74]) in adults. There were some indications of improvement by carnosine, haloperidol, folinic acid, guanfacine, omega-3-fatty-acids, probiotics, sulforaphane, tideglusib and valproate, yet imprecise and not robust. Confidence in these estimates was very low or low, except moderate for oxytocin. Medications differed substantially in improving associated symptoms, and in their side-effect profiles. Limitations Most of the studies were inadequately powered (sample sizes of 20–80 participants), with short duration (8–13 weeks), and about a third focused on associated symptoms. Networks were mainly star-shaped, and there were indications of reporting bias. There was no optimal rating scale measuring change in core symptoms. Conclusions Some medications could improve core symptoms, although this could be likely secondary to the improvement of associated symptoms. Evidence on their efficacy and safety is preliminary; therefore, routine prescription of medications for the core symptoms cannot be recommended. Trial registration PROSPERO-ID CRD42019125317. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13229-022-00488-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spyridon Siafis
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
| | - Oğulcan Çıray
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Mardin State Hospital, Artuklu, Mardin, Turkey
| | - Hui Wu
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Schneider-Thoma
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Irene Bighelli
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Marc Krause
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Alessandro Rodolico
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Psychiatric Clinic University Hospital 'Gaspare Rodolico', University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Anna Ceraso
- Department of Psychiatry, Spedali Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giacomo Deste
- Department of Psychiatry, Spedali Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maximilian Huhn
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Social Foundation Bamberg, Teaching Hospital of the University of Erlangen, Bamberg, Germany
| | - David Fraguas
- Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, IdISSC CIBERSAM, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonia San José Cáceres
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Dimitris Mavridis
- Department of Primary Education, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.,Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Tony Charman
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Declan G Murphy
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Mara Parellada
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Celso Arango
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Stefan Leucht
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
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19
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Quintana DS. Towards better hypothesis tests in oxytocin research: Evaluating the validity of auxiliary assumptions. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 137:105642. [PMID: 34991063 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Various factors have been attributed to the inconsistent reproducibility of human oxytocin research in the cognitive and behavioral sciences. These factors include small sample sizes, a lack of pre-registered studies, and the absence of overarching theoretical frameworks that can account for oxytocin's effects over a broad range of contexts. While there have been efforts to remedy these issues, there has been very little systematic scrutiny of the role of auxiliary assumptions, which are claims that are not central for testing a hypothesis but nonetheless critical for testing theories. For instance, the hypothesis that oxytocin increases the salience of social cues is predicated on the assumption that intranasally administered oxytocin increases oxytocin levels in the brain. Without robust auxiliary assumptions, it is unclear whether a hypothesis testing failure is due to an incorrect hypothesis or poorly supported auxiliary assumptions. Consequently, poorly supported auxiliary assumptions can be blamed for hypothesis failure, thereby safeguarding theories from falsification. In this article, I will evaluate the body of evidence for key auxiliary assumptions in human behavioral oxytocin research in terms of theory, experimental design, and statistical inference, and highlight assumptions that require stronger evidence. Strong auxiliary assumptions will leave hypotheses vulnerable for falsification, which will improve hypothesis testing and consequently advance our understanding of oxytocin's role in cognition and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S Quintana
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; NevSom, Department of Rare Disorders, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; KG Jebsen Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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20
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Martins D, Brodmann K, Veronese M, Dipasquale O, Mazibuko N, Schuschnig U, Zelaya F, Fotopoulou A, Paloyelis Y. "Less is more": a dose-response account of intranasal oxytocin pharmacodynamics in the human brain. Prog Neurobiol 2022; 211:102239. [PMID: 35122880 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Intranasal oxytocin is attracting attention as a potential treatment for several brain disorders due to promising preclinical results. However, translating findings to humans has been hampered by remaining uncertainties about its pharmacodynamics and the methods used to probe its effects in the human brain. Using a dose-response design (9, 18 and 36 IU), we demonstrate that intranasal oxytocin-induced changes in local regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in the amygdala at rest, and in the covariance between rCBF in the amygdala and other key hubs of the brain oxytocin system, follow a dose-response curve with maximal effects for lower doses. Yet, the effects on local rCBF might vary by amygdala subdivision, highlighting the need to qualify dose-response curves within subregion. We further link physiological changes with the density of the oxytocin receptor gene mRNA across brain regions, strengthening our confidence in intranasal oxytocin as a valid approach to engage central targets. Finally, we demonstrate that intranasal oxytocin does not disrupt cerebrovascular reactivity, which corroborates the validity of haemodynamic neuroimaging to probe the effects of intranasal oxytocin in the human brain. DATA AVAILABILITY: Participants did not consent for open sharing of the data. Therefore, data can only be accessed from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Martins
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Katja Brodmann
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Mattia Veronese
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Ottavia Dipasquale
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Ndaba Mazibuko
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | | | - Fernando Zelaya
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Aikaterini Fotopoulou
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Yannis Paloyelis
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK.
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21
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A glutamatergic basal forebrain to midbrain circuit mediates wakefulness and defensive behavior. Neuropharmacology 2022; 208:108979. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.108979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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22
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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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23
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Moerkerke M, Peeters M, de Vries L, Daniels N, Steyaert J, Alaerts K, Boets B. Endogenous Oxytocin Levels in Autism-A Meta-Analysis. Brain Sci 2021; 11:1545. [PMID: 34827545 PMCID: PMC8615844 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11111545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) circuitry plays a major role in the mediation of prosocial behavior. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication and have been suggested to display deficiencies in central OT mechanisms. The current preregistered meta-analysis evaluated potential group differences in endogenous OT levels between individuals with ASD and neurotypical (NT) controls. We included 18 studies comprising a total of 1422 participants. We found that endogenous OT levels are lower in children with ASD as compared to NT controls (n = 1123; g = -0.60; p = 0.006), but this effect seems to disappear in adolescent (n = 152; g = -0.20; p = 0.53) and adult populations (n = 147; g = 0.27; p = 0.45). Secondly, while no significant subgroup differences were found in regard to sex, the group difference in OT levels of individuals with versus without ASD seems to be only present in the studies with male participants (n = 814; g = -0.44; p = 0.08) and not female participants (n = 192; g = 0.11; p = 0.47). More research that employs more homogeneous methods is necessary to investigate potential developmental changes in endogenous OT levels, both in typical and atypical development, and to explore the possible use of OT level measurement as a diagnostic marker of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthijs Moerkerke
- Center for Developmental Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.P.); (L.d.V.); (J.S.); (B.B.)
- Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (N.D.); (K.A.)
| | - Mathieu Peeters
- Center for Developmental Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.P.); (L.d.V.); (J.S.); (B.B.)
| | - Lyssa de Vries
- Center for Developmental Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.P.); (L.d.V.); (J.S.); (B.B.)
- Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (N.D.); (K.A.)
| | - Nicky Daniels
- Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (N.D.); (K.A.)
- Research Group for Neurorehabilitation, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jean Steyaert
- Center for Developmental Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.P.); (L.d.V.); (J.S.); (B.B.)
- Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (N.D.); (K.A.)
| | - Kaat Alaerts
- Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (N.D.); (K.A.)
- Research Group for Neurorehabilitation, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Boets
- Center for Developmental Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.P.); (L.d.V.); (J.S.); (B.B.)
- Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (N.D.); (K.A.)
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24
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Seif A, Shea C, Schmid S, Stevenson RA. A Systematic Review of Brainstem Contributions to Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Integr Neurosci 2021; 15:760116. [PMID: 34790102 PMCID: PMC8591260 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2021.760116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects one in 66 children in Canada. The contributions of changes in the cortex and cerebellum to autism have been studied for decades. However, our understanding of brainstem contributions has only started to emerge more recently. Disruptions of sensory processing, startle response, sensory filtering, sensorimotor gating, multisensory integration and sleep are all features of ASD and are processes in which the brainstem is involved. In addition, preliminary research into brainstem contribution emphasizes the importance of the developmental timeline rather than just the mature brainstem. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review is to compile histological, behavioral, neuroimaging, and electrophysiological evidence from human and animal studies about brainstem contributions and their functional implications in autism. Moreover, due to the developmental nature of autism, the review pays attention to the atypical brainstem development and compares findings based on age. Overall, there is evidence of an important role of brainstem disruptions in ASD, but there is still the need to examine the brainstem across the life span, from infancy to adulthood which could lead the way for early diagnosis and possibly treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ala Seif
- Brain and Mind Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Carly Shea
- Brain and Mind Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Susanne Schmid
- Brain and Mind Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Ryan A Stevenson
- Brain and Mind Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
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25
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Nunes AR, Gliksberg M, Varela SAM, Teles M, Wircer E, Blechman J, Petri G, Levkowitz G, Oliveira RF. Developmental Effects of Oxytocin Neurons on Social Affiliation and Processing of Social Information. J Neurosci 2021; 41:8742-8760. [PMID: 34470805 PMCID: PMC8528494 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2939-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hormones regulate behavior either through activational effects that facilitate the acute expression of specific behaviors or through organizational effects that shape the development of the nervous system thereby altering adult behavior. Much research has implicated the neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) in acute modulation of various aspects of social behaviors across vertebrate species, and OXT signaling is associated with the developmental social deficits observed in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs); however, little is known about the role of OXT in the neurodevelopment of the social brain. We show that perturbation of OXT neurons during early zebrafish development led to a loss of dopaminergic neurons, associated with visual processing and reward, and blunted the neuronal response to social stimuli in the adult brain. Ultimately, adult fish whose OXT neurons were ablated in early life, displayed altered functional connectivity within social decision-making brain nuclei both in naive state and in response to social stimulus and became less social. We propose that OXT neurons have an organizational role, namely, to shape forebrain neuroarchitecture during development and to acquire an affiliative response toward conspecifics.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Social behavior is developed over the lifetime of an organism and the neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) modulates social behaviors across vertebrate species, and is associated with neuro-developmental social deficits such as autism. However, whether OXT plays a role in the developmental maturation of neural systems that are necessary for social behavior remains poorly explored. We show that proper behavioral and neural response to social stimuli depends on a developmental process orchestrated by OXT neurons. Animals whose OXT system is ablated in early life show blunted neuronal and behavioral responses to social stimuli as well as wide ranging disruptions in the functional connectivity of the social brain. We provide a window into the mechanisms underlying OXT-dependent developmental processes that implement adult sociality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Nunes
- Integrative Behavioural Biology Lab, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras 2780-156, Portugal
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Michael Gliksberg
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Susana A M Varela
- Integrative Behavioural Biology Lab, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras 2780-156, Portugal
- ISPA-Instituto Universitário, Lisboa 1149-041, Portugal
| | - Magda Teles
- Integrative Behavioural Biology Lab, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras 2780-156, Portugal
| | - Einav Wircer
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Janna Blechman
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Giovanni Petri
- Institute for Scientific Interchange (ISI) Foundation and ISI Global Science Foundation, Torino 10126, Italy
| | - Gil Levkowitz
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Rui F Oliveira
- Integrative Behavioural Biology Lab, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras 2780-156, Portugal
- ISPA-Instituto Universitário, Lisboa 1149-041, Portugal
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon 1400-038, Portugal
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26
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Sikich L, Kolevzon A, King BH, McDougle CJ, Sanders KB, Kim SJ, Spanos M, Chandrasekhar T, Trelles MDP, Rockhill CM, Palumbo ML, Witters Cundiff A, Montgomery A, Siper P, Minjarez M, Nowinski LA, Marler S, Shuffrey LC, Alderman C, Weissman J, Zappone B, Mullett JE, Crosson H, Hong N, Siecinski SK, Giamberardino SN, Luo S, She L, Bhapkar M, Dean R, Scheer A, Johnson JL, Gregory SG, Veenstra-VanderWeele J. Intranasal Oxytocin in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. N Engl J Med 2021; 385:1462-1473. [PMID: 34644471 PMCID: PMC9701092 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa2103583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Experimental studies and small clinical trials have suggested that treatment with intranasal oxytocin may reduce social impairment in persons with autism spectrum disorder. Oxytocin has been administered in clinical practice to many children with autism spectrum disorder. METHODS We conducted a 24-week, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial of intranasal oxytocin therapy in children and adolescents 3 to 17 years of age with autism spectrum disorder. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio, with stratification according to age and verbal fluency, to receive oxytocin or placebo, administered intranasally, with a total target dose of 48 international units daily. The primary outcome was the least-squares mean change from baseline on the Aberrant Behavior Checklist modified Social Withdrawal subscale (ABC-mSW), which includes 13 items (scores range from 0 to 39, with higher scores indicating less social interaction). Secondary outcomes included two additional measures of social function and an abbreviated measure of IQ. RESULTS Of the 355 children and adolescents who underwent screening, 290 were enrolled. A total of 146 participants were assigned to the oxytocin group and 144 to the placebo group; 139 and 138 participants, respectively, completed both the baseline and at least one postbaseline ABC-mSW assessments and were included in the modified intention-to-treat analyses. The least-squares mean change from baseline in the ABC-mSW score (primary outcome) was -3.7 in the oxytocin group and -3.5 in the placebo group (least-squares mean difference, -0.2; 95% confidence interval, -1.5 to 1.0; P = 0.61). Secondary outcomes generally did not differ between the trial groups. The incidence and severity of adverse events were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS This placebo-controlled trial of intranasal oxytocin therapy in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder showed no significant between-group differences in the least-squares mean change from baseline on measures of social or cognitive functioning over a period of 24 weeks. (Funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; SOARS-B ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01944046.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Linmarie Sikich
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., A.S.), the Duke Clinical Research Institute (L. Sikich, C.A., S.L., L. She, M.B.), the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (S.K.S., S.N.G., S.G.G.), and the Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (S.L.) and Neurology (S.G.G.), Duke University, Durham, the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., R.D., A.S., J.L.J.), and SAS Institute, Cary (J.L.J.) - all in North Carolina; the Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (A.K., M.D.P.T., P.S., J.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University (A.M., L.C.S., N.H., J.V.-V.), and New York State Psychiatric Institute (J.V.-V.), New York, and the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains (J.V.-V.) - all in New York; the Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco (B.H.K.); the Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle (B.H.K., S.-J.K., C.M.R., M.M., B.Z.); the Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.), and the Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland (K.B.S.); the Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville (K.B.S., A.W.C., S.M., H.C.); the University of New South Wales, Sydney (A.M.); and Florida International University, Miami (N.H.)
| | - Alexander Kolevzon
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., A.S.), the Duke Clinical Research Institute (L. Sikich, C.A., S.L., L. She, M.B.), the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (S.K.S., S.N.G., S.G.G.), and the Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (S.L.) and Neurology (S.G.G.), Duke University, Durham, the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., R.D., A.S., J.L.J.), and SAS Institute, Cary (J.L.J.) - all in North Carolina; the Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (A.K., M.D.P.T., P.S., J.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University (A.M., L.C.S., N.H., J.V.-V.), and New York State Psychiatric Institute (J.V.-V.), New York, and the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains (J.V.-V.) - all in New York; the Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco (B.H.K.); the Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle (B.H.K., S.-J.K., C.M.R., M.M., B.Z.); the Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.), and the Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland (K.B.S.); the Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville (K.B.S., A.W.C., S.M., H.C.); the University of New South Wales, Sydney (A.M.); and Florida International University, Miami (N.H.)
| | - Bryan H King
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., A.S.), the Duke Clinical Research Institute (L. Sikich, C.A., S.L., L. She, M.B.), the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (S.K.S., S.N.G., S.G.G.), and the Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (S.L.) and Neurology (S.G.G.), Duke University, Durham, the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., R.D., A.S., J.L.J.), and SAS Institute, Cary (J.L.J.) - all in North Carolina; the Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (A.K., M.D.P.T., P.S., J.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University (A.M., L.C.S., N.H., J.V.-V.), and New York State Psychiatric Institute (J.V.-V.), New York, and the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains (J.V.-V.) - all in New York; the Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco (B.H.K.); the Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle (B.H.K., S.-J.K., C.M.R., M.M., B.Z.); the Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.), and the Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland (K.B.S.); the Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville (K.B.S., A.W.C., S.M., H.C.); the University of New South Wales, Sydney (A.M.); and Florida International University, Miami (N.H.)
| | - Christopher J McDougle
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., A.S.), the Duke Clinical Research Institute (L. Sikich, C.A., S.L., L. She, M.B.), the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (S.K.S., S.N.G., S.G.G.), and the Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (S.L.) and Neurology (S.G.G.), Duke University, Durham, the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., R.D., A.S., J.L.J.), and SAS Institute, Cary (J.L.J.) - all in North Carolina; the Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (A.K., M.D.P.T., P.S., J.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University (A.M., L.C.S., N.H., J.V.-V.), and New York State Psychiatric Institute (J.V.-V.), New York, and the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains (J.V.-V.) - all in New York; the Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco (B.H.K.); the Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle (B.H.K., S.-J.K., C.M.R., M.M., B.Z.); the Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.), and the Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland (K.B.S.); the Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville (K.B.S., A.W.C., S.M., H.C.); the University of New South Wales, Sydney (A.M.); and Florida International University, Miami (N.H.)
| | - Kevin B Sanders
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., A.S.), the Duke Clinical Research Institute (L. Sikich, C.A., S.L., L. She, M.B.), the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (S.K.S., S.N.G., S.G.G.), and the Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (S.L.) and Neurology (S.G.G.), Duke University, Durham, the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., R.D., A.S., J.L.J.), and SAS Institute, Cary (J.L.J.) - all in North Carolina; the Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (A.K., M.D.P.T., P.S., J.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University (A.M., L.C.S., N.H., J.V.-V.), and New York State Psychiatric Institute (J.V.-V.), New York, and the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains (J.V.-V.) - all in New York; the Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco (B.H.K.); the Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle (B.H.K., S.-J.K., C.M.R., M.M., B.Z.); the Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.), and the Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland (K.B.S.); the Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville (K.B.S., A.W.C., S.M., H.C.); the University of New South Wales, Sydney (A.M.); and Florida International University, Miami (N.H.)
| | - Soo-Jeong Kim
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., A.S.), the Duke Clinical Research Institute (L. Sikich, C.A., S.L., L. She, M.B.), the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (S.K.S., S.N.G., S.G.G.), and the Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (S.L.) and Neurology (S.G.G.), Duke University, Durham, the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., R.D., A.S., J.L.J.), and SAS Institute, Cary (J.L.J.) - all in North Carolina; the Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (A.K., M.D.P.T., P.S., J.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University (A.M., L.C.S., N.H., J.V.-V.), and New York State Psychiatric Institute (J.V.-V.), New York, and the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains (J.V.-V.) - all in New York; the Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco (B.H.K.); the Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle (B.H.K., S.-J.K., C.M.R., M.M., B.Z.); the Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.), and the Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland (K.B.S.); the Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville (K.B.S., A.W.C., S.M., H.C.); the University of New South Wales, Sydney (A.M.); and Florida International University, Miami (N.H.)
| | - Marina Spanos
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., A.S.), the Duke Clinical Research Institute (L. Sikich, C.A., S.L., L. She, M.B.), the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (S.K.S., S.N.G., S.G.G.), and the Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (S.L.) and Neurology (S.G.G.), Duke University, Durham, the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., R.D., A.S., J.L.J.), and SAS Institute, Cary (J.L.J.) - all in North Carolina; the Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (A.K., M.D.P.T., P.S., J.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University (A.M., L.C.S., N.H., J.V.-V.), and New York State Psychiatric Institute (J.V.-V.), New York, and the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains (J.V.-V.) - all in New York; the Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco (B.H.K.); the Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle (B.H.K., S.-J.K., C.M.R., M.M., B.Z.); the Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.), and the Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland (K.B.S.); the Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville (K.B.S., A.W.C., S.M., H.C.); the University of New South Wales, Sydney (A.M.); and Florida International University, Miami (N.H.)
| | - Tara Chandrasekhar
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., A.S.), the Duke Clinical Research Institute (L. Sikich, C.A., S.L., L. She, M.B.), the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (S.K.S., S.N.G., S.G.G.), and the Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (S.L.) and Neurology (S.G.G.), Duke University, Durham, the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., R.D., A.S., J.L.J.), and SAS Institute, Cary (J.L.J.) - all in North Carolina; the Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (A.K., M.D.P.T., P.S., J.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University (A.M., L.C.S., N.H., J.V.-V.), and New York State Psychiatric Institute (J.V.-V.), New York, and the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains (J.V.-V.) - all in New York; the Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco (B.H.K.); the Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle (B.H.K., S.-J.K., C.M.R., M.M., B.Z.); the Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.), and the Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland (K.B.S.); the Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville (K.B.S., A.W.C., S.M., H.C.); the University of New South Wales, Sydney (A.M.); and Florida International University, Miami (N.H.)
| | - M D Pilar Trelles
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., A.S.), the Duke Clinical Research Institute (L. Sikich, C.A., S.L., L. She, M.B.), the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (S.K.S., S.N.G., S.G.G.), and the Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (S.L.) and Neurology (S.G.G.), Duke University, Durham, the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., R.D., A.S., J.L.J.), and SAS Institute, Cary (J.L.J.) - all in North Carolina; the Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (A.K., M.D.P.T., P.S., J.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University (A.M., L.C.S., N.H., J.V.-V.), and New York State Psychiatric Institute (J.V.-V.), New York, and the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains (J.V.-V.) - all in New York; the Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco (B.H.K.); the Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle (B.H.K., S.-J.K., C.M.R., M.M., B.Z.); the Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.), and the Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland (K.B.S.); the Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville (K.B.S., A.W.C., S.M., H.C.); the University of New South Wales, Sydney (A.M.); and Florida International University, Miami (N.H.)
| | - Carol M Rockhill
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., A.S.), the Duke Clinical Research Institute (L. Sikich, C.A., S.L., L. She, M.B.), the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (S.K.S., S.N.G., S.G.G.), and the Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (S.L.) and Neurology (S.G.G.), Duke University, Durham, the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., R.D., A.S., J.L.J.), and SAS Institute, Cary (J.L.J.) - all in North Carolina; the Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (A.K., M.D.P.T., P.S., J.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University (A.M., L.C.S., N.H., J.V.-V.), and New York State Psychiatric Institute (J.V.-V.), New York, and the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains (J.V.-V.) - all in New York; the Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco (B.H.K.); the Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle (B.H.K., S.-J.K., C.M.R., M.M., B.Z.); the Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.), and the Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland (K.B.S.); the Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville (K.B.S., A.W.C., S.M., H.C.); the University of New South Wales, Sydney (A.M.); and Florida International University, Miami (N.H.)
| | - Michelle L Palumbo
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., A.S.), the Duke Clinical Research Institute (L. Sikich, C.A., S.L., L. She, M.B.), the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (S.K.S., S.N.G., S.G.G.), and the Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (S.L.) and Neurology (S.G.G.), Duke University, Durham, the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., R.D., A.S., J.L.J.), and SAS Institute, Cary (J.L.J.) - all in North Carolina; the Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (A.K., M.D.P.T., P.S., J.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University (A.M., L.C.S., N.H., J.V.-V.), and New York State Psychiatric Institute (J.V.-V.), New York, and the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains (J.V.-V.) - all in New York; the Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco (B.H.K.); the Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle (B.H.K., S.-J.K., C.M.R., M.M., B.Z.); the Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.), and the Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland (K.B.S.); the Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville (K.B.S., A.W.C., S.M., H.C.); the University of New South Wales, Sydney (A.M.); and Florida International University, Miami (N.H.)
| | - Allyson Witters Cundiff
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., A.S.), the Duke Clinical Research Institute (L. Sikich, C.A., S.L., L. She, M.B.), the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (S.K.S., S.N.G., S.G.G.), and the Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (S.L.) and Neurology (S.G.G.), Duke University, Durham, the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., R.D., A.S., J.L.J.), and SAS Institute, Cary (J.L.J.) - all in North Carolina; the Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (A.K., M.D.P.T., P.S., J.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University (A.M., L.C.S., N.H., J.V.-V.), and New York State Psychiatric Institute (J.V.-V.), New York, and the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains (J.V.-V.) - all in New York; the Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco (B.H.K.); the Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle (B.H.K., S.-J.K., C.M.R., M.M., B.Z.); the Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.), and the Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland (K.B.S.); the Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville (K.B.S., A.W.C., S.M., H.C.); the University of New South Wales, Sydney (A.M.); and Florida International University, Miami (N.H.)
| | - Alicia Montgomery
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., A.S.), the Duke Clinical Research Institute (L. Sikich, C.A., S.L., L. She, M.B.), the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (S.K.S., S.N.G., S.G.G.), and the Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (S.L.) and Neurology (S.G.G.), Duke University, Durham, the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., R.D., A.S., J.L.J.), and SAS Institute, Cary (J.L.J.) - all in North Carolina; the Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (A.K., M.D.P.T., P.S., J.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University (A.M., L.C.S., N.H., J.V.-V.), and New York State Psychiatric Institute (J.V.-V.), New York, and the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains (J.V.-V.) - all in New York; the Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco (B.H.K.); the Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle (B.H.K., S.-J.K., C.M.R., M.M., B.Z.); the Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.), and the Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland (K.B.S.); the Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville (K.B.S., A.W.C., S.M., H.C.); the University of New South Wales, Sydney (A.M.); and Florida International University, Miami (N.H.)
| | - Paige Siper
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., A.S.), the Duke Clinical Research Institute (L. Sikich, C.A., S.L., L. She, M.B.), the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (S.K.S., S.N.G., S.G.G.), and the Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (S.L.) and Neurology (S.G.G.), Duke University, Durham, the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., R.D., A.S., J.L.J.), and SAS Institute, Cary (J.L.J.) - all in North Carolina; the Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (A.K., M.D.P.T., P.S., J.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University (A.M., L.C.S., N.H., J.V.-V.), and New York State Psychiatric Institute (J.V.-V.), New York, and the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains (J.V.-V.) - all in New York; the Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco (B.H.K.); the Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle (B.H.K., S.-J.K., C.M.R., M.M., B.Z.); the Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.), and the Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland (K.B.S.); the Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville (K.B.S., A.W.C., S.M., H.C.); the University of New South Wales, Sydney (A.M.); and Florida International University, Miami (N.H.)
| | - Mendy Minjarez
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., A.S.), the Duke Clinical Research Institute (L. Sikich, C.A., S.L., L. She, M.B.), the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (S.K.S., S.N.G., S.G.G.), and the Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (S.L.) and Neurology (S.G.G.), Duke University, Durham, the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., R.D., A.S., J.L.J.), and SAS Institute, Cary (J.L.J.) - all in North Carolina; the Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (A.K., M.D.P.T., P.S., J.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University (A.M., L.C.S., N.H., J.V.-V.), and New York State Psychiatric Institute (J.V.-V.), New York, and the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains (J.V.-V.) - all in New York; the Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco (B.H.K.); the Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle (B.H.K., S.-J.K., C.M.R., M.M., B.Z.); the Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.), and the Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland (K.B.S.); the Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville (K.B.S., A.W.C., S.M., H.C.); the University of New South Wales, Sydney (A.M.); and Florida International University, Miami (N.H.)
| | - Lisa A Nowinski
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., A.S.), the Duke Clinical Research Institute (L. Sikich, C.A., S.L., L. She, M.B.), the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (S.K.S., S.N.G., S.G.G.), and the Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (S.L.) and Neurology (S.G.G.), Duke University, Durham, the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., R.D., A.S., J.L.J.), and SAS Institute, Cary (J.L.J.) - all in North Carolina; the Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (A.K., M.D.P.T., P.S., J.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University (A.M., L.C.S., N.H., J.V.-V.), and New York State Psychiatric Institute (J.V.-V.), New York, and the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains (J.V.-V.) - all in New York; the Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco (B.H.K.); the Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle (B.H.K., S.-J.K., C.M.R., M.M., B.Z.); the Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.), and the Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland (K.B.S.); the Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville (K.B.S., A.W.C., S.M., H.C.); the University of New South Wales, Sydney (A.M.); and Florida International University, Miami (N.H.)
| | - Sarah Marler
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., A.S.), the Duke Clinical Research Institute (L. Sikich, C.A., S.L., L. She, M.B.), the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (S.K.S., S.N.G., S.G.G.), and the Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (S.L.) and Neurology (S.G.G.), Duke University, Durham, the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., R.D., A.S., J.L.J.), and SAS Institute, Cary (J.L.J.) - all in North Carolina; the Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (A.K., M.D.P.T., P.S., J.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University (A.M., L.C.S., N.H., J.V.-V.), and New York State Psychiatric Institute (J.V.-V.), New York, and the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains (J.V.-V.) - all in New York; the Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco (B.H.K.); the Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle (B.H.K., S.-J.K., C.M.R., M.M., B.Z.); the Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.), and the Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland (K.B.S.); the Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville (K.B.S., A.W.C., S.M., H.C.); the University of New South Wales, Sydney (A.M.); and Florida International University, Miami (N.H.)
| | - Lauren C Shuffrey
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., A.S.), the Duke Clinical Research Institute (L. Sikich, C.A., S.L., L. She, M.B.), the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (S.K.S., S.N.G., S.G.G.), and the Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (S.L.) and Neurology (S.G.G.), Duke University, Durham, the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., R.D., A.S., J.L.J.), and SAS Institute, Cary (J.L.J.) - all in North Carolina; the Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (A.K., M.D.P.T., P.S., J.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University (A.M., L.C.S., N.H., J.V.-V.), and New York State Psychiatric Institute (J.V.-V.), New York, and the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains (J.V.-V.) - all in New York; the Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco (B.H.K.); the Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle (B.H.K., S.-J.K., C.M.R., M.M., B.Z.); the Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.), and the Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland (K.B.S.); the Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville (K.B.S., A.W.C., S.M., H.C.); the University of New South Wales, Sydney (A.M.); and Florida International University, Miami (N.H.)
| | - Cheryl Alderman
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., A.S.), the Duke Clinical Research Institute (L. Sikich, C.A., S.L., L. She, M.B.), the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (S.K.S., S.N.G., S.G.G.), and the Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (S.L.) and Neurology (S.G.G.), Duke University, Durham, the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., R.D., A.S., J.L.J.), and SAS Institute, Cary (J.L.J.) - all in North Carolina; the Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (A.K., M.D.P.T., P.S., J.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University (A.M., L.C.S., N.H., J.V.-V.), and New York State Psychiatric Institute (J.V.-V.), New York, and the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains (J.V.-V.) - all in New York; the Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco (B.H.K.); the Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle (B.H.K., S.-J.K., C.M.R., M.M., B.Z.); the Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.), and the Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland (K.B.S.); the Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville (K.B.S., A.W.C., S.M., H.C.); the University of New South Wales, Sydney (A.M.); and Florida International University, Miami (N.H.)
| | - Jordana Weissman
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., A.S.), the Duke Clinical Research Institute (L. Sikich, C.A., S.L., L. She, M.B.), the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (S.K.S., S.N.G., S.G.G.), and the Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (S.L.) and Neurology (S.G.G.), Duke University, Durham, the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., R.D., A.S., J.L.J.), and SAS Institute, Cary (J.L.J.) - all in North Carolina; the Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (A.K., M.D.P.T., P.S., J.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University (A.M., L.C.S., N.H., J.V.-V.), and New York State Psychiatric Institute (J.V.-V.), New York, and the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains (J.V.-V.) - all in New York; the Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco (B.H.K.); the Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle (B.H.K., S.-J.K., C.M.R., M.M., B.Z.); the Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.), and the Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland (K.B.S.); the Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville (K.B.S., A.W.C., S.M., H.C.); the University of New South Wales, Sydney (A.M.); and Florida International University, Miami (N.H.)
| | - Brooke Zappone
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., A.S.), the Duke Clinical Research Institute (L. Sikich, C.A., S.L., L. She, M.B.), the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (S.K.S., S.N.G., S.G.G.), and the Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (S.L.) and Neurology (S.G.G.), Duke University, Durham, the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., R.D., A.S., J.L.J.), and SAS Institute, Cary (J.L.J.) - all in North Carolina; the Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (A.K., M.D.P.T., P.S., J.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University (A.M., L.C.S., N.H., J.V.-V.), and New York State Psychiatric Institute (J.V.-V.), New York, and the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains (J.V.-V.) - all in New York; the Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco (B.H.K.); the Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle (B.H.K., S.-J.K., C.M.R., M.M., B.Z.); the Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.), and the Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland (K.B.S.); the Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville (K.B.S., A.W.C., S.M., H.C.); the University of New South Wales, Sydney (A.M.); and Florida International University, Miami (N.H.)
| | - Jennifer E Mullett
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., A.S.), the Duke Clinical Research Institute (L. Sikich, C.A., S.L., L. She, M.B.), the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (S.K.S., S.N.G., S.G.G.), and the Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (S.L.) and Neurology (S.G.G.), Duke University, Durham, the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., R.D., A.S., J.L.J.), and SAS Institute, Cary (J.L.J.) - all in North Carolina; the Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (A.K., M.D.P.T., P.S., J.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University (A.M., L.C.S., N.H., J.V.-V.), and New York State Psychiatric Institute (J.V.-V.), New York, and the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains (J.V.-V.) - all in New York; the Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco (B.H.K.); the Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle (B.H.K., S.-J.K., C.M.R., M.M., B.Z.); the Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.), and the Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland (K.B.S.); the Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville (K.B.S., A.W.C., S.M., H.C.); the University of New South Wales, Sydney (A.M.); and Florida International University, Miami (N.H.)
| | - Hope Crosson
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., A.S.), the Duke Clinical Research Institute (L. Sikich, C.A., S.L., L. She, M.B.), the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (S.K.S., S.N.G., S.G.G.), and the Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (S.L.) and Neurology (S.G.G.), Duke University, Durham, the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., R.D., A.S., J.L.J.), and SAS Institute, Cary (J.L.J.) - all in North Carolina; the Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (A.K., M.D.P.T., P.S., J.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University (A.M., L.C.S., N.H., J.V.-V.), and New York State Psychiatric Institute (J.V.-V.), New York, and the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains (J.V.-V.) - all in New York; the Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco (B.H.K.); the Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle (B.H.K., S.-J.K., C.M.R., M.M., B.Z.); the Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.), and the Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland (K.B.S.); the Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville (K.B.S., A.W.C., S.M., H.C.); the University of New South Wales, Sydney (A.M.); and Florida International University, Miami (N.H.)
| | - Natalie Hong
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., A.S.), the Duke Clinical Research Institute (L. Sikich, C.A., S.L., L. She, M.B.), the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (S.K.S., S.N.G., S.G.G.), and the Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (S.L.) and Neurology (S.G.G.), Duke University, Durham, the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., R.D., A.S., J.L.J.), and SAS Institute, Cary (J.L.J.) - all in North Carolina; the Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (A.K., M.D.P.T., P.S., J.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University (A.M., L.C.S., N.H., J.V.-V.), and New York State Psychiatric Institute (J.V.-V.), New York, and the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains (J.V.-V.) - all in New York; the Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco (B.H.K.); the Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle (B.H.K., S.-J.K., C.M.R., M.M., B.Z.); the Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.), and the Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland (K.B.S.); the Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville (K.B.S., A.W.C., S.M., H.C.); the University of New South Wales, Sydney (A.M.); and Florida International University, Miami (N.H.)
| | - Stephen K Siecinski
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., A.S.), the Duke Clinical Research Institute (L. Sikich, C.A., S.L., L. She, M.B.), the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (S.K.S., S.N.G., S.G.G.), and the Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (S.L.) and Neurology (S.G.G.), Duke University, Durham, the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., R.D., A.S., J.L.J.), and SAS Institute, Cary (J.L.J.) - all in North Carolina; the Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (A.K., M.D.P.T., P.S., J.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University (A.M., L.C.S., N.H., J.V.-V.), and New York State Psychiatric Institute (J.V.-V.), New York, and the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains (J.V.-V.) - all in New York; the Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco (B.H.K.); the Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle (B.H.K., S.-J.K., C.M.R., M.M., B.Z.); the Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.), and the Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland (K.B.S.); the Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville (K.B.S., A.W.C., S.M., H.C.); the University of New South Wales, Sydney (A.M.); and Florida International University, Miami (N.H.)
| | - Stephanie N Giamberardino
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., A.S.), the Duke Clinical Research Institute (L. Sikich, C.A., S.L., L. She, M.B.), the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (S.K.S., S.N.G., S.G.G.), and the Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (S.L.) and Neurology (S.G.G.), Duke University, Durham, the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., R.D., A.S., J.L.J.), and SAS Institute, Cary (J.L.J.) - all in North Carolina; the Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (A.K., M.D.P.T., P.S., J.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University (A.M., L.C.S., N.H., J.V.-V.), and New York State Psychiatric Institute (J.V.-V.), New York, and the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains (J.V.-V.) - all in New York; the Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco (B.H.K.); the Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle (B.H.K., S.-J.K., C.M.R., M.M., B.Z.); the Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.), and the Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland (K.B.S.); the Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville (K.B.S., A.W.C., S.M., H.C.); the University of New South Wales, Sydney (A.M.); and Florida International University, Miami (N.H.)
| | - Sheng Luo
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., A.S.), the Duke Clinical Research Institute (L. Sikich, C.A., S.L., L. She, M.B.), the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (S.K.S., S.N.G., S.G.G.), and the Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (S.L.) and Neurology (S.G.G.), Duke University, Durham, the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., R.D., A.S., J.L.J.), and SAS Institute, Cary (J.L.J.) - all in North Carolina; the Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (A.K., M.D.P.T., P.S., J.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University (A.M., L.C.S., N.H., J.V.-V.), and New York State Psychiatric Institute (J.V.-V.), New York, and the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains (J.V.-V.) - all in New York; the Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco (B.H.K.); the Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle (B.H.K., S.-J.K., C.M.R., M.M., B.Z.); the Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.), and the Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland (K.B.S.); the Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville (K.B.S., A.W.C., S.M., H.C.); the University of New South Wales, Sydney (A.M.); and Florida International University, Miami (N.H.)
| | - Lilin She
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., A.S.), the Duke Clinical Research Institute (L. Sikich, C.A., S.L., L. She, M.B.), the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (S.K.S., S.N.G., S.G.G.), and the Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (S.L.) and Neurology (S.G.G.), Duke University, Durham, the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., R.D., A.S., J.L.J.), and SAS Institute, Cary (J.L.J.) - all in North Carolina; the Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (A.K., M.D.P.T., P.S., J.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University (A.M., L.C.S., N.H., J.V.-V.), and New York State Psychiatric Institute (J.V.-V.), New York, and the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains (J.V.-V.) - all in New York; the Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco (B.H.K.); the Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle (B.H.K., S.-J.K., C.M.R., M.M., B.Z.); the Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.), and the Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland (K.B.S.); the Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville (K.B.S., A.W.C., S.M., H.C.); the University of New South Wales, Sydney (A.M.); and Florida International University, Miami (N.H.)
| | - Manjushri Bhapkar
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., A.S.), the Duke Clinical Research Institute (L. Sikich, C.A., S.L., L. She, M.B.), the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (S.K.S., S.N.G., S.G.G.), and the Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (S.L.) and Neurology (S.G.G.), Duke University, Durham, the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., R.D., A.S., J.L.J.), and SAS Institute, Cary (J.L.J.) - all in North Carolina; the Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (A.K., M.D.P.T., P.S., J.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University (A.M., L.C.S., N.H., J.V.-V.), and New York State Psychiatric Institute (J.V.-V.), New York, and the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains (J.V.-V.) - all in New York; the Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco (B.H.K.); the Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle (B.H.K., S.-J.K., C.M.R., M.M., B.Z.); the Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.), and the Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland (K.B.S.); the Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville (K.B.S., A.W.C., S.M., H.C.); the University of New South Wales, Sydney (A.M.); and Florida International University, Miami (N.H.)
| | - Russell Dean
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., A.S.), the Duke Clinical Research Institute (L. Sikich, C.A., S.L., L. She, M.B.), the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (S.K.S., S.N.G., S.G.G.), and the Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (S.L.) and Neurology (S.G.G.), Duke University, Durham, the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., R.D., A.S., J.L.J.), and SAS Institute, Cary (J.L.J.) - all in North Carolina; the Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (A.K., M.D.P.T., P.S., J.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University (A.M., L.C.S., N.H., J.V.-V.), and New York State Psychiatric Institute (J.V.-V.), New York, and the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains (J.V.-V.) - all in New York; the Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco (B.H.K.); the Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle (B.H.K., S.-J.K., C.M.R., M.M., B.Z.); the Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.), and the Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland (K.B.S.); the Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville (K.B.S., A.W.C., S.M., H.C.); the University of New South Wales, Sydney (A.M.); and Florida International University, Miami (N.H.)
| | - Abby Scheer
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., A.S.), the Duke Clinical Research Institute (L. Sikich, C.A., S.L., L. She, M.B.), the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (S.K.S., S.N.G., S.G.G.), and the Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (S.L.) and Neurology (S.G.G.), Duke University, Durham, the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., R.D., A.S., J.L.J.), and SAS Institute, Cary (J.L.J.) - all in North Carolina; the Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (A.K., M.D.P.T., P.S., J.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University (A.M., L.C.S., N.H., J.V.-V.), and New York State Psychiatric Institute (J.V.-V.), New York, and the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains (J.V.-V.) - all in New York; the Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco (B.H.K.); the Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle (B.H.K., S.-J.K., C.M.R., M.M., B.Z.); the Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.), and the Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland (K.B.S.); the Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville (K.B.S., A.W.C., S.M., H.C.); the University of New South Wales, Sydney (A.M.); and Florida International University, Miami (N.H.)
| | - Jacqueline L Johnson
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., A.S.), the Duke Clinical Research Institute (L. Sikich, C.A., S.L., L. She, M.B.), the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (S.K.S., S.N.G., S.G.G.), and the Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (S.L.) and Neurology (S.G.G.), Duke University, Durham, the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., R.D., A.S., J.L.J.), and SAS Institute, Cary (J.L.J.) - all in North Carolina; the Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (A.K., M.D.P.T., P.S., J.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University (A.M., L.C.S., N.H., J.V.-V.), and New York State Psychiatric Institute (J.V.-V.), New York, and the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains (J.V.-V.) - all in New York; the Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco (B.H.K.); the Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle (B.H.K., S.-J.K., C.M.R., M.M., B.Z.); the Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.), and the Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland (K.B.S.); the Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville (K.B.S., A.W.C., S.M., H.C.); the University of New South Wales, Sydney (A.M.); and Florida International University, Miami (N.H.)
| | - Simon G Gregory
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., A.S.), the Duke Clinical Research Institute (L. Sikich, C.A., S.L., L. She, M.B.), the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (S.K.S., S.N.G., S.G.G.), and the Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (S.L.) and Neurology (S.G.G.), Duke University, Durham, the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., R.D., A.S., J.L.J.), and SAS Institute, Cary (J.L.J.) - all in North Carolina; the Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (A.K., M.D.P.T., P.S., J.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University (A.M., L.C.S., N.H., J.V.-V.), and New York State Psychiatric Institute (J.V.-V.), New York, and the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains (J.V.-V.) - all in New York; the Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco (B.H.K.); the Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle (B.H.K., S.-J.K., C.M.R., M.M., B.Z.); the Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.), and the Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland (K.B.S.); the Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville (K.B.S., A.W.C., S.M., H.C.); the University of New South Wales, Sydney (A.M.); and Florida International University, Miami (N.H.)
| | - Jeremy Veenstra-VanderWeele
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., A.S.), the Duke Clinical Research Institute (L. Sikich, C.A., S.L., L. She, M.B.), the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (S.K.S., S.N.G., S.G.G.), and the Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (S.L.) and Neurology (S.G.G.), Duke University, Durham, the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (L. Sikich, M.S., T.C., C.A., R.D., A.S., J.L.J.), and SAS Institute, Cary (J.L.J.) - all in North Carolina; the Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (A.K., M.D.P.T., P.S., J.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University (A.M., L.C.S., N.H., J.V.-V.), and New York State Psychiatric Institute (J.V.-V.), New York, and the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains (J.V.-V.) - all in New York; the Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco (B.H.K.); the Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle (B.H.K., S.-J.K., C.M.R., M.M., B.Z.); the Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.), and the Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington (C.J.M., M.L.P., L.A.N., J.E.M.) - all in Massachusetts; Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland (K.B.S.); the Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville (K.B.S., A.W.C., S.M., H.C.); the University of New South Wales, Sydney (A.M.); and Florida International University, Miami (N.H.)
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27
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Huang M, Liu K, Wei Z, Feng Z, Chen J, Yang J, Zhong Q, Wan G, Kong XJ. Serum Oxytocin Level Correlates With Gut Microbiome Dysbiosis in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:721884. [PMID: 34658767 PMCID: PMC8517432 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.721884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate the levels of serum oxytocin (OT) in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and explore the association between OT levels and gut microbiota relative abundances, we recruited 39 children with ASD children-mother dyads and 44 healthy controls. Serum OT levels were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and gut microbiota abundances were determined by 16S rRNA sequencing. We found that the OT level of ASD was lower than the healthy control group overall (P < 0.05). Furthermore, we present preliminary evidence of gut microbiome dysbiosis observed among children with ASD to lower levels of OT based on correlational analysis between serum OT and specific gut microbiota abundances (P < 0.05). We also found sex-related differences in serum OT levels and GIS index (P < 0.05). However, the generalizability of findings relevant to females with ASD require further validation in future studies involving larger sample sizes and balanced sex distributions due to the small number of females involved in this study. Nonetheless, these new findings further our understanding of the effects of low serum OT levels among individuals with ASD, which provides preliminary evidence in hopes of guiding future study design or mechanistic studies. The findings of the present study may be suggestive of potential ASD subtypes based on ASD severity and gut microbiome composition that may facilitate the prediction of the therapeutic responses of OT among those with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minshi Huang
- Department of Child Psychology and Rehabilitation, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kevin Liu
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, United States
| | - Zhen Wei
- Department of Child Psychology and Rehabilitation, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhe Feng
- Department of Child Psychology and Rehabilitation, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jierong Chen
- Department of Child Psychology and Rehabilitation, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Child Psychology and Rehabilitation, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qin Zhong
- Department of Child Psychology and Rehabilitation, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guobin Wan
- Department of Child Psychology and Rehabilitation, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xue-Jun Kong
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine and Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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28
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Rogers Flattery CN, Coppeto DJ, Inoue K, Rilling JK, Preuss TM, Young LJ. Distribution of brain oxytocin and vasopressin V1a receptors in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes): comparison with humans and other primate species. Brain Struct Funct 2021; 227:1907-1919. [PMID: 34482474 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-021-02369-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Despite our close genetic relationship with chimpanzees, there are notable differences between chimpanzee and human social behavior. Oxytocin and vasopressin are neuropeptides involved in regulating social behavior across vertebrate taxa, including pair bonding, social communication, and aggression, yet little is known about the neuroanatomy of these systems in primates, particularly in great apes. Here, we used receptor autoradiography to localize oxytocin and vasopressin V1a receptors, OXTR and AVPR1a respectively, in seven chimpanzee brains. OXTR binding was detected in the lateral septum, hypothalamus, medial amygdala, and substantia nigra. AVPR1a binding was observed in the cortex, lateral septum, hypothalamus, mammillary body, entire amygdala, hilus of the dentate gyrus, and substantia nigra. Chimpanzee OXTR/AVPR1a receptor distribution is compared to previous studies in several other primate species. One notable difference is the lack of OXTR in reward regions such as the ventral pallidum and nucleus accumbens in chimpanzees, whereas OXTR is found in these regions in humans. Our results suggest that in chimpanzees, like in most other anthropoid primates studied to date, OXTR has a more restricted distribution than AVPR1a, while in humans the reverse pattern has been reported. Altogether, our study provides a neuroanatomical basis for understanding the function of the oxytocin and vasopressin systems in chimpanzees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina N Rogers Flattery
- Department of Anthropology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA. .,Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA. .,Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA. .,Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, 11 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.
| | - Daniel J Coppeto
- Department of Anthropology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.,Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.,Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Kiyoshi Inoue
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.,Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.,Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - James K Rilling
- Department of Anthropology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.,Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.,Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.,Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Todd M Preuss
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Larry J Young
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.,Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.,Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
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29
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Guma E, Bordignon PDC, Devenyi GA, Gallino D, Anastassiadis C, Cvetkovska V, Barry AD, Snook E, Germann J, Greenwood CMT, Misic B, Bagot RC, Chakravarty MM. Early or Late Gestational Exposure to Maternal Immune Activation Alters Neurodevelopmental Trajectories in Mice: An Integrated Neuroimaging, Behavioral, and Transcriptional Study. Biol Psychiatry 2021; 90:328-341. [PMID: 34053674 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to maternal immune activation (MIA) in utero is a risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders later in life. The impact of the gestational timing of MIA exposure on downstream development remains unclear. METHODS We characterized neurodevelopmental trajectories of mice exposed to the viral mimetic poly I:C (polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid) either on gestational day 9 (early) or on day 17 (late) using longitudinal structural magnetic resonance imaging from weaning to adulthood. Using multivariate methods, we related neuroimaging and behavioral variables for the time of greatest alteration (adolescence/early adulthood) and identified regions for further investigation using RNA sequencing. RESULTS Early MIA exposure was associated with accelerated brain volume increases in adolescence/early adulthood that normalized in later adulthood in the striatum, hippocampus, and cingulate cortex. Similarly, alterations in anxiety-like, stereotypic, and sensorimotor gating behaviors observed in adolescence normalized in adulthood. MIA exposure in late gestation had less impact on anatomical and behavioral profiles. Multivariate maps associated anxiety-like, social, and sensorimotor gating deficits with volume of the dorsal and ventral hippocampus and anterior cingulate cortex, among others. The most transcriptional changes were observed in the dorsal hippocampus, with genes enriched for fibroblast growth factor regulation, autistic behaviors, inflammatory pathways, and microRNA regulation. CONCLUSIONS Leveraging an integrated hypothesis- and data-driven approach linking brain-behavior alterations to the transcriptome, we found that MIA timing differentially affects offspring development. Exposure in late gestation leads to subthreshold deficits, whereas exposure in early gestation perturbs brain development mechanisms implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Guma
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Computational Brain Imaging Lab, Cerebral Imaging Center, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Pedro do Couto Bordignon
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Ludmer Center for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gabriel A Devenyi
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Computational Brain Imaging Lab, Cerebral Imaging Center, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Daniel Gallino
- Computational Brain Imaging Lab, Cerebral Imaging Center, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Chloe Anastassiadis
- Computational Brain Imaging Lab, Cerebral Imaging Center, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Institute of Medical Science & Collaborative Program in Neuroscience, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Amadou D Barry
- Departments of Human Genetics and Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Ludmer Center for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Emily Snook
- Computational Brain Imaging Lab, Cerebral Imaging Center, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jurgen Germann
- Computational Brain Imaging Lab, Cerebral Imaging Center, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Celia M T Greenwood
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Departments of Human Genetics and Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Ludmer Center for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bratislav Misic
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Rosemary C Bagot
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Ludmer Center for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - M Mallar Chakravarty
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Computational Brain Imaging Lab, Cerebral Imaging Center, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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30
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John S, Jaeggi AV. Oxytocin levels tend to be lower in autistic children: A meta-analysis of 31 studies. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2021; 25:2152-2161. [PMID: 34308675 DOI: 10.1177/13623613211034375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Oxytocin is a hormone that mediates interpersonal relationships through enhancing social recognition, social memory, and reducing stress. It is released centrally into the cerebrospinal fluid, as well as peripherally into the blood, where it can easily be measured. Some studies indicate that the oxytocin system with its social implications might be different in people with autism spectrum disorder. With summarizing evidence of 31 studies, this meta-analysis suggests that children with autism spectrum disorder have lower blood oxytocin levels compared to neurotypical individuals. This might not be the case for adults with autism spectrum disorder, where we could not find a difference. Our findings motivate further exploration of the oxytocin system in children with autism spectrum disorder. This could lead to therapeutic options in treating autism spectrum disorder in childhood.
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31
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Fetit R, Hillary RF, Price DJ, Lawrie SM. The neuropathology of autism: A systematic review of post-mortem studies of autism and related disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 129:35-62. [PMID: 34273379 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Post-mortem studies allow for the direct investigation of brain tissue in those with autism and related disorders. Several review articles have focused on aspects of post-mortem abnormalities but none has brought together the entire post-mortem literature. Here, we systematically review the evidence from post-mortem studies of autism, and of related disorders that present with autistic features. The literature consists of a small body of studies with small sample sizes, but several remarkably consistent findings are evident. Cortical layering is largely undisturbed, but there are consistent reductions in minicolumn numbers and aberrant myelination. Transcriptomics repeatedly implicate abberant synaptic, metabolic, proliferation, apoptosis and immune pathways. Sufficient replicated evidence is available to implicate non-coding RNA, aberrant epigenetic profiles, GABAergic, glutamatergic and glial dysfunction in autism pathogenesis. Overall, the cerebellum and frontal cortex are most consistently implicated, sometimes revealing distinct region-specific alterations. The literature on related disorders such as Rett syndrome, Fragile X and copy number variations (CNVs) predisposing to autism is particularly small and inconclusive. Larger studies, matched for gender, developmental stage, co-morbidities and drug treatment are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Fetit
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.
| | - Robert F Hillary
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - David J Price
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Stephen M Lawrie
- Division of Psychiatry, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH10 5HF, UK; Patrick Wild Centre, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH10 5HF, UK
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32
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Pavăl D, Micluția IV. The Dopamine Hypothesis of Autism Spectrum Disorder Revisited: Current Status and Future Prospects. Dev Neurosci 2021; 43:73-83. [PMID: 34010842 DOI: 10.1159/000515751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by social deficits and stereotyped behaviors. Despite intensive research, its etiopathogenesis remains largely unclear. Although studies consistently reported dopaminergic anomalies, a coherent dopaminergic model of ASD was lacking until recently. In 2017, we provided a theoretical framework for a "dopamine hypothesis of ASD" which proposed that autistic behavior arises from a dysfunctional midbrain dopaminergic system. Namely, we hypothesized that malfunction of 2 critical circuits originating in the midbrain, that is, the mesocorticolimbic and nigrostriatal pathways, generates the core behavioral features of ASD. Moreover, we provided key predictions of our model along with testing means. Since then, a notable number of studies referenced our work and numerous others provided support for our model. To account for these developments, we review all these recent data and discuss their implications. Furthermore, in the light of these new insights, we further refine and reconceptualize our model, debating on the possibility that various etiologies of ASD converge upon a dysfunctional midbrain dopaminergic system. In addition, we discuss future prospects, providing new means of testing our hypothesis, as well as its limitations. Along these lines, we aimed to provide a model which, if confirmed, could provide a better understanding of the etiopathogenesis of ASD along with new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Pavăl
- Psychiatry Clinic, Emergency County Hospital, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Valentina Micluția
- Department of Psychiatry, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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33
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Grebe NM, Sharma A, Freeman SM, Palumbo MC, Patisaul HB, Bales KL, Drea CM. Neural correlates of mating system diversity: oxytocin and vasopressin receptor distributions in monogamous and non-monogamous Eulemur. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3746. [PMID: 33580133 PMCID: PMC7881006 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83342-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Contemporary theory that emphasizes the roles of oxytocin and vasopressin in mammalian sociality has been shaped by seminal vole research that revealed interspecific variation in neuroendocrine circuitry by mating system. However, substantial challenges exist in interpreting and translating these rodent findings to other mammalian groups, including humans, making research on nonhuman primates crucial. Both monogamous and non-monogamous species exist within Eulemur, a genus of strepsirrhine primate, offering a rare opportunity to broaden a comparative perspective on oxytocin and vasopressin neurocircuitry with increased evolutionary relevance to humans. We performed oxytocin and arginine vasopressin 1a receptor autoradiography on 12 Eulemur brains from seven closely related species to (1) characterize receptor distributions across the genus, and (2) examine differences between monogamous and non-monogamous species in regions part of putative "pair-bonding circuits". We find some binding patterns across Eulemur reminiscent of olfactory-guided rodents, but others congruent with more visually oriented anthropoids, consistent with lemurs occupying an 'intermediary' evolutionary niche between haplorhine primates and other mammalian groups. We find little evidence of a "pair-bonding circuit" in Eulemur akin to those proposed in previous rodent or primate research. Mapping neuropeptide receptors in these nontraditional species questions existing assumptions and informs proposed evolutionary explanations about the biological bases of monogamy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas M Grebe
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Annika Sharma
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sara M Freeman
- Department of Psychology, California National Primate Research Center, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Michelle C Palumbo
- Department of Psychology, California National Primate Research Center, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Heather B Patisaul
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Karen L Bales
- Department of Psychology, California National Primate Research Center, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Christine M Drea
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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34
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Carter CS, Kenkel WM, MacLean EL, Wilson SR, Perkeybile AM, Yee JR, Ferris CF, Nazarloo HP, Porges SW, Davis JM, Connelly JJ, Kingsbury MA. Is Oxytocin "Nature's Medicine"? Pharmacol Rev 2021; 72:829-861. [PMID: 32912963 PMCID: PMC7495339 DOI: 10.1124/pr.120.019398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin is a pleiotropic, peptide hormone with broad implications for general health, adaptation, development, reproduction, and social behavior. Endogenous oxytocin and stimulation of the oxytocin receptor support patterns of growth, resilience, and healing. Oxytocin can function as a stress-coping molecule, an anti-inflammatory, and an antioxidant, with protective effects especially in the face of adversity or trauma. Oxytocin influences the autonomic nervous system and the immune system. These properties of oxytocin may help explain the benefits of positive social experiences and have drawn attention to this molecule as a possible therapeutic in a host of disorders. However, as detailed here, the unique chemical properties of oxytocin, including active disulfide bonds, and its capacity to shift chemical forms and bind to other molecules make this molecule difficult to work with and to measure. The effects of oxytocin also are context-dependent, sexually dimorphic, and altered by experience. In part, this is because many of the actions of oxytocin rely on its capacity to interact with the more ancient peptide molecule, vasopressin, and the vasopressin receptors. In addition, oxytocin receptor(s) are epigenetically tuned by experience, especially in early life. Stimulation of G-protein–coupled receptors triggers subcellular cascades allowing these neuropeptides to have multiple functions. The adaptive properties of oxytocin make this ancient molecule of special importance to human evolution as well as modern medicine and health; these same characteristics also present challenges to the use of oxytocin-like molecules as drugs that are only now being recognized.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sue Carter
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - William M Kenkel
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - Evan L MacLean
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - Steven R Wilson
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - Allison M Perkeybile
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - Jason R Yee
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - Craig F Ferris
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - Hossein P Nazarloo
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - Stephen W Porges
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - John M Davis
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - Jessica J Connelly
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - Marcy A Kingsbury
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
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35
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Rilling JK, Richey L, Andari E, Hamann S. The neural correlates of paternal consoling behavior and frustration in response to infant crying. Dev Psychobiol 2021; 63:1370-1383. [PMID: 33452675 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Human fathers often form strong attachments to their infants that contribute to positive developmental outcomes. However, fathers are also the most common perpetrators of infant abuse, and infant crying is a known trigger. Research on parental brain responses to infant crying have typically employed passive listening paradigms. However, parents usually engage with crying infants. Therefore, we examined the neural responses of 20 new fathers to infant cries both while passively listening, and while actively attempting to console the infant by selecting soothing strategies in a video game format. Compared with passive listening, active responding robustly activated brain regions involved in movement, empathy and approach motivation, and deactivated regions involved in stress and anxiety. Fathers reporting more frustration had less activation in basal forebrain areas and in brain areas involved with emotion regulation (e.g., prefrontal cortex and the supplementary motor area). Successful consolation of infant crying activated regions involved in both action-outcome learning and parental caregiving (anterior and posterior cingulate cortex). Overall, results suggest that active responding to infant cries amplifies activation in many brain areas typically activated during passive listening. Additionally, paternal frustration during active responding may involve a combination of low approach motivation and low engagement of emotion regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- James K Rilling
- Department of Anthropology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lynnet Richey
- Department of Anthropology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Elissar Andari
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Stephan Hamann
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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36
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Siu MT, Goodman SJ, Yellan I, Butcher DT, Jangjoo M, Grafodatskaya D, Rajendram R, Lou Y, Zhang R, Zhao C, Nicolson R, Georgiades S, Szatmari P, Scherer SW, Roberts W, Anagnostou E, Weksberg R. DNA Methylation of the Oxytocin Receptor Across Neurodevelopmental Disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 51:3610-3623. [PMID: 33394241 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04792-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Many neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) share common learning and behavioural impairments, as well as features such as dysregulation of the oxytocin hormone. Here, we examined DNA methylation (DNAm) in the 1st intron of the oxytocin receptor gene, OXTR, in patients with autism spectrum (ASD), attention deficit and hyperactivity (ADHD) and obsessive compulsive (OCD) disorders. DNAm of OXTR was assessed for cohorts of ASD (blood), ADHD (saliva), OCD (saliva), which uncovered sex-specific DNAm differences compared to neurotypical, tissue-matched controls. Individuals with ASD or ADHD exhibiting extreme DNAm values had lower IQ and more social problems, respectively, than those with DNAm within normative ranges. This suggests that OXTR DNAm patterns are altered across NDDs and may be correlated with common clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle T Siu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Genetics and Genome Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah J Goodman
- Genetics and Genome Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Isaac Yellan
- Genetics and Genome Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Darci T Butcher
- Genetics and Genome Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Maryam Jangjoo
- Genetics and Genome Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Daria Grafodatskaya
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Rageen Rajendram
- Genetics and Genome Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Youliang Lou
- Genetics and Genome Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rujun Zhang
- Genetics and Genome Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Chunhua Zhao
- Genetics and Genome Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rob Nicolson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Stelios Georgiades
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Peter Szatmari
- The Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child, Youth & Family Mental Health and Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen W Scherer
- Genetics and Genome Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,McLaughlin Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Wendy Roberts
- Genetics and Genome Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rosanna Weksberg
- Genetics and Genome Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada. .,Institute of Medical Science, School of Graduate Studies, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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37
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Plemeniti Tololeski B, Suhodolčan Grabner A, Kumperscak HG. Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Anorexia Nervosa Comorbidity: Common Features and Treatment Possibilities With Cognitive Remediation Therapy and Oxytocin. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:686030. [PMID: 34413796 PMCID: PMC8369034 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.686030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autistic traits or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be found in 4% to 52% of anorexic patients, which makes the treatment of these patients very challenging. In this review, possible ways to treat ASD and anorexia nervosa (AN) comorbidity in children and adolescents are summarized. Over recent years, the focus has shifted from searching for the evidence of connections between these two disorders, which have started with Gillberg's study in 1983, to searching for more effective and holistic treatment of this comorbidity. The latter is known to contribute to more severe courses and worse prognosis, which is probably related to the obstacles in both diagnosing and treating. Since AN usually starts in early adolescence and high-functioning ASD children seem to begin struggling with increased pressure in adolescence, while various comorbidities can occur, it is important to improve the treatment of this comorbidity in young patients and to tailor it specifically in terms of diagnosing. In this paper, a literature review is conducted on common features and promising treatment possibilities. We describe cognitive remediation therapy and the promising pharmacotherapeutic candidate oxytocin with a special focus on adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Plemeniti Tololeski
- Centre for Mental Health, Unit for Adolescent Psychiatry, University Psychiatric Hospital Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Hojka Gregoric Kumperscak
- Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Medical Centre, Maribor, Slovenia.,Faculty for Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
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Gernert C, Falkai P, Falter-Wagner CM. The Generalized Adaptation Account of Autism. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:534218. [PMID: 33122985 PMCID: PMC7573117 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.534218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The heterogeneous phenomenology of autism together with diverse patterns of comorbidities led in the past to formulation of manifold theories and hypotheses on different explanatory levels. We scrutinize most recent findings from genetics, neurobiology and physiology and derive testable hypotheses about possible physiological links between domains. With focus on altered sensory perception and neuronal processing in ASD, we assume two intertwined regulatory feedback circuits under the umbrella of genetics and environmental factors. Both regulatory circuits are highly variable between individuals in line with the heterogeneous spectrum of ASD. The circuits set off from altered pathways and connectivity in ASD, fueling HPA-axis activity and distress. In the first circuit altered tryptophan metabolism leads to higher neurotoxic substances and reinforces the excitation:inhibition imbalance in the brain. The second circuit focuses on the impact and interaction with the environment and its rhythms in ASD. With lower melatonin levels, as the pacemaker molecule of the circadian system, we assume misalignment to outer and inner states corroborated from the known comorbidities in ASD. Alterations of the microbiome composition in ASD are supposed to act as a regulatory linking factor for both circuits. Overall, we assume that altered internal balance on cellular and neurophysiological levels is one of the main reasons leading to a lower ability in ASD to adapt to the environment and own internal changing states, leading to the conceptualization of autism as a condition of generalized imbalance in adaptation. This comprehensive framework opens up new perspectives on possible intervention and prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Gernert
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Falkai
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christine M Falter-Wagner
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Psychology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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39
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Oxytocin receptor binding in the titi monkey hippocampal formation is associated with parental status and partner affiliation. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17301. [PMID: 33057124 PMCID: PMC7560868 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74243-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Social cognition is facilitated by oxytocin receptors (OXTR) in the hippocampus, a brain region that changes dynamically with pregnancy, parturition, and parenting experience. We investigated the impact of parenthood on hippocampal OXTR in male and female titi monkeys, a pair-bonding primate species that exhibits biparental care of offspring. We hypothesized that in postmortem brain tissue, OXTR binding in the hippocampal formation would differ between parents and non-parents, and that OXTR density would correlate with frequencies of observed parenting and affiliative behaviors between partners. Subjects were 10 adult titi monkeys. OXTR binding in the hippocampus (CA1, CA2/3, CA4, dentate gyrus, subiculum) and presubiculum layers (PSB1, PSB3) was determined using receptor autoradiography. The average frequency of partner affiliation (Proximity, Contact, and Tail Twining) and infant carrying were determined from longitudinal observations (5-6 per day). Analyses showed that parents exhibited higher OXTR binding than non-parents in PSB1 (t(8) = - 2.33, p = 0.048), and that OXTR binding in the total presubiculm correlated negatively with Proximity (r = - 0.88) and Contact (r = - 0.91), but not Tail Twining or infant carrying. These results suggest that OXTR binding in the presubiculum supports pair bonding and parenting behavior, potentially by mediating changes in hippocampal plasticity.
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40
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Martínez-Rodríguez E, Martín-Sánchez A, Kul E, Bose A, Martínez-Martínez FJ, Stork O, Martínez-García F, Lanuza E, Santos M, Agustín-Pavón C. Male-specific features are reduced in Mecp2-null mice: analyses of vasopressinergic innervation, pheromone production and social behaviour. Brain Struct Funct 2020; 225:2219-2238. [PMID: 32749543 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-020-02122-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Deficits in arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT), two neuropeptides closely implicated in the modulation of social behaviours, have been reported in some early developmental disorders and autism spectrum disorders. Mutations in the X-linked methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene are associated to Rett syndrome and other neuropsychiatric conditions. Thus, we first analysed AVP and OT expression in the brain of Mecp2-mutant mice by immunohistochemistry. Our results revealed no significant differences in these systems in young adult Mecp2-heterozygous females, as compared to WT littermates. By contrast, we found a significant reduction in the sexually dimorphic, testosterone-dependent, vasopressinergic innervation in several nuclei of the social brain network and oxytocinergic innervation in the lateral habenula of Mecp2-null males, as compared to WT littermates. Analysis of urinary production of pheromones shows that Mecp2-null males lack the testosterone-dependent pheromone darcin, strongly suggesting low levels of androgens in these males. In addition, resident-intruder tests revealed lack of aggressive behaviour in Mecp2-null males and decreased chemoinvestigation of the intruder. By contrast, Mecp2-null males exhibited enhanced social approach, as compared to WT animals, in a 3-chamber social interaction test. In summary, Mecp2-null males, which display internal testicles, display a significant reduction of some male-specific features, such as vasopressinergic innervation within the social brain network, male pheromone production and aggressive behaviour. Thus, atypical social behaviours in Mecp2-null males may be caused, at least in part, by the effect of lack of MeCP2 over sexual differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Martínez-Rodríguez
- Unitat Mixta d'Investigació Neuroanatomia Funcional, Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Funcional i Antropologia Física, Universitat de València, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés, s/n, 46100, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Ana Martín-Sánchez
- Unitat Mixta d'Investigació Neuroanatomia Funcional, Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Universitat Jaume I de Castelló, Castelló, Spain.,Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,Neuroscience Research Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Emre Kul
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, and Center for Behavioral Sciences, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Aparajita Bose
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, and Center for Behavioral Sciences, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Neurologie, Ammerland-Klinik GmbH, Westerstede, Germany
| | - Francisco José Martínez-Martínez
- Unitat Mixta d'Investigació Neuroanatomia Funcional, Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Funcional i Antropologia Física, Universitat de València, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés, s/n, 46100, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Oliver Stork
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, and Center for Behavioral Sciences, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Fernando Martínez-García
- Unitat Mixta d'Investigació Neuroanatomia Funcional, Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Universitat Jaume I de Castelló, Castelló, Spain
| | - Enrique Lanuza
- Unitat Mixta d'Investigació Neuroanatomia Funcional, Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Funcional i Antropologia Física, Universitat de València, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés, s/n, 46100, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Mónica Santos
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, and Center for Behavioral Sciences, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany. .,CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Faculdade de Medicina, pólo I, 2º andar, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Carmen Agustín-Pavón
- Unitat Mixta d'Investigació Neuroanatomia Funcional, Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Funcional i Antropologia Física, Universitat de València, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés, s/n, 46100, Burjassot, Spain.
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41
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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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42
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Baker E, Stavropoulos KKM. The effects of oxytocin administration on individuals with ASD: Neuroimaging and behavioral evidence. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2020; 173:209-238. [PMID: 32711811 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social communication and the presence of restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. Although behavioral interventions are numerous, there are no Federal Drug Administration approved pharmacological treatments for the core symptoms of ASD. The neuropeptide oxytocin has been studied in animals for decades, and is involved in pair bonding and social affiliation. Given oxytocin's involvement in social communication in animals, researchers have begun exploring whether oxytocin administration in humans affects social behaviors and attachment. Particular attention has been paid to whether oxytocin has therapeutic benefits for improving social behaviors in individuals with ASD. Research on oxytocin administration in ASD has utilized both behavioral and brain-based outcomes. This chapter reviews the effects of oxytocin administration in ASD, with a focus on functional outcomes from neuroimaging investigations. Evidence of potential therapeutic benefits are reviewed, as well as limitations of extant research. A proposed model for future research into the therapeutic benefits of oxytocin includes combining pharmacological (e.g. oxytocin) and behavioral (e.g. evidence-based behavioral interventions) techniques to improve social communication skills in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Baker
- University of California, Graduate School of Education, Riverside, CA, United States
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Research on the pathophysiology of syndromic autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has contributed to the uncovering of mechanisms in nonsyndromic ASD. The current review aims to compare recent progress in therapeutics development for ASD with those for fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most frequent monogenic form of ASD. RECENT FINDINGS Although candidates such as oxytocin, vasopressin, and cannabinoids are being tested as novel therapeutics, it remains difficult to focus on a specific molecular target of drug development for ASD core symptoms. As the pathophysiology of FXS has been well described as having a causal gene, fragile X mental retardation-1, development of therapeutic agents for FXS is focused on specific molecular targets, such as metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 and GABAB receptor. SUMMARY There is a large unmet medical need in ASD, a heterogeneous and clinically defined behavioral syndrome, owing to its high prevalence in the general population, lifelong cognitive and behavioral deficits, and no established treatment of ASD core symptoms, such as deficits in social communication and restrictive repetitive behaviors. The molecular pathogenesis of nonsyndromic ASD is largely undefined. Lessons from initial attempts at targeted treatment development in FXS, and new designs resulting from these lessons, will inform trials in nonsyndromic ASD for development of therapeutics for its core symptoms.
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Yoon SH, Choi J, Lee WJ, Do JT. Genetic and Epigenetic Etiology Underlying Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E966. [PMID: 32244359 PMCID: PMC7230567 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9040966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction, language development delays, repeated body movements, and markedly deteriorated activities and interests. Environmental factors, such as viral infection, parental age, and zinc deficiency, can be plausible contributors to ASD susceptibility. As ASD is highly heritable, genetic risk factors involved in neurodevelopment, neural communication, and social interaction provide important clues in explaining the etiology of ASD. Accumulated evidence also shows an important role of epigenetic factors, such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and noncoding RNA, in ASD etiology. In this review, we compiled the research published to date and described the genetic and epigenetic epidemiology together with environmental risk factors underlying the etiology of the different phenotypes of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jeong Tae Do
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, KU Institute of Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea; (S.H.Y.); (J.C.); (W.J.L.)
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Effects of PM 2.5 and gases exposure during prenatal and early-life on autism-like phenotypes in male rat offspring. Part Fibre Toxicol 2020; 17:8. [PMID: 31996222 PMCID: PMC6990481 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-020-0336-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological studies have reported associations between elevated air pollution and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, we hypothesized that exposure to air pollution that mimics real world scenarios, is a potential contributor to ASD. The exact etiology and molecular mechanisms underlying ASD are not well understood. Thus, we assessed whether changes in OXTR levels may be part of the mechanism linking PM2.5/gaseous pollutant exposure and ASD. The current in-vivo study investigated the effect of exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and gaseous pollutants on ASD using behavioral and molecular experiments. Four exposure groups of Wistar rats were included in this study: 1) particulate matter and gaseous pollutants exposed (PGE), 2) gaseous pollutants only exposed (GE), 3) autism-like model (ALM) with VPA induction, and 4) clean air exposed (CAE) as the control. Pregnant dams and male pups were exposed to air pollutants from embryonic day (E0) to postnatal day (PND21). RESULTS The average ± SD concentrations of air pollutants were: PM2.5: 43.8 ± 21.1 μg/m3, CO: 13.5 ± 2.5 ppm, NO2: 0.341 ± 0.100 ppm, SO2: 0.275 ± 0.07 ppm, and O3: 0.135 ± 0.01 ppm. The OXTR protein level, catalase activity (CAT), and GSH concentrations in the ALM, PGE, and GE rats were lower than those in control group (CAE). However, the decrements in the GE rats were smaller than other groups. Also in behavioral assessments, the ALM, PGE, and GE rats demonstrated a repetitive /restricted behavior and poor social interaction, but the GE rats had weaker responses compared to other groups of rats. The PGE and GE rats showed similar trends in these tests compared to the VPA rats. CONCLUSIONS This study suggested that exposure to ambient air pollution contributed to ASD and that OXTR protein may serve as part of the mechanism linking them.
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Acute and Repeated Intranasal Oxytocin Differentially Modulate Brain-wide Functional Connectivity. Neuroscience 2020; 445:83-94. [PMID: 31917352 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Central release of the neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) modulates neural substrates involved in socio-affective behavior. This property has prompted research into the use of intranasal OXT administration as an adjunctive therapy for brain conditions characterized by social impairment, such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, the neural circuitry and brain-wide functional networks recruited by intranasal OXT administration remain elusive. Moreover, little is known of the neuroadaptive cascade triggered by long-term administration of this peptide at the network level. To address these questions, we applied fMRI-based circuit mapping in adult mice upon acute and repeated (seven-day) intranasal dosing of OXT. We report that acute and chronic OXT administration elicit comparable fMRI activity as assessed with cerebral blood volume mapping, but entail largely different patterns of brain-wide functional connectivity. Specifically, acute OXT administration focally boosted connectivity within key limbic components of the rodent social brain, whereas repeated dosing led to a prominent and widespread increase in functional connectivity, involving a strong coupling between the amygdala and extended cortical territories. Importantly, this connectional reconfiguration was accompanied by a paradoxical reduction in social interaction and communication in wild-type mice. Our results identify the network substrates engaged by exogenous OXT administration, and show that repeated OXT dosing leads to a substantial reconfiguration of brain-wide connectivity, entailing an aberrant functional coupling between cortico-limbic structures involved in socio-communicative and affective functions. Such divergent patterns of network connectivity might contribute to discrepant clinical findings involving acute or long-term OXT dosing in clinical populations.
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Erdozain AM, Peñagarikano O. Oxytocin as Treatment for Social Cognition, Not There Yet. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:930. [PMID: 31998152 PMCID: PMC6962227 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In a short time, oxytocin has progressed from being a regular hormone involved in parturition and breastfeeding to be possibly the neuromodulator that has gathered the most attention. Attributed many positive roles in the modulation of different aspects of social behavior, such as bonding, empathy, cooperation, trust, and generosity, as well as roles as a natural anxiolytic and antidepressant, the expectations on oxytocin becoming a treatment for a number of disorders with associated social deficits have dramatically raised over the last years. However, despite the field has been investigating oxytocin's role in social behavior for over twenty years, there are still many unknowns on oxytocin's mechanisms of action and efficiency and the increasing number of clinical trials administering oxytocin to different clinical groups seem to disagree in its properties and report in most cases conflicting results. This has led to some disappointment among researchers and clinicians as oxytocin might not be the miraculous molecule that works in a "one size fits all" fashion initially considered. Conversely, this down-side of oxytocin might merely reflect the complexity of its neurotransmission system. The current reality is that, although oxytocin seems to have potential therapeutic value, there are key questions that remain unanswered as to decide the optimal target groups and treatment course. Here, we present an overview on critical points regarding the oxytocin system in health and disease that need to be better understood to establish its therapeutic properties and to decide who could benefit the most from its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaia M Erdozain
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Salud Mental CIBERSAM, Leioa, Spain
| | - Olga Peñagarikano
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Salud Mental CIBERSAM, Leioa, Spain
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