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Hattori M, Kinoshita K, Saito A, Yamamoto S. Exogenous oxytocin increases gaze to humans in male cats. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8953. [PMID: 38637547 PMCID: PMC11026458 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59161-w] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Although oxytocin (OT) plays a role in bonding between heterospecifics and conspecifics, the effects of OT on the formation of such interspecific social behavior have only been investigated between humans and dogs (Canis familiaris). In this study, for comparative evaluation of the effects of OT between dog-human and cat-human social interaction, we investigated the effects of exogenous OT on the behavior of domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus) toward humans. We intranasally administered OT or saline to 30 cats using a nebulizer and recorded their behavior (gaze, touch, vocalization, and proximity). The results showed an interaction between the administration condition and sex for gaze duration. Post hoc analyses revealed a significant increase in gaze in the OT condition in male cats but not in females. There were no significant differences in gaze toward owners and strangers in any condition or sex. The male-specific OT-mediated increase in gaze toward humans observed in this study differs from previous research on dogs wherein such effects were observed only in females. These findings suggest an overall effect of exogenous OT on cats' social relationship with humans as well as the possibility of different mechanisms between cat-human and dog-human relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madoka Hattori
- Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University, 2-24 Tanaka-Sekiden-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8203, Japan.
| | - Kodzue Kinoshita
- Graduate School of Asian and African Area Studies, Kyoto University, Research Bldg. No 2 Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Atsuko Saito
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Human Sciences, Sophia University, 7-1 Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-8554, Japan
| | - Shinya Yamamoto
- Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University, 2-24 Tanaka-Sekiden-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8203, Japan.
- Institute for Advanced Study, Kyoto University, Yoshida Ushinomiya-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.
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2
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Cuesta-Marti C, Uhlig F, Muguerza B, Hyland N, Clarke G, Schellekens H. Microbes, oxytocin and stress: Converging players regulating eating behavior. J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13243. [PMID: 36872624 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13243] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin is a peptide-hormone extensively studied for its multifaceted biological functions and has recently gained attention for its role in eating behavior, through its action as an anorexigenic neuropeptide. Moreover, the gut microbiota is involved in oxytocinergic signaling through the brain-gut axis, specifically in the regulation of social behavior. The gut microbiota is also implicated in appetite regulation and is postulated to play a role in central regulation of hedonic eating. In this review, we provide an overview on oxytocin and its individual links with the microbiome, the homeostatic and non-homeostatic regulation of eating behavior as well as social behavior and stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Cuesta-Marti
- Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Cork, Ireland
| | - Friederike Uhlig
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Physiology, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Begoña Muguerza
- Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Cork, Ireland
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, Nutrigenomics Research Group, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Niall Hyland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Physiology, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Gerard Clarke
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Psychiatry & Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Harriët Schellekens
- Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Cork, Ireland
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3
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Muscatelli F. [As early as birth, oxytocin plays a key role in both food and social behavior]. Biol Aujourdhui 2023; 216:131-143. [PMID: 36744979 DOI: 10.1051/jbio/2022017] [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: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is a neurohormone that regulates the so-called "social brain" and is mainly studied in adulthood. During postnatal development, the mechanisms by which the OT system structures various behaviors are little studied. Here we present the dynamic process of postnatal development of the OT system as well as the OT functions in the perinatal period that are essential for shaping social behaviors. Specifically, we discuss the role of OT, in the newborn, in integrating and adapting responses to early sensory stimuli and in stimulating suckling activity. Sensory dialogue and suckling are involved in mother-infant bonds and structure future social interactions. In rodents and humans, neurodevelopmental diseases with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), such as Prader-Willi and Schaaf-Yang syndromes, are associated with sensory, feeding and behavioral deficits in infancy. We propose that in early postnatal life, OT plays a key role in stimulating the maturation of neural networks controlling feeding behavior and early social interactions from birth. Administration of OT at birth improves sensory integration of environmental factors and the relationship with the mother as well as sucking activity as we have shown in mouse models and in babies with Prader-Willi syndrome. Long-term effects have also been observed on social and cognitive behavior. Therefore, early feeding difficulties might be an early predictive marker of ASD, and OT treatment a promising option to improve feeding behavior and, in the longer term, social behavioral problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Françoise Muscatelli
- INMED (Institut de Neurobiologie de la Méditerranée), INSERM, Aix Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
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4
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Muscatelli F, Matarazzo V, Chini B. Neonatal oxytocin gives the tempo of social and feeding behaviors. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1071719. [PMID: 36583080 PMCID: PMC9792990 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1071719] [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: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The nonapeptide oxytocin (OT) is a master regulator of the social brain in early infancy, adolescence, and adult life. Here, we review the postnatal dynamic development of OT-system as well as early-life OT functions that are essential for shaping social behaviors. We specifically address the role of OT in neonates, focusing on its role in modulating/adapting sensory input and feeding behavior; both processes are involved in the establishing mother-infant bond, a crucial event for structuring all future social interactions. In patients and rodent models of Prader-Willi and Schaaf-Yang syndromes, two neurodevelopmental diseases characterized by autism-related features, sensory impairments, and feeding difficulties in early infancy are linked to an alteration of OT-system. Successful preclinical studies in mice and a phase I/II clinical trial in Prader-Willi babies constitute a proof of concept that OT-treatment in early life not only improves suckling deficit but has also a positive long-term effect on learning and social behavior. We propose that in early postnatal life, OT plays a pivotal role in stimulating and coordinating the maturation of neuronal networks controlling feeding behavior and the first social interactions. Consequently, OT therapy might be considered to improve feeding behavior and, all over the life, social cognition, and learning capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Françoise Muscatelli
- Institut de Neurobiologie de la Méditerranée (INMED), INSERM, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France,*Correspondence: Françoise Muscatelli,
| | - Valery Matarazzo
- Institut de Neurobiologie de la Méditerranée (INMED), INSERM, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Bice Chini
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), Vedano al Lambro, Italy and NeuroMI Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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5
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Oxytocin promotes social proximity and decreases vigilance in groups of African lions. iScience 2022; 25:104049. [PMID: 35496998 PMCID: PMC9042884 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin modulates mammalian social behavior; however, behavioral responses to intranasal oxytocin can vary across species and contexts. The complexity of social interactions increases with group dynamics, and the impacts of oxytocin on both within- and between-group contexts are unknown. We tested the effects of intranasal administration of oxytocin on social and non-social behaviors within in-group and out-group contexts in African lions. We hypothesized that, post intranasal oxytocin administration, lions would be in closer proximity with fellow group members, whereas out-group stimuli could either produce a heightened vigilance response or an attenuated one. Compared to control trials, post oxytocin administration, lions increased their time spent in close proximity (reducing their distance to the nearest neighbor) and decreased vigilance toward out-group intruders (reducing their vocalizations following a roar-playback). These results not only have important implications for understanding the evolution of social circuitry but may also have practical applications for conservation efforts. We administered oxytocin to groups of African lions Relative to control conditions, oxytocin administration enhanced social proximity Oxytocin administration decreased vigilance (roars following roar playback)
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6
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Báez-Mendoza R, Vázquez Y, Mastrobattista EP, Williams ZM. Neuronal Circuits for Social Decision-Making and Their Clinical Implications. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:720294. [PMID: 34658766 PMCID: PMC8517320 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.720294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Social living facilitates individual access to rewards, cognitive resources, and objects that would not be otherwise accessible. There are, however, some drawbacks to social living, particularly when competing for scarce resources. Furthermore, variability in our ability to make social decisions can be associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. The neuronal mechanisms underlying social decision-making are beginning to be understood. The momentum to study this phenomenon has been partially carried over by the study of economic decision-making. Yet, because of the similarities between these different types of decision-making, it is unclear what is a social decision. Here, we propose a definition of social decision-making as choices taken in a context where one or more conspecifics are involved in the decision or the consequences of it. Social decisions can be conceptualized as complex economic decisions since they are based on the subjective preferences between different goods. During social decisions, individuals choose based on their internal value estimate of the different alternatives. These are complex decisions given that conspecifics beliefs or actions could modify the subject's internal valuations at every choice. Here, we first review recent developments in our collective understanding of the neuronal mechanisms and circuits of social decision-making in primates. We then review literature characterizing populations with neuropsychiatric disorders showing deficits in social decision-making and the underlying neuronal circuitries associated with these deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymundo Báez-Mendoza
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yuriria Vázquez
- Laboratory of Neural Systems, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Emma P. Mastrobattista
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ziv M. Williams
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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7
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Festante F, Rayson H, Paukner A, Kaburu SSK, Toschi G, Fox NA, Ferrari PF. Oxytocin promotes prosocial behavior and related neural responses in infant macaques at-risk for compromised social development. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2021; 48:100950. [PMID: 33831822 PMCID: PMC8042434 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2021.100950] [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: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Although positive effects of oxytocin (OT) on social functioning are well-demonstrated, little is known about the mechanisms through which OT may drive early social development, or its therapeutic efficacy in infancy. To address these critical issues, we investigated the effects of exogenous OT on neural (EEG) and behavioral responses during observation of live facial gestures in infant macaques with limited social exposure (i.e. nursery-reared). Three key findings were revealed. First, OT increased alpha suppression over posterior scalp regions during observation of facial gestures but not non-biological movement, suggesting that OT targets self-other matching and attentional cortical networks involved in social perception from very early infancy. Second, OT increased infant production of matching facial gestures and attention towards the most socially-relevant facial stimuli, both behaviors typically silenced by early social deprivation. Third, infants with higher cortisol levels appeared to benefit the most from OT, displaying greater improvements in prosocial behaviors after OT administration. Altogether, these findings suggest that OT promotes prosocial behaviors and associated neural responses likely impacted by early social adversity, and demonstrate the potential of OT administration to ameliorate social difficulties in the context of neurodevelopmental and early-emerging psychiatric disorders, at a developmental stage when brain plasticity is greatest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizia Festante
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128, Pisa, Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Holly Rayson
- Institut des Sciences Cognitives Marc Jeannerod, CNRS/Université Claude Bernard Lyon, Bron, Cedex, 69675, France
| | - Annika Paukner
- Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG1 4FQ, UK
| | - Stefano S K Kaburu
- Department of Biomedical Science & Physiology, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, WV1 1LY, UK
| | - Giulia Toschi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43125, Parma, Italy
| | - Nathan A Fox
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20740, USA
| | - Pier Francesco Ferrari
- Institut des Sciences Cognitives Marc Jeannerod, CNRS/Université Claude Bernard Lyon, Bron, Cedex, 69675, France; Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43125, Parma, Italy.
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8
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Brooks J, Kano F, Sato Y, Yeow H, Morimura N, Nagasawa M, Kikusui T, Yamamoto S. Divergent effects of oxytocin on eye contact in bonobos and chimpanzees. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 125:105119. [PMID: 33388536 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.105119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin has drawn significant research attention for its role in modulating mammalian social behavior. Despite generally conserved roles, oxytocin can function differently even in closely related species. Previous studies have shown that bonobos and chimpanzees, humans' two closest relatives, demonstrate considerable behavioral differences, including that bonobos look more at others' eyes than chimpanzees. Oxytocin is known to increase attention to another's eyes in many mammalian species (e.g. dogs, monkeys, and humans), yet this effect has not been tested in any nonhuman great ape species. This study examined how intranasally-administered oxytocin affects eye contact in bonobos and chimpanzees using eye tracking. Following administration of either oxytocin or saline control with a nebulizer, chimpanzees (n = 6) and bonobos (n = 5) were shown images of conspecific faces while their eye movement was recorded. Oxytocin changed the eye-looking behavior of bonobos and chimpanzees differently. We found that oxytocin increased eye contact in bonobos but not chimpanzees; while one chimpanzee showed an increase, interestingly, 5 out of 6 chimpanzees showed decreased looking to the eyes compared to the mouth, suggesting moderate eye avoidance. Given the importance of eye contact in their social interactions, our results suggest that oxytocin may play modulatory roles in bonobos' and chimpanzees' species-specific social behavior and underscore the importance of oxytocin in hominid social evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Brooks
- Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University, Japan; Kumamoto Sanctuary, Kyoto University, Japan.
| | - Fumihiro Kano
- Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University, Japan; Kumamoto Sanctuary, Kyoto University, Japan.
| | - Yutaro Sato
- Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University, Japan; Kumamoto Sanctuary, Kyoto University, Japan
| | - Hanling Yeow
- Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University, Japan; Kumamoto Sanctuary, Kyoto University, Japan
| | - Naruki Morimura
- Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University, Japan; Kumamoto Sanctuary, Kyoto University, Japan
| | - Miho Nagasawa
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Japan
| | | | - Shinya Yamamoto
- Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University, Japan; Institute for Advanced Study, Kyoto University, Japan
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9
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De Leon D, Nishitani S, Walum H, McCormack KM, Wilson ME, Smith AK, Young LJ, Sanchez MM. Methylation of OXT and OXTR genes, central oxytocin, and social behavior in female macaques. Horm Behav 2020; 126:104856. [PMID: 32979349 PMCID: PMC7725942 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) and its receptor (OXTR) are encoded by OXT and OXTR, respectively. Variable methylation of these genes has been linked to variability in sociability and neuroendophenotypes. Here we examine whether OXTR or OXT methylation in blood predicts concentrations of OXT in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (n = 166) and social behavior (n = 207) in socially-housed female rhesus macaques. We report a similarity between human and rhesus CpG sites for OXT and OXTR and a putative negative association between methylation of two OXTR CpG units with aggressive behavior (both P = 0.003), though this finding does not survive the most stringent correction for multiple comparison testing. We did not detect a statistically significant association between methylation of any CpG sites and CSF OXT concentrations, either. Because none of the tested associations survived statistical corrections, if there is any relationship between blood-derived methylation of these genes and the behavioral and physiological outcomes measured here, the effect size is too small to be detected reliably with this sample size. These results do not support the hypothesis that blood methylation of OXT or OXTR is robustly associated with CSF OXT concentration or social behavior in rhesus. It is possible, though, that methylation of these loci in the brain or in cheek epithelia may be associated with central OXT release and behavior. Finally, we consider the limitations of this exploratory study in the context of statistical power.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desirée De Leon
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America; Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America; Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Shota Nishitani
- Dept. of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America; Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan; Dept. of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Hasse Walum
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Kai M McCormack
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America; Dept. of Psychology, Spelman College, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Mark E Wilson
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America; Dept. of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Alicia K Smith
- Dept. of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America; Dept. of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Larry J Young
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America; Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America; Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America; Dept. of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Mar M Sanchez
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America; Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America; Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America; Dept. of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America.
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10
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Revisiting the roots of attachment: A review of the biological and psychological effects of maternal skin-to-skin contact and carrying of full-term infants. Infant Behav Dev 2020; 60:101441. [PMID: 32603951 DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2020.101441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
During the early period of hypothesis building and empirical testing of attachment theory, a major emphasis was placed on mother-infant physical contact. In spite of this, mother-infant contact has received scant attention amongst attachment and child development researchers in the past decades. Here, a brief theoretical framework for mother-infant contact is presented, drawing on animal studies as well as human studies of preterm infants and neonates. Salient mechanisms may include an extended sensitive period during early infancy, requiring specific somatosensory stimuli for bio-behavioral homeorhesis; oxytocinergic and epigenetic pathways; kinesthetic stimuli and face-to-face proximity allowing for increased social interaction. Studies of extended human mother-full-term infant physical contact have demonstrated positive effects in multiple domains. For infants, these include sleep organization, temperature and heart rate regulation, behavioral response, crying/colic, socio-emotional development, attachment quality, speech development opportunities and mother-child interactions. For mothers, studies demonstrate improved depressive symptomatology, physiological stress regulation, contingent responsivity, breastfeeding and mother-child interactions. Parent-infant attachment quality has gained prominence as a trauma-resilience factor as well as a predictor of adult physical health. The potential role of mother-infant contact as an attachment promoting intervention as well as future research subjects are discussed. Current evidence supports the original attachment research that early maternal touch provision may influence infant socio-emotional development and attachment quality, with positive implications for mother-child relationship functioning.
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11
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An Allostatic Theory of Oxytocin. Trends Cogn Sci 2020; 24:515-528. [PMID: 32360118 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2020.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin has garnered considerable interest for its role in social behavior, as well as for the potential of intranasal administration to treat social difficulties. However, current theoretical models for the role of oxytocin in social behavior pay little consideration to its evolutionary and developmental history. This article aims to broaden our understanding of the role of oxytocin in social behavior by adopting an ethological approach through the lens of Nikolaas Tinbergen's 'four questions' - how does oxytocin work; how does the role of oxytocin change during development; how does oxytocin enhance survival; and how did the oxytocin system evolve? We argue that oxytocin is most accurately described as an allostatic hormone that modulates both social and non-social behavior by maintaining stability through changing environments.
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12
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Paukner A, Capitanio JP, Blozis SA. A new look at neurobehavioral development in rhesus monkey neonates (Macaca mulatta). Am J Primatol 2020; 82:e23122. [PMID: 32187719 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS) evaluates a newborn infant's autonomic, motor, state, temperament, and social-attentional systems, which can help to identify infants at risk of developmental problems. Given the prevalence of rhesus monkeys being used as an animal model for human development, here we aimed to validate a standardized test battery modeled after the NBAS for use with nonhuman primates called the Infant Behavioral Assessment Scale (IBAS), employing exploratory structural equation modeling using a large sample of rhesus macaque neonates (n = 1,056). Furthermore, we examined the repeated assessments of the common factors within the same infants to describe any changes in performance over time, taking into account two independent variables (infant sex and rearing condition) that can potentially affect developmental outcomes. Results revealed three factors (Orientation, State Control, and Motor Activity) that all increased over the 1st month of life. While infant sex did not have an effect on any factor, nursery-rearing led to higher scores on Orientation but lower scores on State Control and Motor Activity. These results validate the IBAS as a reliable and valuable research tool for use with rhesus macaque infants and suggest that differences in rearing conditions can affect developmental trajectories and potentially pre-expose infants to heightened levels of cognitive and emotional deficiencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Paukner
- Laboratory of Comparative Ethology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland.,Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - John P Capitanio
- California National Primate Research Center and Psychology Department, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Shelley A Blozis
- Psychology Department, University of California, Davis, California
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13
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Tabbaa M, Hammock EAD. Orally administered oxytocin alters brain activation and behaviors of pre-weaning mice. Horm Behav 2020; 118:104613. [PMID: 31654673 PMCID: PMC7015803 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.104613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) regulates adult social behavior and has been implicated in its development. Because mammalian milk contains OXT and we have recently identified OXT receptors (OXTR) in the face and oronasal cavity of pre-weaning mice, we hypothesize that orally applied OXT may impact brain activity and acute behavior in developing mice. Oral OXT may have effects in the absence of sensory stimulation or perhaps by modulating sensory input, such as whisker stimulation. The present study investigates the acute c-Fos response in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) and along whisker sensory processing brain regions (trigeminothalamocortical circuit) to orally applied OXT, compared to saline, with and without whisker stimulation in postnatal day (P) 14 and P21 male and female mice. Acute behavioral responses were also quantified after oral OXT with whisker stimulation in a non-social context. Oral OXT with and without whisker stimulation increased c-Fos activity in the PVN of males and decreased c-Fos in the ventroposterior medial thalamus in both males and females compared to saline. Additionally, oral OXT with whisker stimulation decreased c-Fos activity across whisker sensory processing brain regions in males and females and decreased c-Fos activity in the trigeminal motor nucleus of females. Lastly, oral OXT with whisker stimulation increased males' locomotor behavior and decreased females' oromotor behavior compared to saline-treated controls. These data indicate that orally applied OXT has acute brain and behavioral effects on developing mice. OXT-modulated sensory signals may bias brain and behavior development toward the social world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal Tabbaa
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Elizabeth A D Hammock
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA.
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14
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Festante F, Ferrari PF, Thorpe SG, Buchanan RW, Fox NA. Intranasal oxytocin enhances EEG mu rhythm desynchronization during execution and observation of social action: An exploratory study. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 111:104467. [PMID: 31630052 PMCID: PMC6897365 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.104467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Intranasal administration of oxytocin (OT) has been found to facilitate prosocial behaviors, emotion recognition and cooperation between individuals. Recent electroencephalography (EEG) investigations have reported enhanced mu rhythm (alpha: 8-13 Hz; beta: 15-25 Hz) desynchronization during the observation of biological motion and stimuli probing social synchrony after the administration of intranasal OT. This hormone may therefore target a network of cortical circuits involved in higher cognitive functions, including the mirror neuron system (MNS). Here, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, between-subjects exploratory study, we investigated whether intranasal OT modulates the cortical activity from sensorimotor areas during the observation and the execution of social and non-social grasping actions. Participants underwent EEG testing after receiving a single dose (24 IU) of either intranasal OT or placebo. Results revealed an enhancement of alpha - but not beta - desynchronization during observation and execution of social grasps, especially over central and parietal electrodes, in participants who received OT (OT group). No differences between the social and non-social condition were found in the control group (CTRL group). Moreover, we found a significant difference over the cortical central-parietal region between the OT and CTRL group only within the social condition. These results suggest a possible action of intranasal OT on sensorimotor circuits involved in social perception and action understanding, which might contribute to facilitate the prosocial effects typically reported by behavioral studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizia Festante
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128, Pisa, Italy,Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43125, Parma, Italy
| | - Pier Francesco Ferrari
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43125, Parma, Italy,Institut des Sciences Cognitives Marc Jeannerod, CNRS, Bron, Cedex 69675, France
| | - Samuel G. Thorpe
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20740, USA
| | - Robert W. Buchanan
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21228, USA
| | - Nathan A. Fox
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20740, USA
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15
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Simpson EA, Maylott SE, Lazo RJ, Leonard KA, Kaburu SSK, Suomi SJ, Paukner A, Ferrari PF. Social touch alters newborn monkey behavior. Infant Behav Dev 2019; 57:101368. [PMID: 31521911 PMCID: PMC6878204 DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2019.101368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In humans, infants respond positively to slow, gentle stroking-processed by C-tactile (CT) nerve fibers-by showing reductions in stress and increases in eye contact, smiling, and positive vocalizations. More frequent maternal touch is linked to greater activity and connectivity strength in social brain regions, and increases children's attention to and learning of faces. It has been theorized that touch may prime children for social interactions and set them on a path towards healthy social cognitive development. However, less is known about the effects of touch on young infants' psychological development, especially in the newborn period, a highly sensitive period of transition with rapid growth in sensory and social processing. It remains untested whether newborns can distinguish CT-targeted touch from other types of touch, or whether there are benefits of touch for newborns' social, emotional, or cognitive development. In the present study, we experimentally investigated the acute effects of touch in newborn monkeys, a common model for human social development. Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), like humans, are highly social, have complex mother-infant interactions with frequent body contact for the first weeks of life, making them an excellent model of infant sociality. Infant monkeys in the present study were reared in a neonatal nursery, enabling control over their early environment, including all caregiver interactions. One-week-old macaque infants (N = 27) participated in three 5-minute counter-balanced caregiver interactions, all with mutual gaze: stroking head and shoulders (CT-targeted touch), stroking palms of hands and soles of feet (Non-CT touch), or no stroking (No-touch). Immediately following the interaction, infants watched social and nonsocial videos and picture arrays including faces and objects, while we tracked their visual attention with remote eye tracking. We found that, during the caregiver interactions, infants behaved differently while being touched compared to the no-touch condition, irrespective of the body part touched. Most notably, in both touch conditions, infants exhibited fewer stress-related behaviors-self-scratching, locomotion, and contact time with a comfort object-compared to when they were not touched. Following CT-targeted touch, infants were faster to orient to the picture arrays compared to the other interaction conditions, suggesting CT-targeted touch may activate or prime infants' attentional orienting system. In the No-touch condition infants attended longer to the nonsocial compared to the social video, possibly reflecting a baseline preference for nonsocial stimuli. In contrast, in both touch conditions, infants' looked equally to the social and nonsocial videos, suggesting that touch may influence the types of visual stimuli that hold infants' attention. Collectively, our results reveal that newborn macaques responded positively to touch, and touch appeared to influence some aspects of their subsequent attention, although we found limited evidence that these effects are mediated by CT fibers. These findings suggest that newborn touch may broadly support infants' psychological development, and may have early evolutionary roots, shared across primates. This study illustrates the unique insight offered by nonhuman primates for exploring early infant social touch, revealing that touch may positively affect emotional and attentional development as early as the newborn period.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah E Maylott
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
| | - Roberto J Lazo
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
| | - Kyla A Leonard
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA; Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, USA
| | - Stefano S K Kaburu
- Department of Biomedical Science & Physiology, Faculty of Science & Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, England, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen J Suomi
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Poolesville, Maryland, USA
| | - Annika Paukner
- Department of Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, England, United Kingdom
| | - Pier F Ferrari
- Institut des Sciences Cognitives 'Marc Jeannerod', CNRS, and Université Claude Bernard Lyon, Lyon, France
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16
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DeMayo MM, Young LJ, Hickie IB, Song YJC, Guastella AJ. Circuits for social learning: A unified model and application to Autism Spectrum Disorder. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 107:388-398. [PMID: 31560922 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Early life social experiences shape neural pathways in infants to develop lifelong social skills. This review presents the first unified circuit-based model of social learning that can be applied to early life social development, drawing together unique human developmental milestones, sensitive learning periods, and behavioral and neural scaffolds. Circuit domains for social learning are identified governing Activation, Integration, Discrimination, Response and Reward (AIDRR) to sculpt and drive human social learning. This unified model can be used to identify social delays earlier in development. We propose social impairments observed in Autism Spectrum Disorder are underpinned by early mistimed sensitive periods in brain development and alterations in amygdala development to disrupt the AIDRR circuits. This model directs how interventions can target neural circuits for social development and be applied early in life. To illustrate, the role of oxytocin and its use as an intervention is explored. The AIDRR model shifts focus away from delivering broad treatments based only on diagnostic classifications, to specifying and targeting the relevant circuits, at the right time of development, to optimize social learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilena M DeMayo
- Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 2050, Australia; Brain and Mind Centre, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 2050, Australia.
| | - Larry J Young
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.
| | - Ian B Hickie
- Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 2050, Australia; Brain and Mind Centre, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 2050, Australia.
| | - Yun Ju C Song
- Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 2050, Australia; Brain and Mind Centre, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 2050, Australia.
| | - Adam J Guastella
- Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 2050, Australia; Brain and Mind Centre, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 2050, Australia.
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17
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Greenwood MA, Hammock EAD. Oxytocin Receptor Binding Sites in the Periphery of the Neonatal Prairie Vole. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:474. [PMID: 31178680 PMCID: PMC6542991 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The oxytocin receptor (OXTR) has been observed in the periphery of neonatal C57BL/6J mice (Mus musculus), including facial regions and the anogenital area. In those studies, ligand specificity was confirmed with a congenital OXTR knockout mouse as well as competitive binding techniques. The aim of this study was to determine if OXTR is present in the same peripheral sites in the neonatal prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) for cross-species comparisons. Receptor autoradiography was performed on 20 μm sagittal sections of whole postnatal day 0 (P0) male and female prairie voles using the 125iodinated-ornithine vasotocin ([125I]-OVTA) radioligand. A competition binding assay was used to assess the selectivity of [125I]-OVTA for peripheral OXTR. Radioactive ligand (0.05 nM [125I]-OVTA) was competed against concentrations of 0 and 1000 nM excess unlabeled oxytocin (OXT). Previously identified regions of significant OXTR ligand binding in the mouse were analyzed for comparison: rostral and lateral periodontium, olfactory epithelium, ciliary bodies of the eye, whisker pads, adrenal gland, and anogenital area. We also evaluated the liver and scapular brown adipose tissue, which displayed strong but non-specific signal on film in mice. While there were some areas that showed conserved OXTR ligand binding in the prairie vole (e.g., ciliary body of the eye and the anogenital area), areas showing OXTR ligand binding in the neonatal prairie vole were not identical to OXTR ligand binding in the periphery of the C57BL/6J neonatal mouse. Further, some of the regions measured in the prairie vole suggest sex differences in OXTR ligand binding. Collectively, as is well-established in the central nervous system, these data indicate that patterns of OXTR ligand binding in the infant periphery are species-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Greenwood
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States.,Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Elizabeth A D Hammock
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States.,Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
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18
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Zarei SA, Sheibani V, Tomaz C, Mansouri FA. The effects of oxytocin on primates’ working memory depend on the emotional valence of contextual factors. Behav Brain Res 2019; 362:82-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.12.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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19
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Wooddell LJ, Simpson EA, Murphy AM, Dettmer AM, Paukner A. Interindividual differences in neonatal sociality and emotionality predict juvenile social status in rhesus monkeys. Dev Sci 2019; 22:e12749. [PMID: 30171780 PMCID: PMC10519424 DOI: 10.1111/desc.12749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
In humans, socioeconomic status (SES) has profound outcomes on socio-emotional development and health. However, while much is known about the consequences of SES, little research has examined the predictors of SES due to the longitudinal nature of such studies. We sought to explore whether interindividual differences in neonatal sociality, temperament, and early social experiences predicted juvenile social status in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta), as a proxy for SES in humans. We performed neonatal imitation tests in infants' first week of life and emotional reactivity assessments at 2 and 4 weeks of age. We examined whether these traits, as well as the rearing environment in the first 8 months of life (with the mother or with same-aged peers only) and maternal social status predicted juvenile (2-3 years old) social status following the formation of peer social groups at 8 months. We found that infants who exhibited higher rates of neonatal imitation and newborn emotional reactivity achieved higher social status as juveniles, as did infants who were reared with their mothers, compared to infants reared with peers. Maternal social status was only associated with juvenile status for infant dyads reared in the same maternal group, indicating that relative social relationships were transferred through social experience. These results suggest that neonatal imitation and emotional reactivity may reflect ingrained predispositions toward sociality that predict later outcomes, and that nonnormative social experiences can alter socio-developmental trajectories. Our results indicate that neonatal characteristics and early social experiences predict later social outcomes in adolescence, including gradients of social stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren J. Wooddell
- Neuroscience and Behavior, California National Primate Research Center, Davis, California
| | | | - Ashley M. Murphy
- Neuroscience and Behavior, California National Primate Research Center, Davis, California
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Amanda M. Dettmer
- U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, American Psychological Association, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Annika Paukner
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Poolesville, Maryland
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20
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Hall K, Smith M, Russell JL, Lambeth SP, Schapiro SJ, Brosnan SF. Chimpanzees Rarely Settle on Consistent Patterns of Play in the Hawk Dove, Assurance, and Prisoner's Dilemma Games, in a Token Exchange Task. ANIMAL BEHAVIOR AND COGNITION 2019; 6:48-70. [PMID: 31245532 PMCID: PMC6594705 DOI: 10.26451/abc.06.01.04.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Games derived from experimental economics can be used to directly compare decision-making behavior across primate species, including humans. For example, the use of coordination games, such as the Assurance game, has shown that a variety of primate species can coordinate; however, the mechanism by which they do so appears to differ across species. Recently, these games have been extended to explore anti-coordination and cooperation in monkeys, with evidence that they play the Nash equilibria in sequential games in these other contexts. In the current paper, we use the same methods to explore chimpanzees' behavior in the Assurance Game; an anti-coordination game, the Hawk Dove game; and a cooperation game with a temptation to defect, the Prisoner's Dilemma game. We predicted that they would consistently play the Nash equilibria, as do the monkeys, and that, as in previous work, the subjects' level of experience with cognitive experiments would impact performance. Surprisingly, few of our pairs consistently played the same outcome (i.e., no statistically significant preferences), although those who did showed evidence consistent with Nash equilibria play, the same pattern seen more consistently in the monkeys. We consider reasons for their inconsistent performance; for instance, perhaps it was due to lack of interest in a task that rewarded them almost every trial no matter what option they chose, although this does not explain why they were inconsistent when the monkeys were not. A second goal of our study was to ascertain the effects of exogenous oxytocin in their decision making in one population. In line with recent work showing complex effects of oxytocin on social behavior, we found no effect on subjects' outcomes. We consider possible explanations for this as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Hall
- Center for the Science of Animal Care and Welfare, Chicago Zoological Society – Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL
- Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, National Center for Chimpanzee Care, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX
- Language Research Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Mackenzie Smith
- Language Research Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Susan P. Lambeth
- Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, National Center for Chimpanzee Care, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX
| | - Steven J. Schapiro
- Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, National Center for Chimpanzee Care, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen
| | - Sarah F. Brosnan
- Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, National Center for Chimpanzee Care, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX
- Language Research Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
- Neuroscience Institute and Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
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21
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Almeida-Santos AF, Carvalho VR, Jaimes LF, de Castro CM, Pinto HP, Oliveira TPD, Vieira LB, Moraes MFD, Pereira GS. Social isolation impairs the persistence of social recognition memory by disturbing the glutamatergic tonus and the olfactory bulb-dorsal hippocampus coupling. Sci Rep 2019; 9:473. [PMID: 30679583 PMCID: PMC6345767 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36871-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The absence of companion may jeopardize mental health in social animals. Here, we tested the hypothesis that social isolation impairs social recognition memory by altering the excitability and the dialog between the olfactory bulb (OB) and the dorsal hippocampus (dHIP). Adult male Swiss mice were kept grouped (GH) or isolated (SI) for 7 days. Social memory (LTM) was evaluated using social recognition test. SI increased glutamate release in the OB, while decreased in the dHIP. Blocking AMPA and NMDA receptors into the OB or activating AMPA into the dHIP rescued LTM in SI mice, suggesting a cause-effect relationship between glutamate levels and LTM impairment. Additionally, during memory retrieval, phase-amplitude coupling between OB and dHIP decreased in SI mice. Our results indicate that SI impaired the glutamatergic signaling and the normal communication between OB and HIP, compromising the persistence of social memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana F Almeida-Santos
- Núcleo de Neurociências, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Vinícius R Carvalho
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Engenharia Elétrica, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Laura F Jaimes
- Núcleo de Neurociências, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Caio M de Castro
- Núcleo de Neurociências, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Hyorrana P Pinto
- Núcleo de Neurociências, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Tadeu P D Oliveira
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia, Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Luciene B Vieira
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia, Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Márcio F D Moraes
- Núcleo de Neurociências, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Grace S Pereira
- Núcleo de Neurociências, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
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22
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Freeman SM, Palumbo MC, Lawrence RH, Smith AL, Goodman MM, Bales KL. Effect of age and autism spectrum disorder on oxytocin receptor density in the human basal forebrain and midbrain. Transl Psychiatry 2018; 8:257. [PMID: 30514927 PMCID: PMC6279786 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-018-0315-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The prosocial hormone oxytocin (OXT) has become a new target for research on the etiology and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a condition characterized by deficits in social function. However, it remains unknown whether there are alterations in OXT receptor (OXTR) levels in the ASD brain. This study quantified the density of OXTR and of the structurally related vasopressin 1a receptor (AVPR1a) in postmortem brain tissue from individuals with ASD and typically developing individuals. We analyzed two regions known to contain OXTR across all primates studied to date: the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM), which mediates visual attention, and the superior colliculus, which controls gaze direction. In the NBM specimens, we also analyzed the neighboring ventral pallidum (VP) and the external segment of the globus pallidus. In the superior colliculus specimens, we also analyzed the adjacent periaqueductal gray. We detected dense OXTR binding in the human NBM and VP and moderate to low OXTR binding in the human globus pallidus, superior colliculus, and periaqueductal gray. AVPR1a binding was negligible across all five regions in all specimens. Compared to controls, ASD specimens exhibited significantly higher OXTR binding in the NBM and significantly lower OXTR binding in the VP, an area in the mesolimbic reward pathway. There was no effect of ASD on OXTR binding in the globus pallidus, superior colliculus, or periaqueductal gray. We also found a significant negative correlation between age and OXTR binding in the VP across all specimens. Further analysis revealed a peak in OXTR binding in the VP in early childhood of typically developing individuals, which was absent in ASD. This pattern suggests a possible early life critical period, which is lacking in ASD, where this important reward area becomes maximally sensitive to OXT binding. These results provide unique neurobiological insight into human social development and the social symptoms of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M. Freeman
- 0000 0004 1936 9684grid.27860.3bDepartment of Psychology, California National Primate Research Center, University of California-Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616 USA
| | - Michelle C. Palumbo
- 0000 0004 1936 9684grid.27860.3bDepartment of Psychology, California National Primate Research Center, University of California-Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616 USA
| | - Rebecca H. Lawrence
- 0000 0004 1936 9684grid.27860.3bDepartment of Psychology, California National Primate Research Center, University of California-Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616 USA
| | - Aaron L. Smith
- 0000 0001 0941 6502grid.189967.8Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA 30329 USA
| | - Mark M. Goodman
- 0000 0001 0941 6502grid.189967.8Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, 1841 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
| | - Karen L. Bales
- 0000 0004 1936 9684grid.27860.3bDepartment of Psychology, California National Primate Research Center, University of California-Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616 USA
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23
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Barrera G, Dzik V, Cavalli C, Bentosela M. Effect of Intranasal Oxytocin Administration on Human-Directed Social Behaviors in Shelter and Pet Dogs. Front Psychol 2018; 9:2227. [PMID: 30524337 PMCID: PMC6262305 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
A wide variety of evidence has demonstrated that oxytocin is involved in socio-cognitive skills in domestic dogs (Canis familiaris). The purpose was to evaluate the effect of oxytocin administration on socio-cognitive abilities in two populations of dogs with different levels of daily human contact: shelter and pet dogs. Additionally, the effect of different doses of oxytocin (i.e., 16 and 24 IU) was assessed. To this end, dogs were tested on two tasks: a sociability test to assess their social responses and a communicative task focused on the learning of gazing responses. Results showed that pet dogs performed better than shelter dogs on the sociability and the gazing tests showing the relevance of dogs’ previous experience and learning when interacting with people. The administration of 16 IU as well as 24 IU of oxytocin improved the performance on the communicative learning task, producing an increment in gaze duration during extinction. This difference was observed in both pet and shelter dogs. Therefore, oxytocin seems to participate in the persistence of this communicative response. However, the treatment did not modify the behaviors during the sociability test. Furthermore, oxytocin appears to be beneficial to increase the communicative abilities of shelter dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Barrera
- Grupo de Investigación del Comportamiento en Cánidos, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientficas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Victoria Dzik
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de investigaciones Mdicas A Lanari, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientficas y Técnicas, Instituto de investigaciones Médicas, Grupo de Investigación del Comportamiento en Cánidos, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Camila Cavalli
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de investigaciones Mdicas A Lanari, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientficas y Técnicas, Instituto de investigaciones Médicas, Grupo de Investigación del Comportamiento en Cánidos, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana Bentosela
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de investigaciones Mdicas A Lanari, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientficas y Técnicas, Instituto de investigaciones Médicas, Grupo de Investigación del Comportamiento en Cánidos, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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24
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Abstract
In this chapter, we introduce a new area of social pharmacology that encompasses the study of the role of neuromodulators in modulating a wide range of social behaviors and brain function, with the interplay of genetic and epigenetic factors. There are increasing evidences for the role of the neuropeptide oxytocin in modulating a wide range of social behaviors, in reducing anxiety, and in impacting the social brain network. Oxytocin also promotes social functions in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders, such as autism and reduces anxiety and fear in anxiety disorders. In this chapter, we will emphasize the importance of integrating basic research and clinical human research in determining optimal strategies for drug discoveries for social dysfunctions and anxiety disorders. We will highlight the significance of adopting a precision medicine approach to optimize targeted treatments with oxytocin in neuropsychiatry. Oxytocin effects on social behavior and brain function can vary from one individual to another based on external factors, such as heterogeneity in autism phenotype, childhood experiences, personality, attachment style, and oxytocin receptor polymorphisms. Hence, targeted therapies for subgroups of patients can help alleviating some of the core symptoms and lead to a better future for these patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elissar Andari
- Division of Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychiatric Disorders, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Rene Hurlemann
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical Psychology Division, NEMO (Neuromodulation of Emotion) Research Group, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Larry J Young
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Division of Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychiatric Disorders, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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25
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Bauman MD, Murai T, Hogrefe CE, Platt ML. Opportunities and challenges for intranasal oxytocin treatment studies in nonhuman primates. Am J Primatol 2018; 80:e22913. [PMID: 30281820 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Nonhuman primates provide a human-relevant experimental model system to explore the mechanisms by which oxytocin (OT) regulates social processing and inform its clinical applications. Here, we highlight contributions of the nonhuman primate model to our understanding of OT treatment and address unique challenges in administering OT to awake behaving primates. Prior preclinical research utilizing macaque monkeys has demonstrated that OT can modulate perception of other individuals and their expressions, attention to others, imitation, vigilance to social threats, and prosocial decisions. We further describe ongoing efforts to develop an OT delivery system for use in experimentally naïve juvenile macaque monkeys compatible with naturalistic social behavior outcomes. Finally, we discuss future directions to further develop the rhesus monkey as a preclinical test bed to evaluate the effects of OT exposure and advance efforts to translate basic science OT research into safe and effective OT therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa D Bauman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, California.,The UC Davis MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, California.,California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Takeshi Murai
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California.,Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
| | - Casey E Hogrefe
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Michael L Platt
- Departments of Neuroscience, Psychology, and Marketing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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26
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A touch-scaffolded model of human prosociality. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 92:453-463. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Ben-Ari Y. Oxytocin and Vasopressin, and the GABA Developmental Shift During Labor and Birth: Friends or Foes? Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:254. [PMID: 30186114 PMCID: PMC6110879 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) are usually associated with sociability and reduced stress for the former and antidiuretic agent associated with severe stress and pathological conditions for the latter. Both OT and AVP play major roles during labor and birth. Recent contradictory studies suggest that they might exert different roles on the GABA excitatory/inhibitory developmental shift. We reported (Tyzio et al., 2006) that at birth, OT exerts a neuro-protective action mediated by an abrupt reduction of intracellular chloride levels ([Cl-]i) that are high in utero, reinforcing GABAergic inhibition and modulating the generation of the first synchronized patterns of cortical networks. This reduction of [Cl-]i levels is abolished in rodent models of Fragile X Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorders, and its restoration attenuates the severity of the pathological sequels, stressing the importance of the shift at birth (Tyzio et al., 2014). In contrast, Kaila and co-workers (Spoljaric et al., 2017) reported excitatory GABA actions before and after birth that are modulated by AVP but not by OT, challenging both the developmental shift and the roles of OT. Here, I analyze the differences between these studies and suggest that the ratio AVP/OT like that of excitatory/inhibitory GABA depend on stress and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yehezkel Ben-Ari
- Neurochlore and Ben-Ari Institute of Neuroarcheology (IBEN), Marseille, France
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28
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Benítez ME, Sosnowski MJ, Tomeo OB, Brosnan SF. Urinary oxytocin in capuchin monkeys: Validation and the influence of social behavior. Am J Primatol 2018; 80:e22877. [DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marcela E. Benítez
- Department of Psychology; Georgia State University; Atlanta Georgia
- Language Research Center; Georgia State University; Atlanta Georgia
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience; Georgia State University; Atlanta Georgia
| | - Meghan J. Sosnowski
- Department of Psychology; Georgia State University; Atlanta Georgia
- Language Research Center; Georgia State University; Atlanta Georgia
| | - Olivia B. Tomeo
- Department of Psychology; Georgia State University; Atlanta Georgia
- Language Research Center; Georgia State University; Atlanta Georgia
| | - Sarah F. Brosnan
- Department of Psychology; Georgia State University; Atlanta Georgia
- Language Research Center; Georgia State University; Atlanta Georgia
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience; Georgia State University; Atlanta Georgia
- Neuroscience Institute; Georgia State University; Atlanta Georgia
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29
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Why help? Relationship quality, not strategic grooming predicts infant-care in group-living marmosets. Physiol Behav 2018; 193:108-116. [PMID: 29730031 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.02.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 02/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Cooperatively breeding common marmosets raise their infants with the help of other adult group members, but individual care-taking contribution can vary considerably. We tested four hypotheses that may explain this variation within marmoset family groups. The pay-for-help hypothesis argues that allogrooming is used strategically by parents to pay helpers for helping. The pay-for-infant-access hypothesis claims that helpers use allogrooming as payment for infant-access. The intrinsic predisposition hypothesis suggests that more affiliative individuals are also more motivated for infant-care, and the relationship quality hypothesis that individuals involved in highly affiliative relationships with main caregivers contribute more to infant-care. To test these hypotheses, we followed five marmoset family groups over a total of eight reproductive cycles, and quantified affiliative behavior, infant-carrying, and food sharing over six to 12 weeks around infant-birth. We found no evidence for either the pay-for-help or pay-for-infant-access hypotheses nor did intrinsic prosocial predisposition determine individual infant-care. Mutual dyadic affiliation, however, was positively linked to infant-carrying and food sharing in female and male breeders and in male helpers. This suggests that cooperation during infant-care is mediated by relationship quality rather than strategic grooming in marmosets. Overall, these results may also contribute to a better understanding of cooperation in humans.
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Spengler FB, Scheele D, Marsh N, Kofferath C, Flach A, Schwarz S, Stoffel-Wagner B, Maier W, Hurlemann R. Oxytocin facilitates reciprocity in social communication. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2018; 12:1325-1333. [PMID: 28444316 PMCID: PMC5597889 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsx061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2016] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Synchrony in social groups may confer significant evolutionary advantages by improving group cohesion and social interaction. However, the neurobiological mechanisms translating social synchrony into refined social information transmission between interacting individuals are still elusive. In two successively conducted experiments involving a total of 306 healthy volunteers, we explored the involvement of the neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) in reciprocal social interaction. First, we show that synchronous social interactions evoke heightened endogenous OXT release in dyadic partners. In a second step, we examined the consequences of elevated OXT concentrations on emotion transmission by intranasally administering synthetic OXT before recording emotional expressions. Intriguingly, our data demonstrate that the subjects’ facial and vocal expressiveness of fear and happiness is enhanced after OXT compared with placebo administration. Collectively, our findings point to a central role of social synchrony in facilitating reciprocal communication between individuals via heightened OXT signaling. Elevated OXT concentrations among synchronized individuals seem to augment the partners’ emotional expressiveness, thereby contributing to improved transmission of emotional information in social communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franny B Spengler
- Department of Psychiatry.,Division of Medical Psychology, University of Bonn, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Dirk Scheele
- Department of Psychiatry.,Division of Medical Psychology, University of Bonn, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Nina Marsh
- Department of Psychiatry.,Division of Medical Psychology, University of Bonn, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Charlotte Kofferath
- Department of Psychiatry.,Division of Medical Psychology, University of Bonn, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Aileen Flach
- Department of Psychiatry.,Division of Medical Psychology, University of Bonn, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Sarah Schwarz
- Department of Psychiatry.,Division of Medical Psychology, University of Bonn, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Birgit Stoffel-Wagner
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Bonn, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Maier
- Department of Psychiatry.,Division of Medical Psychology, University of Bonn, 53105 Bonn, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53175 Bonn, Germany
| | - René Hurlemann
- Department of Psychiatry.,Division of Medical Psychology, University of Bonn, 53105 Bonn, Germany
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31
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Jones C, Barrera I, Brothers S, Ring R, Wahlestedt C. Oxytocin and social functioning. DIALOGUES IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2018. [PMID: 28867943 PMCID: PMC5573563 DOI: 10.31887/dcns.2017.19.2/cjones] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Social anxiety is a form of anxiety characterized by continuous fear of one or more social or performance situations. Although multiple treatment modalities (cognitive behavioral therapy, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors/selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, benzodiazepines) exist for social anxiety, they are effective for only 60% to 70% of patients. Thus, researchers have looked for other candidates for social anxiety treatment. Our review focuses on the peptide oxytocin as a potential therapeutic option for individuals with social anxiety. Animal research both in nonprimates and primates supports oxytocin's role in facilitation of prosocial behaviors and its anxiolytic effects. Human studies indicate significant associations between social anxiety and oxytocin receptor gene alleles, as well as social anxiety and oxytocin plasma levels. In addition, intranasal administration of oxytocin in humans has favorable effects on social anxiety symptomology. Other disorders, including autism, schizophrenia, and anorexia, have components of social anxiety in their pathophysiology. The therapeutic role of oxytocin for social dysfunction in these disorders is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candace Jones
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Ingrid Barrera
- University of Miami Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Shaun Brothers
- University of Miami Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Robert Ring
- Drexel University Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Claes Wahlestedt
- University of Miami Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Miami, Florida, USA
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Shen B, Qu W, Ge Y, Sun X, Zhang K. The relationship between personalities and self-report positive driving behavior in a Chinese sample. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0190746. [PMID: 29324823 PMCID: PMC5764283 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Driving behaviors play an important role in accident involvement. Concretely speaking, aberrant driving behaviors would cause more accidents, and oppositely positive driving behaviors would promote to build safety traffic environment. The main goals of this study were to explore the positive driving behavior and its relationship with personality in a Chinese sample. A total of 421 licensed drivers (286 male and 135 female) from Beijing, China completed the Positive Driver Behavior Scale (PDBS), the Driver Behavior Questionnaire (DBQ), the Dula Dangerous Driving Index (DDDI) and the Big Five Inventory (BFI) on a voluntary and anonymous basis. The results showed that the Chinese version of the PDBS has both reliability and validity and that the PDBS was significantly correlated with the BFI. Specifically, the PDBS was negatively correlated with neuroticism (r = -0.38) and positively correlated with extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness and openness to experience (the correlation coefficient ranged from 0.36 to 0.55). In contrast with previous research, age was negatively correlated with the PDBS (r = -0.38) in our sample, which may have resulted from less driving experience or a lack of available cognitive resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biying Shen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Weina Qu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Ge
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China
| | - Xianghong Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China
| | - Kan Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China
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33
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Colonnello V, Petrocchi N, Farinelli M, Ottaviani C. Positive Social Interactions in a Lifespan Perspective with a Focus on Opioidergic and Oxytocinergic Systems: Implications for Neuroprotection. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 15:543-561. [PMID: 27538784 PMCID: PMC5543675 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x14666160816120209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Revised: 03/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, a growing interest has emerged in the beneficial effects of positive social interactions on health. The present work aims to review animal and human studies linking social interactions and health throughout the lifespan, with a focus on current knowledge of the possible mediating role of opioids and oxytocin. During the prenatal period, a positive social environment contributes to regulating maternal stress response and protecting the fetus from exposure to maternal active glucocorticoids. Throughout development, positive social contact with the caregiver acts as a “hidden regulator” and promotes infant neuroaffective development. Postnatal social neuroprotection interventions involving caregiver–infant physical contact seem to be crucial for rescuing preterm infants at risk for neurodevelopmental disorders. Attachment figures and friendships in adulthood continue to have a protective role for health and brain functioning, counteracting brain aging. In humans, implementation of meditative practices that promote compassionate motivation and prosocial behavior appears beneficial for health in adolescents and adults. Human and animal studies suggest the oxytocinergic and opioidergic systems are important mediators of the effects of social interactions. However, most of the studies focus on a specific phase of life (i.e., adulthood). Future studies should focus on the role of opioids and oxytocin in positive social interactions adopting a lifespan perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Colonnello
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna. Italy
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He Z, Hou W, Hao X, Dong N, Du P, Yuan W, Yang J, Jia R, Tai F. Oxytocin receptor antagonist treatments alter levels of attachment to mothers and central dopamine activity in pre-weaning mandarin vole pups. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 84:124-134. [PMID: 28710956 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 06/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is known to be important in mother-infant bonding. Although the relationship between OT and filial attachment behavior has been studied in a few mammalian species, the effects on infant social behavior have received little attention in monogamous species. The present study examined the effects of OT receptor antagonist (OTA) treatment on attachment behavior and central dopamine (DA) activity in male and female pre-weaning mandarin voles (Microtus mandarinus). Our data showed that OTA treatments decreased the attachment behavior of pups to mothers, measured using preference tests at postnatal day 14, 16, 18 and 20. OTA treatments reduced serum OT concentration in pre-weaning pups and decreased tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) levels in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), indicating a decrease in central DA activity. In male and female pups, OTA reduced DA levels, DA 1-type receptor (D1R) and DA 2-type receptor (D2R) protein expression in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc). Our results indicate that OTA treatment inhibits the attachment of pre-weaning pups to mothers. This inhibition is possibly associated with central DA activity and levels of two types of dopamine receptor in the NAcc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixiong He
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Wenjuan Hou
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Xin Hao
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Na Dong
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Peirong Du
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Jinfeng Yang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Rui Jia
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China; Cognition Neuroscience and Learning Division, Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Ministry of Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Fadao Tai
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China; Cognition Neuroscience and Learning Division, Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Ministry of Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China.
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35
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Smith JE, Petelle MB, Jerome EL, Cristofari H, Blumstein DT. Oxytocin Experiments Shed Light on Mechanisms Shaping Prosocial and Antisocial Behaviors in Non-human Mammals. Integr Comp Biol 2017; 57:619-630. [DOI: 10.1093/icb/icx091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
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36
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Abstract
Neohormone systems evolved specifically to regulate those mammalian traits, such as internal fertilization, pregnancy and lactation, which have proved to be central to the success, environmental independence, and adaptability of mammals as a vertebrate group. Neohormones such as oxytocin or relaxin are not only involved in the regulation of mammary gland development and function, but are also significant components of milk itself. Particularly for the latter hormone, it has been shown for the pig that relaxin in the first milk is taken up by the gastrointestinal tract of the offspring, enters the neonatal circulation and can have specific physiological and epigenetic effects on target organs such as the female reproductive system. Nevertheless, there are large gaps in our knowledge and understanding of such lactocrine systems especially in regard to other neohormones, species, and neonatal organ systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Ivell
- School of Biosciences & School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, UK.
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37
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Paukner A, Pedersen EJ, Simpson EA. Testing the arousal hypothesis of neonatal imitation in infant rhesus macaques. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178864. [PMID: 28617816 PMCID: PMC5472263 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neonatal imitation is the matching of (often facial) gestures by newborn infants. Some studies suggest that performance of facial gestures is due to general arousal, which may produce false positives on neonatal imitation assessments. Here we examine whether arousal is linked to facial gesturing in newborn infant rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). We tested 163 infants in a neonatal imitation paradigm in their first postnatal week and analyzed their lipsmacking gestures (a rapid opening and closing of the mouth), tongue protrusion gestures, and yawn responses (a measure of arousal). Arousal increased during dynamic stimulus presentation compared to the static baseline across all conditions, and arousal was higher in the facial gestures conditions than the nonsocial control condition. However, even after controlling for arousal, we found a condition-specific increase in facial gestures in infants who matched lipsmacking and tongue protrusion gestures. Thus, we found no support for the arousal hypothesis. Consistent with reports in human newborns, imitators’ propensity to match facial gestures is based on abilities that go beyond mere arousal. We discuss optimal testing conditions to minimize potentially confounding effects of arousal on measurements of neonatal imitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Paukner
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Poolesville, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Eric J. Pedersen
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, United States of America
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth A. Simpson
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, United States of America
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39
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Ten Velden FS, Daughters K, De Dreu CKW. Oxytocin promotes intuitive rather than deliberated cooperation with the in-group. Horm Behav 2017; 92:164-171. [PMID: 27288835 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A contribution to a special issue on Hormones and Human Competition. In intergroup settings, individuals prefer cooperating with their in-group, and sometimes derogate and punish out-groups. Here we replicate earlier work showing that such in-group bounded cooperation is conditioned by oxytocin and extend it by showing that oxytocin-motivated in-group cooperation is intuitive rather than deliberated. Healthy males (N=65) and females (N=129) self-administered intranasal placebo or 24IU oxytocin in a double-blind placebo-controlled between-subjects design, were assigned to a three-person in-group (that faced a 3-person out-group), and given an endowment from which they could contribute to a within-group pool (benefitting the in-group), and/or to a between-group pool (benefitting the in-group and punishing the out-group). Prior to decision-making, participants performed a Stroop Interference task that was either cognitively taxing, or not. Cognitively taxed individuals kept less to themselves and contributed more to the within-group pool. Furthermore, participants receiving placebo contributed more to the within-group pool when they were cognitively taxed rather than not; those receiving oxytocin contributed to the within-group pool regardless of cognitive taxation. Neither taxation nor treatment influenced contributions to the between-group pool, and no significant sex differences were observed. It follows that in intergroup settings (i) oxytocin increases in-group bounded cooperation, (ii) oxytocin neither reduces nor increases out-group directed spite, and (iii) oxytocin-induced in-group cooperation is independent of cognitive taxation and, therefore, likely to be intuitive rather than consciously deliberated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Femke S Ten Velden
- University of Amsterdam, Work and Organizational Psychology, The Netherlands
| | | | - Carsten K W De Dreu
- Leiden University, Social and Organizational Psychology, The Netherlands; University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental Economics and Political Decision Making, The Netherlands.
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40
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Abstract
Research in humans and nonhuman animals indicates that social affiliation, and particularly maternal bonding, depends on reward circuitry. Although numerous mechanistic studies in rodents demonstrated that maternal bonding depends on striatal dopamine transmission, the neurochemistry supporting maternal behavior in humans has not been described so far. In this study, we tested the role of central dopamine in human bonding. We applied a combined functional MRI-PET scanner to simultaneously probe mothers' dopamine responses to their infants and the connectivity between the nucleus accumbens (NAcc), the amygdala, and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), which form an intrinsic network (referred to as the "medial amygdala network") that supports social functioning. We also measured the mothers' behavioral synchrony with their infants and plasma oxytocin. The results of this study suggest that synchronous maternal behavior is associated with increased dopamine responses to the mother's infant and stronger intrinsic connectivity within the medial amygdala network. Moreover, stronger network connectivity is associated with increased dopamine responses within the network and decreased plasma oxytocin. Together, these data indicate that dopamine is involved in human bonding. Compared with other mammals, humans have an unusually complex social life. The complexity of human bonding cannot be fully captured in nonhuman animal models, particularly in pathological bonding, such as that in autistic spectrum disorder or postpartum depression. Thus, investigations of the neurochemistry of social bonding in humans, for which this study provides initial evidence, are warranted.
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Simpson EA, Paukner A, Sclafani V, Kaburu SSK, Suomi SJ, Ferrari PF. Acute oxytocin improves memory and gaze following in male but not female nursery-reared infant macaques. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2017; 234:497-506. [PMID: 27837331 PMCID: PMC5226861 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-016-4480-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Exogenous oxytocin administration is widely reported to improve social cognition in human and nonhuman primate adults. Risk factors of impaired social cognition, however, emerge in infancy. Early interventions-when plasticity is greatest-are critical to reverse negative outcomes. OBJECTIVE We tested the hypothesis that oxytocin may exert similar positive effects on infant social cognition, as in adults. To test this idea, we assessed the effectiveness of acute, aerosolized oxytocin on two foundational social cognitive skills: working memory (i.e., ability to briefly hold and process information) and social gaze (i.e., tracking the direction of others' gaze) in 1-month-old nursery-reared macaque monkeys (Macaca mulatta). We did not predict sex differences, but we included sex as a factor in our analyses to test whether our effects would be generalizable across both males and females. RESULTS In a double-blind, placebo-controlled design, we found that females were more socially skilled at baseline compared to males, and that oxytocin improved working memory and gaze following, but only in males. CONCLUSIONS These sex differences, while unexpected, may be due to interactions with gonadal steroids and may be relevant to sexually dimorphic disorders of social cognition, such as male-biased autism spectrum disorder, for which oxytocin has been proposed as a potential treatment. In sum, we report the first evidence that oxytocin may influence primate infant cognitive abilities. Moreover, these behavioral effects appear sexually dimorphic, highlighting the importance of considering sex differences. Oxytocin effects observed in one sex may not be generalizable to the other sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Simpson
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA,Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Poolesville, Maryland, USA,Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy,Corresponding author. 5665 Ponce De Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables, Florida 33124, USA. . Phone: +1-305-284-6181. Fax: +1- 305-284-3402
| | - Annika Paukner
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Poolesville, Maryland, USA
| | - Valentina Sclafani
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Poolesville, Maryland, USA,Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy,School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Stefano S. K. Kaburu
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Poolesville, Maryland, USA,Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy,Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Stephen J. Suomi
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Poolesville, Maryland, USA
| | - Pier F. Ferrari
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy,Institut des Sciences Cognitives Marc Jeannerod, CNRS/Université Claude Bernard Lyon, France
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Oxytocin Signaling in the Early Life of Mammals: Link to Neurodevelopmental Disorders Associated with ASD. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2017; 35:239-268. [PMID: 28812269 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2017_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin plays a role in various functions including endocrine and immune functions but also parent-infant bonding and social interactions. It might be considered as a main neuropeptide involved in mediating the regulation of adaptive interactions between an individual and his/her environment. Recently, a critical role of oxytocin in early life has been revealed in sensory processing and multi-modal integration that are essential for normal postnatal neurodevelopment. An early alteration in the oxytocin-system may disturb its maturation and may have short-term and long-term pathological consequences such as autism spectrum disorders. Here, we will synthesize the existing literature on the development of the oxytocin system and its role in the early postnatal life of mammals (from birth to weaning) in a normal or pathological context. Oxytocin is required in critical windows of time that play a pivotal role and that should be considered for therapeutical interventions.
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43
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Parr LA, Brooks JM, Jonesteller T, Moss S, Jordano JO, Heitz TR. Effects of chronic oxytocin on attention to dynamic facial expressions in infant macaques. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2016; 74:149-157. [PMID: 27621197 PMCID: PMC5159270 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Revised: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Studies in a variety of species have reported enhanced prosocial effects after an acute administration of the neuromodulating hormone, oxytocin (OT). Although the exact mechanisms underlying these effects are not fully understood, there is broad interest in developing OT into a treatment for social deficits. Only a few studies, however, have examined the effects of OT if given repeatedly during early development, the period when early intervention is likely to have the greatest benefits for reversing the progression towards social impairment. Those studies, exclusively in rodents, report mixed results. Some have shown enhancement of prosocial behavior, including increased social exploration, but others have shown anti-social effects, including increased aggression. In the present study, infant rhesus macaques were treated with a high-frequency (3× per week) or low-frequency (1× per week) dose of intranasal oxytocin (IN-OT) or placebo (IN-saline) between two and six months of age, after which their reactions to dynamic facial expressions (neutral, lipsmacking and threats) were measured. Results showed that IN-OT, compared to placebo, increased the time monkeys spent viewing the expression videos, but selectively reduced attention to the eyes in neutral faces in a dose dependent manner. The mechanism for this non-prosocial effect may be that repeated IN-OT administration down-regulates the expression of OT receptors in brain regions important for regulating social attention. Consequently, our results raise questions about the efficacy of implementing chronic IN-OT as a pharmacotherapy for the treatment of social deficits, particularly if given early in development. More work is needed, not only to identify optimal treatment schedules, but also to understand how IN-OT exerts its influences on the brain and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A. Parr
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, 954 Gatewood Rd., Atlanta GA, 30329 USA,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Emory University, Atlanta GA, 30322 USA,Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta GA, 30329 USA,Corresponding Author. 954 Gatewood Rd., Atlanta GA, 30329, USA, 404-727-3653,
| | - Jenna M. Brooks
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, 954 Gatewood Rd., Atlanta GA, 30329 USA
| | - Trina Jonesteller
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, 954 Gatewood Rd., Atlanta GA, 30329 USA
| | - Shannon Moss
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, 954 Gatewood Rd., Atlanta GA, 30329 USA
| | | | - Thomas R. Heitz
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, 954 Gatewood Rd., Atlanta GA, 30329 USA
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44
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Putnam PT, Roman JM, Zimmerman PE, Gothard KM. Oxytocin enhances gaze-following responses to videos of natural social behavior in adult male rhesus monkeys. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2016; 72:47-53. [PMID: 27343726 PMCID: PMC5226068 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Gaze following is a basic building block of social behavior that has been observed in multiple species, including primates. The absence of gaze following is associated with abnormal development of social cognition, such as in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Some social deficits in ASD, including the failure to look at eyes and the inability to recognize facial expressions, are ameliorated by intranasal administration of oxytocin (IN-OT). Here we tested the hypothesis that IN-OT might enhance social processes that require active engagement with a social partner, such as gaze following. Alternatively, IN-OT may only enhance the perceptual salience of the eyes, and may not modify behavioral responses to social signals. To test this hypothesis, we presented four monkeys with videos of conspecifics displaying natural behaviors. Each video was viewed multiple times before and after the monkeys received intranasally either 50 IU of OT or saline. We found that despite a gradual decrease in attention to the repeated viewing of the same videos (habituation), IN-OT consistently increased the frequency of gaze following saccades. Further analysis confirmed that these behaviors did not occur randomly, but rather predictably in response to the same segments of the videos. These findings suggest that in response to more naturalistic social stimuli IN-OT enhances the propensity to interact with a social partner rather than merely elevating the perceptual salience of the eyes. In light of these findings, gaze following may serve as a metric for pro-social effects of oxytocin that target social action more than social perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- P T Putnam
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA.
| | - J M Roman
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - P E Zimmerman
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - K M Gothard
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
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45
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The parental brain: A neural framework for study of teaching in humans and other animals. Behav Brain Sci 2016; 38:e45. [PMID: 26785922 DOI: 10.1017/s0140525x14000752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Parenting, conceptualized as a specific form of teaching, may inform mentalistic, culture-based, and functional definitions. Combined brain-imaging, hormone-measurement, and cognitive-behavioral analyses indicate the importance of mentalization circuits. These circuits appear to function according to culture, and cross animal species. Further, these approaches shed light on sex differences through work on fathers as well as mothers, are affected by psychopathology, and may be amenable to treatment in ways that may be applied to optimize teaching.
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46
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Korb S, Malsert J, Strathearn L, Vuilleumier P, Niedenthal P. Sniff and mimic - Intranasal oxytocin increases facial mimicry in a sample of men. Horm Behav 2016; 84:64-74. [PMID: 27283377 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Revised: 05/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) has many potential social benefits. For example, intranasal administration of OT appears to trigger caregiving behavior and to improve the recognition of emotional facial expressions. But the mechanism for these effects is not yet clear. Recent findings relating OT to action imitation and to the visual processing of the eye region of faces point to mimicry as a mechanism through which OT improves processing of emotional expression. To test the hypothesis that increased levels of OT in the brain enhance facial mimicry, 60 healthy male participants were administered, in a double-blind between-subjects design, 24 international units (IUs) of OT or placebo (PLA) through nasal spray. Facial mimicry and emotion judgments were recorded in response to movie clips depicting changing facial expressions. As expected, facial mimicry was increased in the OT group, but effects were strongest for angry infant faces. These findings provide further evidence for the importance of OT in social cognitive skills, and suggest that facial mimicry mediates the effects of OT on improved emotion recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Korb
- Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, Campus Biotech, 9 Chemin des Mines, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin, 1202 West Johnson street, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Jennifer Malsert
- Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, Campus Biotech, 9 Chemin des Mines, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Psychology, University of Geneva, 40 bd du Pont d'Arve, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Lane Strathearn
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, 213F CDD Center for Disabilities and Development, 100 Hawkins Dr, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA.
| | - Patrik Vuilleumier
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Geneva, 1 rue Michel-Servet, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Paula Niedenthal
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin, 1202 West Johnson street, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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47
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Plasma Oxytocin and Arginine-Vasopressin Levels in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in China: Associations with Symptoms. Neurosci Bull 2016; 32:423-32. [PMID: 27342432 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-016-0046-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined by impairments of social interaction and the presence of obsessive behaviors. The "twin" nonapeptides oxytocin (OXT) and arginine-vasopressin (AVP) are known to play regulatory roles in social behaviors. However, the plasma levels and behavioral relevance of OXT and AVP in children with ASD have seldom been investigated. It is also unknown whether their mothers have abnormal plasma peptide levels. Here, using well-established methods of neuropeptide measurement and a relatively large sample size, we determined the plasma levels of the two neuropeptides in 85 normal children, 84 children with ASD, and 31 mothers from each group of children. As expected, children with ASD had lower plasma OXT levels than gender-matched controls (P = 0.028). No such difference was found for plasma AVP concentrations. Correlation analysis showed that ASD children with higher plasma OXT concentrations tended to have less impairment of verbal communication (Rho = -0.22, P = 0.076), while those with higher plasma AVP levels tended to have lower levels of repetitive use of objects (Rho = -0.231, P = 0.079). Unlike the findings in children, maternal plasma OXT levels showed no group difference. However, plasma AVP levels in the mothers of ASD children tended to be lower than in the mothers of normal children (P = 0.072). In conclusion, our results suggest that the OXT system is dysregulated in children with ASD, and that OXT and AVP levels in plasma seem to be associated with specific autistic symptoms. The plasma levels of OXT or AVP in mothers and their ASD children did not seem to change in the same direction.
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48
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Dettmer AM, Kaburu SSK, Simpson EA, Paukner A, Sclafani V, Byers KL, Murphy AM, Miller M, Marquez N, Miller GM, Suomi SJ, Ferrari PF. Neonatal face-to-face interactions promote later social behaviour in infant rhesus monkeys. Nat Commun 2016; 7:11940. [PMID: 27300086 PMCID: PMC4911675 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms11940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
In primates, including humans, mothers engage in face-to-face interactions with their infants, with frequencies varying both within and across species. However, the impact of this variation in face-to-face interactions on infant social development is unclear. Here we report that infant monkeys (Macaca mulatta) who engaged in more neonatal face-to-face interactions with mothers have increased social interactions at 2 and 5 months. In a controlled experiment, we show that this effect is not due to physical contact alone: monkeys randomly assigned to receive additional neonatal face-to-face interactions (mutual gaze and intermittent lip-smacking) with human caregivers display increased social interest at 2 months, compared with monkeys who received only additional handling. These studies suggest that face-to-face interactions from birth promote young primate social interest and competency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M. Dettmer
- Laboratory of Comparative Ethology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Poolesville, Maryland 20837, USA
| | - Stefano S. K. Kaburu
- Laboratory of Comparative Ethology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Poolesville, Maryland 20837, USA
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Simpson
- Laboratory of Comparative Ethology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Poolesville, Maryland 20837, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, USA
| | - Annika Paukner
- Laboratory of Comparative Ethology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Poolesville, Maryland 20837, USA
| | - Valentina Sclafani
- Laboratory of Comparative Ethology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Poolesville, Maryland 20837, USA
- Winnicott Research Unit, University of Reading, Reading RG 6AL, UK
| | - Kristen L. Byers
- Laboratory of Comparative Ethology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Poolesville, Maryland 20837, USA
| | - Ashley M. Murphy
- Laboratory of Comparative Ethology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Poolesville, Maryland 20837, USA
| | - Michelle Miller
- Laboratory of Comparative Ethology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Poolesville, Maryland 20837, USA
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Neal Marquez
- Laboratory of Comparative Ethology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Poolesville, Maryland 20837, USA
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98121, USA
| | - Grace M. Miller
- Laboratory of Comparative Ethology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Poolesville, Maryland 20837, USA
- Clinical and School Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, USA
| | - Stephen J. Suomi
- Laboratory of Comparative Ethology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Poolesville, Maryland 20837, USA
| | - Pier F. Ferrari
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
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49
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Placental, Matrilineal, and Epigenetic Mechanisms Promoting Environmentally Adaptive Development of the Mammalian Brain. Neural Plast 2016; 2016:6827135. [PMID: 27069693 PMCID: PMC4812471 DOI: 10.1155/2016/6827135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolution of intrauterine development, vivipary, and placentation in eutherian mammals has introduced new possibilities and constraints in the regulation of neural plasticity and development which promote neural function that is adaptive to the environment that a developing brain is likely to encounter in the future. A range of evolutionary adaptations associated with placentation transfers disproportionate control of this process to the matriline, a period unique in mammalian development in that there are three matrilineal genomes interacting in the same organism at the same time (maternal, foetal, and postmeiotic oocytes). The interactions between the maternal and developing foetal hypothalamus and placenta can provide a template by which a mother can transmit potentially adaptive information concerning potential future environmental conditions to the developing brain. In conjunction with genomic imprinting, it also provides a template to integrate epigenetic information from both maternal and paternal lineages. Placentation also hands ultimate control of genomic imprinting and intergenerational epigenetic information transfer to the matriline as epigenetic markers undergo erasure and reprogramming in the developing oocyte. These developments, in conjunction with an expanded neocortex, provide a unique evolutionary template by which matrilineal transfer of maternal care, resources, and culture can be used to promote brain development and infant survival.
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50
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Simpson EA, Miller GM, Ferrari PF, Suomi SJ, Paukner A. Neonatal imitation and early social experience predict gaze following abilities in infant monkeys. Sci Rep 2016; 6:20233. [PMID: 26831763 PMCID: PMC4735292 DOI: 10.1038/srep20233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals vary in their social skills and motivation, the causes of which remain largely unknown. Here we investigated whether an individual’s propensity to interact with others measured within days after birth, and differences in infants’ early social environment, may predict a later social skill. Specifically, we tested whether neonatal imitation—newborns’ capacity to match modelled actions—and social experience in the first months of life predict gaze following (directing attention to locations where others look), in infant macaques (Macaca mulatta; n = 119). Facial gesture imitation in the first week of life predicted gaze following at 7 months of age. Imitators were better at gaze following than non-imitators, suggesting neonatal imitation may be an early marker predicting socio-cognitive functioning. In addition, infants with rich social environments outperformed infants with less socialization, suggesting early social experiences also support the development of infants’ gaze following competence. The present study offers compelling evidence that an individual difference present from birth predicts a functional social cognitive skill in later infancy. In addition, this foundational skill—gaze following—is plastic, and can be improved through social interactions, providing infants with a strong foundation for later social interaction and learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Simpson
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA.,Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy.,Laboratory of Comparative Ethology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Poolesville, Maryland, USA
| | - Grace M Miller
- Laboratory of Comparative Ethology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Poolesville, Maryland, USA.,Clinical and School Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Pier F Ferrari
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Stephen J Suomi
- Laboratory of Comparative Ethology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Poolesville, Maryland, USA
| | - Annika Paukner
- Laboratory of Comparative Ethology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Poolesville, Maryland, USA
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