1
|
Rea JJ, Liu CM, Hayes AMR, Bashaw AG, Schwartz G, Ohan R, Décarie-Spain L, Kao AE, Klug ME, Phung KJ, Waldow AI, Wood RI, Kanoski SE. Hippocampus oxytocin signaling promotes prosocial eating in rats. Biol Psychiatry 2024:S0006-3223(24)01462-8. [PMID: 39038641 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxytocin (OT) is a hypothalamic neuropeptide involved in diverse physiological and behavioral functions, including social-based behavior and food intake control. The extent that OT's role in regulating these two fundamental behaviors is interconnected is unknown and is a critical gap given that social factors have a strong influence on eating behavior in mammals. Here we focus on OT signaling in the dorsal hippocampus (HPCd), a brain region recently linked with eating and social memory, as a candidate system where these functions overlap. METHODS HPCd OT signaling gain- and loss-of-function strategies were employed in male Sprague-Dawley rats that were trained in a novel social eating procedure to consume their first nocturnal meal under conditions that vary with regards to conspecific presence and familiarity. The endogenous role of HPCd OT signaling was also evaluated for olfactory-based social transmission of food preference learning, sociality, and social recognition memory. RESULTS HPCd OT administration had no effect on food intake under isolated conditions, yet significantly increased consumption in the presence of a familiar, but not an unfamiliar conspecific. Supporting these results, chronic knockdown of HPCd OT receptor expression eliminated the food intake-promoting effects of a familiar conspecific. HPCd OT receptor knockdown also blocked social transmission of food preference learning and impaired social recognition memory without affecting sociality. CONCLUSION Collective results identify endogenous HPCd OT signaling as a novel substrate where OT synergistically influences eating and social behaviors, including the social facilitation of eating and the social transmission of food preference.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica J Rea
- Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, Department of Biological Sciences, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, USA
| | - Clarissa M Liu
- Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, Department of Biological Sciences, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, USA
| | - Anna M R Hayes
- Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, Department of Biological Sciences, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, USA
| | - Alexander G Bashaw
- Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, Department of Biological Sciences, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, USA
| | - Grace Schwartz
- Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, Department of Biological Sciences, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, USA
| | - Rita Ohan
- Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, Department of Biological Sciences, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, USA
| | - Léa Décarie-Spain
- Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, Department of Biological Sciences, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, USA
| | - Alicia E Kao
- Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, Department of Biological Sciences, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, USA
| | - Molly E Klug
- Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, Department of Biological Sciences, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, USA
| | - Kenneth J Phung
- Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, Department of Biological Sciences, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, USA
| | - Alice I Waldow
- Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, Department of Biological Sciences, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, USA
| | - Ruth I Wood
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, USA; Department of Integrative Anatomical Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, USA
| | - Scott E Kanoski
- Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, Department of Biological Sciences, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Iovino M, Messana T, Marucci S, Triggiani D, Giagulli VA, Guastamacchia E, Piazzolla G, De Pergola G, Lisco G, Triggiani V. The neurohypophyseal hormone oxytocin and eating behaviors: a narrative review. Hormones (Athens) 2024; 23:15-23. [PMID: 37979096 PMCID: PMC10847364 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-023-00505-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) is crucial in several conditions, such as lactation, parturition, mother-infant interaction, and psychosocial function. Moreover, OT may be involved in the regulation of eating behaviors. METHODS This review briefly summarizes data concerning the role of OT in eating behaviors. Appropriate keywords and medical subject headings were identified and searched for in PubMed/MEDLINE. References of original articles and reviews were screened, examined, and selected. RESULTS Hypothalamic OT-secreting neurons project to different cerebral areas controlling eating behaviors, such as the amygdala, area postrema, nucleus of the solitary tract, and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve. Intracerebral/ventricular OT administration decreases food intake and body weight in wild and genetically obese rats. OT may alter food intake and the quality of meals, especially carbohydrates and sweets, in humans. DISCUSSION OT may play a role in the pathophysiology of eating disorders with potential therapeutic perspectives. In obese patients and those with certain eating disorders, such as bulimia nervosa or binge/compulsive eating, OT may reduce appetite and caloric consumption. Conversely, OT administered to patients with anorexia nervosa may paradoxically stimulate appetite, possibly by lowering anxiety which usually complicates the management of these patients. Nevertheless, OT administration (e.g., intranasal route) is not always associated with clinical benefit, probably because intranasally administered OT fails to achieve therapeutic intracerebral levels of the hormone. CONCLUSION OT administration could play a therapeutic role in managing eating disorders and disordered eating. However, specific studies are needed to clarify this issue with regard to dose-finding and route and administration time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michele Iovino
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology and Rare Diseases, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", School of Medicine, Bari, Apulia, Italy
| | - Tullio Messana
- Infantile Neuropsychiatry, IRCCS - Institute of Neurological Sciences, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simonetta Marucci
- Università Campus Biomedico, Dip. "Scienze e Tecnologie per l'Uomo e l'ambiente", Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, Roma, Italy
| | - Domenico Triggiani
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology and Rare Diseases, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", School of Medicine, Bari, Apulia, Italy
| | - Vito Angelo Giagulli
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology and Rare Diseases, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", School of Medicine, Bari, Apulia, Italy
| | - Edoardo Guastamacchia
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology and Rare Diseases, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", School of Medicine, Bari, Apulia, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Piazzolla
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology and Rare Diseases, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", School of Medicine, Bari, Apulia, Italy
| | - Giovanni De Pergola
- National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis", Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Bari, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari, School of Medicine, Bari, Apulia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lisco
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology and Rare Diseases, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", School of Medicine, Bari, Apulia, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Triggiani
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology and Rare Diseases, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", School of Medicine, Bari, Apulia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Smith JA, Eikenberry SA, Scott KA, Baumer-Harrison C, de Lartigue G, de Kloet AD, Krause EG. Oxytocin and cardiometabolic interoception: Knowing oneself affects ingestive and social behaviors. Appetite 2022; 175:106054. [PMID: 35447163 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.106054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Maintaining homeostasis while navigating one's environment involves accurately assessing and interacting with external stimuli while remaining consciously in tune with internal signals such as hunger and thirst. Both atypical social interactions and unhealthy eating patterns emerge as a result of dysregulation in factors that mediate the prioritization and attention to salient stimuli. Oxytocin is an evolutionarily conserved peptide that regulates attention to exteroceptive and interoceptive stimuli in a social environment by functioning in the brain as a modulatory neuropeptide to control social behavior, but also in the periphery as a hormone acting at oxytocin receptors (Oxtr) expressed in the heart, gut, and peripheral ganglia. Specialized sensory afferent nerve endings of Oxtr-expressing nodose ganglia cells transmit cardiometabolic signals via the Vagus nerve to integrative regions in the brain that also express Oxtr(s). These brain regions are influenced by vagal sensory pathways and coordinate with external events such as those demanding attention to social stimuli, thus the sensations related to cardiometabolic function and social interactions are influenced by oxytocin signaling. This review investigates the literature supporting the idea that oxytocin mediates the interoception of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems, and that the modulation of this awareness likewise influences social cognition. These concepts are then considered in relation to Autism Spectrum Disorder, exploring how atypical social behavior is comorbid with cardiometabolic dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin A Smith
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Sophia A Eikenberry
- Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Karen A Scott
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Caitlin Baumer-Harrison
- Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Guillaume de Lartigue
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Annette D de Kloet
- Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Eric G Krause
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Worth AA, Luckman SM. Do oxytocin neurones affect feeding? J Neuroendocrinol 2021; 33:e13035. [PMID: 34495565 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
There has been a long history of research on the effects of oxytocin on feeding behaviour. The classic-held view is that the neurohormone is anorexigenic at least in rodents, although the data for humans are not so clear cut. Likewise, a physiological role for oxytocin is disputed. Thus, although pharmacological, anatomical and physiological data suggest oxytocin may have a function in satiety signalling, this view is not supported by the latest research using the genetic recording and manipulation of oxytocin neurones. Here, we avoid a discussion of the pharmacological effects of oxytocin and examine evidence, from both sides of the argument, concerning whether the endogenous oxytocin system has a role in the regulation of normal feeding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy A Worth
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Simon M Luckman
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Oxytocin and Food Intake Control: Neural, Behavioral, and Signaling Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910859. [PMID: 34639199 PMCID: PMC8509519 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin is produced in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus and the supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus. In addition to its extensively studied influence on social behavior and reproductive function, central oxytocin signaling potently reduces food intake in both humans and animal models and has potential therapeutic use for obesity treatment. In this review, we highlight rodent model research that illuminates various neural, behavioral, and signaling mechanisms through which oxytocin’s anorexigenic effects occur. The research supports a framework through which oxytocin reduces food intake via amplification of within-meal physiological satiation signals rather than by altering between-meal interoceptive hunger and satiety states. We also emphasize the distributed neural sites of action for oxytocin’s effects on food intake and review evidence supporting the notion that central oxytocin is communicated throughout the brain, at least in part, through humoral-like volume transmission. Finally, we highlight mechanisms through which oxytocin interacts with various energy balance-associated neuropeptide and endocrine systems (e.g., agouti-related peptide, melanin-concentrating hormone, leptin), as well as the behavioral mechanisms through which oxytocin inhibits food intake, including effects on nutrient-specific ingestion, meal size control, food reward-motivated responses, and competing motivations.
Collapse
|
6
|
Kerem L, Lawson EA. The Effects of Oxytocin on Appetite Regulation, Food Intake and Metabolism in Humans. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7737. [PMID: 34299356 PMCID: PMC8306733 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamic peptide oxytocin and its receptor are involved in a range of physiological processes, including parturition, lactation, cell growth, wound healing, and social behavior. More recently, increasing evidence has established the effects of oxytocin on food intake, energy expenditure, and peripheral metabolism. In this review, we provide a comprehensive description of the central oxytocinergic system in which oxytocin acts to shape eating behavior and metabolism. Next, we discuss the peripheral beneficial effects oxytocin exerts on key metabolic organs, including suppression of visceral adipose tissue inflammation, skeletal muscle regeneration, and bone tissue mineralization. A brief summary of oxytocin actions learned from animal models is presented, showing that weight loss induced by chronic oxytocin treatment is related not only to its anorexigenic effects, but also to the resulting increase in energy expenditure and lipolysis. Following an in-depth discussion on the technical challenges related to endogenous oxytocin measurements in humans, we synthesize data related to the association between endogenous oxytocin levels, weight status, metabolic syndrome, and bone health. We then review clinical trials showing that in humans, acute oxytocin administration reduces food intake, attenuates fMRI activation of food motivation brain areas, and increases activation of self-control brain regions. Further strengthening the role of oxytocin in appetite regulation, we review conditions of hypothalamic insult and certain genetic pathologies associated with oxytocin depletion that present with hyperphagia, extreme weight gain, and poor metabolic profile. Intranasal oxytocin is currently being evaluated in human clinical trials to learn whether oxytocin-based therapeutics can be used to treat obesity and its associated sequela. At the end of this review, we address the fundamental challenges that remain in translating this line of research to clinical care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liya Kerem
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA;
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Lawson
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hong SM, Ko JK, Moon JJ, Kim YR. Oxytocin: A Potential Therapeutic for Obesity. J Obes Metab Syndr 2021; 30:115-123. [PMID: 33820878 PMCID: PMC8277591 DOI: 10.7570/jomes20098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin is a neuropeptide involved in the homeostasis of food consumption and energy; it affects hedonic eating. Studies in obese or binge-eating patients reported the hypophagic effect of oxytocin, which reduced caloric intake after administration. Several studies have demonstrated the effect of oxytocin’s increasing energy intake, decreasing food consumption, and contributing to weight loss. Oxytocin’s effects on food intake and metabolism suggest its therapeutic potential for treating obesity and binge eating.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soo Min Hong
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Seoul Paik Hospital, Inje University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeong-Kyung Ko
- Institute of Eating Disorders and Mental Health, Inje University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung-Joon Moon
- Department of Psychiatry, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University, Busan, Korea
| | - Youl-Ri Kim
- Institute of Eating Disorders and Mental Health, Inje University, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Psychiatry, Seoul Paik Hospital, Inje University, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Barrett LR, Nunez J, Zhang X. Oxytocin activation of paraventricular thalamic neurons promotes feeding motivation to attenuate stress-induced hypophagia. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:1045-1056. [PMID: 33495546 PMCID: PMC8114915 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-00961-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) regulates important brain functions including feeding through activating OT receptors in multiple brain areas. Both OT fibers and OT receptors have been reported in the paraventricular thalamus (PVT), an area that was revealed to be important for the control of emotion, motivation, and food intake. However, the function and modulation of PVT OT signaling remain unknown. Here, we used a progressive ratio (PR) schedule of reinforcement to examine the role of PVT OT signaling in regulating the motivation for food and patch-clamp electrophysiology to study the modulation of OT on PVT neurons in brain slices. We demonstrate that PVT OT administration increases active lever presses to earn food rewards in both male and female mice under PR trials and OT receptor antagonist atosiban inhibits OT-induced increase in motivated lever presses. However, intra-PVT OT infusion does not affect food intake in normal conditions but attenuates hypophagia induced by stress and anxiety. Using patch-clamp recordings, we find OT induces long-lasting excitatory effects on neurons in all PVT regions, especially the middle to posterior PVT. OT not only evokes tonic inward currents but also increases the frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents on PVT neurons. The excitatory effect of OT on PVT neurons is mimicked by the specific OT receptor agonist [Thr4, Gly7]-oxytocin (TGOT) and blocked by OT receptor antagonist atosiban. Together, our study reveals a critical role of PVT OT signaling in promoting feeding motivation to attenuate stress-induced hypophagia through exciting PVT neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lily R. Barrett
- grid.255986.50000 0004 0472 0419Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306 USA
| | - Jeremiah Nunez
- grid.255986.50000 0004 0472 0419Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306 USA
| | - Xiaobing Zhang
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
The promiscuity of the oxytocin-vasopressin systems and their involvement in autism spectrum disorder. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2021; 182:121-140. [PMID: 34266588 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-819973-2.00009-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin and vasopressin systems have been studied separately in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Here, we provide evidence from an evolutionary and neuroscience perspective about the shared mechanisms and the common roles in regulating social behaviors. We first discuss findings on the evolutionary history of oxytocin and vasopressin ligands and receptors that highlight their common origin and clarify the evolutionary background of the crosstalk between them. Second, we conducted a comprehensive review of the increasing evidence for the role of both neuropeptides in regulating social behaviors. Third, we reviewed the growing evidence on the associations between the oxytocin/vasopressin systems and ASD, which includes oxytocin and vasopressin dysfunction in animal models of autism and in human patients, and the impact of treatments targeting the oxytocin or the vasopressin systems in children and in adults. Here, we highlight the potential of targeting the oxytocin/vasopressin systems to improve social deficits observed in ASD and the need for further investigations on how to transfer these research innovations into clinical applications.
Collapse
|
10
|
Liu CM, Hsu TM, Suarez AN, Subramanian KS, Fatemi RA, Cortella AM, Noble EE, Roitman MF, Kanoski SE. Central oxytocin signaling inhibits food reward-motivated behaviors and VTA dopamine responses to food-predictive cues in male rats. Horm Behav 2020; 126:104855. [PMID: 32991888 PMCID: PMC7757852 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104855] [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: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin potently reduces food intake and is a potential target system for obesity treatment. A better understanding of the behavioral and neurobiological mechanisms mediating oxytocin's anorexigenic effects may guide more effective obesity pharmacotherapy development. The present study examined the effects of central (lateral intracerebroventricular [ICV]) administration of oxytocin in rats on motivated responding for palatable food. Various conditioning procedures were employed to measure distinct appetitive behavioral domains, including food seeking in the absence of consumption (conditioned place preference expression), impulsive responding for food (differential reinforcement of low rates of responding), effort-based appetitive decision making (high-effort palatable vs. low-effort bland food), and sucrose reward value encoding following a motivational shift (incentive learning). Results reveal that ICV oxytocin potently reduces food-seeking behavior, impulsivity, and effort-based palatable food choice, yet does not influence encoding of sucrose reward value in the incentive learning task. To investigate a potential neurobiological mechanism mediating these behavioral outcomes, we utilized in vivo fiber photometry in ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons to examine oxytocin's effect on phasic dopamine neuron responses to sucrose-predictive Pavlovian cues. Results reveal that ICV oxytocin significantly reduced food cue-evoked dopamine neuron activity. Collectively, these data reveal that central oxytocin signaling inhibits various obesity-relevant conditioned appetitive behaviors, potentially via reductions in food cue-driven phasic dopamine neural responses in the VTA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa M Liu
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Department of Biological Sciences, Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, University of Southern California, 3616 Trousdale Parkway, AHF 252, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States
| | - Ted M Hsu
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1007 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL 60607-7137, United States
| | - Andrea N Suarez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, University of Southern California, 3616 Trousdale Parkway, AHF 252, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States
| | - Keshav S Subramanian
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Department of Biological Sciences, Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, University of Southern California, 3616 Trousdale Parkway, AHF 252, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States
| | - Ryan A Fatemi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, University of Southern California, 3616 Trousdale Parkway, AHF 252, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States
| | - Alyssa M Cortella
- Department of Biological Sciences, Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, University of Southern California, 3616 Trousdale Parkway, AHF 252, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States
| | - Emily E Noble
- Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, 129 Barrow Hall, Athens, GA 30602, United States
| | - Mitchell F Roitman
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1007 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL 60607-7137, United States
| | - Scott E Kanoski
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Department of Biological Sciences, Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, University of Southern California, 3616 Trousdale Parkway, AHF 252, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Olszewski PK, Wood EL, Klockars A, Levine AS. Excessive Consumption of Sugar: an Insatiable Drive for Reward. Curr Nutr Rep 2019; 8:120-128. [DOI: 10.1007/s13668-019-0270-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
12
|
Klockars A, Wood EL, Gartner SN, McColl LK, Levine AS, Carpenter EA, Prosser CG, Olszewski PK. Palatability of Goat's versus Cow's Milk: Insights from the Analysis of Eating Behavior and Gene Expression in the Appetite-Relevant Brain Circuit in Laboratory Animal Models. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11040720. [PMID: 30925727 PMCID: PMC6520687 DOI: 10.3390/nu11040720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Goat's (GM) and cow's milk (CM) are dietary alternatives with select health benefits shown in human and animal studies. Surprisingly, no systematic analysis of palatability or preference for GM vs. CM has been performed to date. Here, we present a comprehensive investigation of short-term intake and palatability profiles of GM and CM in laboratory mice and rats. We studied consumption in no-choice and choice scenarios, including meal microstructure, and by using isocaloric milks and milk-enriched solid diets. Feeding results are accompanied by qPCR data of relevant genes in the energy balance-related hypothalamus and brain stem, and in the nucleus accumbens, which regulates eating for palatability. We found that GM and CM are palatable to juvenile, adult, and aged rodents. Given a choice, animals prefer GM- to CM-based diets. Analysis of meal microstructure using licking patterns points to enhanced palatability of and, possibly, greater motivation toward GM over CM. Most profound changes in gene expression after GM vs. CM were associated with the brain systems driving consumption for reward. We conclude that, while both GM and CM are palatable, GM is preferred over CM by laboratory animals, and this preference is driven by central mechanisms controlling eating for pleasure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anica Klockars
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Waikato, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand.
| | - Erin L Wood
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Waikato, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand.
| | - Sarah N Gartner
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Waikato, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand.
| | - Laura K McColl
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Waikato, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand.
| | - Allen S Levine
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55113, USA.
| | | | - Colin G Prosser
- Dairy Goat Cooperative (NZ) Ltd., Hamilton 3206, New Zealand.
| | - Pawel K Olszewski
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Waikato, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand.
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55113, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Onaka T, Takayanagi Y. Role of oxytocin in the control of stress and food intake. J Neuroendocrinol 2019; 31:e12700. [PMID: 30786104 PMCID: PMC7217012 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin neurones in the hypothalamus are activated by stressful stimuli and food intake. The oxytocin receptor is located in various brain regions, including the sensory information-processing cerebral cortex; the cognitive information-processing prefrontal cortex; reward-related regions such as the ventral tegmental areas, nucleus accumbens and raphe nucleus; stress-related areas such as the amygdala, hippocampus, ventrolateral part of the ventromedial hypothalamus and ventrolateral periaqueductal gray; homeostasis-controlling hypothalamus; and the dorsal motor complex controlling intestinal functions. Oxytocin affects behavioural and neuroendocrine stress responses and terminates food intake by acting on the metabolic or nutritional homeostasis system, modulating emotional processing, reducing reward values of food intake, and facilitating sensory and cognitive processing via multiple brain regions. Oxytocin also plays a role in interactive actions between stress and food intake and contributes to adaptive active coping behaviours.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatsushi Onaka
- Division of Brain and NeurophysiologyDepartment of PhysiologyJichi Medical UniversityShimotsuke‐shiJapan
| | - Yuki Takayanagi
- Division of Brain and NeurophysiologyDepartment of PhysiologyJichi Medical UniversityShimotsuke‐shiJapan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Head MA, Jewett DC, Gartner SN, Klockars A, Levine AS, Olszewski PK. Effect of Oxytocin on Hunger Discrimination. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:297. [PMID: 31156549 PMCID: PMC6529581 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Centrally and peripherally administered oxytocin (OT) decreases food intake and activation of the endogenous OT systems, which is associated with termination of feeding. Evidence gathered thus far points to OT as a facilitator of early satiation, a peptide that reduces the need for a meal that has already begun. It is not known, however, whether OT can diminish a feeling of hunger, thereby decreasing a perceived need to seek calories. Therefore, in the current project, we first confirmed that intraperitoneal (i.p.) OT at 0.3-1 mg/kg reduces food intake in deprived and non-deprived rats. We then used those OT doses in a unique hunger discrimination protocol. First, rats were trained to discriminate between 22- and 2-h food deprivation (hungry vs. sated state) in a two-lever operant procedure. After rats acquired the discrimination, they were food-restricted for 22 h and given i.p. OT before a generalization test session. OT did not decrease 22-h deprivation-appropriate responding to match that following 2-h food deprivation, thus, it did not reduce the perceived level of hunger. In order to better understand the mechanisms behind this ineffectiveness of OT, we used c-Fos immunohistochemistry to determine whether i.p. OT activates a different subset of feeding-related brain sites under 22- vs. 2-h deprivation. We found that in sated animals, OT induces c-Fos changes in a broader network of hypothalamic and brain stem sites compared to those affected in the hungry state. Finally, by employing qPCR analysis, we asked whether food deprivation vs. sated state have an impact on OT receptor expression in the brain stem, a CNS "entry" region for peripheral OT. Fasted animals had significantly lower OT receptor mRNA levels than their ad libitum-fed counterparts. We conclude that OT does not diminish a feeling of hunger before a start of a meal. Instead OT's anorexigenic properties are manifested once consumption has already begun which is-at least to some extent-driven by changes in brain responsiveness to OT treatment in the hungry vs. fed state. OT should be viewed as a mediator of early satiation rather than as a molecule that diminishes perceived hunger.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell A. Head
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - David C. Jewett
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI, United States
| | - Sarah N. Gartner
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Anica Klockars
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Allen S. Levine
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
| | - Pawel K. Olszewski
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
- *Correspondence: Pawel K. Olszewski
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ding C, Leow MKS, Magkos F. Oxytocin in metabolic homeostasis: implications for obesity and diabetes management. Obes Rev 2019; 20:22-40. [PMID: 30253045 PMCID: PMC7888317 DOI: 10.1111/obr.12757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin was once understood solely as a neuropeptide with a central role in social bonding, reproduction, parturition, lactation and appetite regulation. Recent evidence indicates that oxytocin enhances glucose uptake and lipid utilization in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle, suggesting that dysfunction of the oxytocin system could underlie the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia. Murine studies revealed that deficiencies in oxytocin signalling and oxytocin receptor expression lead to obesity despite normal food intake, motor activity and increased leptin levels. In addition, plasma oxytocin concentration is notably lower in obese individuals with diabetes, which may suggest an involvement of the oxytocin system in the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic disease. More recently, small scale studies demonstrated that intranasal administration of oxytocin was associated with significant weight loss as well as improvements in insulin sensitivity and pancreatic β-cell responsivity in human subjects. The multi-pronged effects of oxytocin signalling on improving peripheral insulin sensitivity, pancreatic function and lipid homeostasis strongly suggest a role for this system as a therapeutic target in obesity and diabetes management. The complexity of obesity aetiology and the pathogenesis of obesity-related metabolic complications underscore the need for a systems approach to better understand the role of oxytocin in metabolic function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Ding
- Clinical Nutrition Research Centre (CNRC), Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and National University Health System, Singapore
| | - M K-S Leow
- Clinical Nutrition Research Centre (CNRC), Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and National University Health System, Singapore.,Department of Endocrinology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.,Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - F Magkos
- Clinical Nutrition Research Centre (CNRC), Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and National University Health System, Singapore.,Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Novelle MG, Diéguez C. Unravelling the role and mechanism of adipokine and gastrointestinal signals in animal models in the nonhomeostatic control of energy homeostasis: Implications for binge eating disorder. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2018; 26:551-568. [DOI: 10.1002/erv.2641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marta G. Novelle
- Department of Physiology, Centre for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS); University of Santiago de Compostela-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IDIS), CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III; Santiago de Compostela Spain
| | - Carlos Diéguez
- Department of Physiology, Centre for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS); University of Santiago de Compostela-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IDIS), CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III; Santiago de Compostela Spain
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Idelevich A, Baron R. Brain to bone: What is the contribution of the brain to skeletal homeostasis? Bone 2018; 115:31-42. [PMID: 29777919 PMCID: PMC6110971 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2018.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The brain, which governs most, if not all, physiological functions in the body, from the complexities of cognition, learning and memory, to the regulation of basal body temperature, heart rate and breathing, has long been known to affect skeletal health. In particular, the hypothalamus - located at the base of the brain in close proximity to the medial eminence, where the blood-brain-barrier is not as tight as in other regions of the brain but rather "leaky", due to fenestrated capillaries - is exposed to a variety of circulating body cues, such as nutrients (glucose, fatty acids, amino acids), and hormones (insulin, glucagon, leptin, adiponectin) [1-3].Information collected from the body via these peripheral cues is integrated by hypothalamic sensing neurons and glial cells [4-7], which express receptors for these nutrients and hormones, transforming these cues into physiological outputs. Interestingly, many of the same molecules, including leptin, adiponectin and insulin, regulate both energy and skeletal homeostasis. Moreover, they act on a common set of hypothalamic nuclei and their residing neurons, activating endocrine and neuronal systems, which ultimately fine-tune the body to new physiological states. This review will focus exclusively on the brain-to-bone pathway, highlighting the most important anatomical sites within the brain, which are known to affect bone, but not covering the input pathways and molecules informing the brain of the energy and bone metabolic status, covered elsewhere [8-10]. The discussion in each section will present side by side the metabolic and bone-related functions of hypothalamic nuclei, in an attempt to answer some of the long-standing questions of whether energy is affected by bone remodeling and homeostasis and vice versa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Idelevich
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Endocrine Unit MGH, Division of Bone and Mineral Metabolism, Department of Oral Medicine, Infection and Immunity, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roland Baron
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Endocrine Unit MGH, Division of Bone and Mineral Metabolism, Department of Oral Medicine, Infection and Immunity, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Davis XS, Grill H. The hindbrain is a site of energy balance action for prolactin-releasing peptide: feeding and thermic effects from GPR10 stimulation of the nucleus tractus solitarius/area postrema. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:2287-2301. [PMID: 29796829 PMCID: PMC8019516 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-4925-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) is a neuropeptide that suppresses food intake and increases body temperature when delivered to the forebrain ventricularly or parenchymally. However, PrRP's receptor GPR10 is widely distributed throughout the brain with particularly high levels found in the dorsomedial hindbrain. Thus, we hypothesized that hindbrain-directed PrRP administration would affect energy balance and motivated feeding behavior. METHODS To address this hypothesis, a range of behavioral and physiologic variables were measured in Sprague-Dawley rats that received PrRP delivered to the fourth ventricle (4V) or the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) at the level of the area postrema (AP). RESULTS 4V PrRP delivery decreased chow intake and body weight, in part, through decreasing meal size in ad libitum maintained rats tested at dark onset. PrRP inhibited feeding when delivered to the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), but not to more ventral hindbrain structures. In addition, 4V as well as direct NTS administration of PrRP increased core temperature. By contrast, 4V PrRP did not reduce ad libitum intake of highly palatable food or the motivation to work for or seek palatable foods. CONCLUSIONS The dorsomedial hindbrain and NTS/AP, in particular, are sites of action in PrRP/GPR10-mediated control of chow intake, core temperature, and body weight.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- X. S. Davis
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, 433 S. University Avenue, Rm. 327, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - H.J. Grill
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, 433 S. University Avenue, Rm. 327, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Liutkevičiūtė Z, Gil-Mansilla E, Eder T, Casillas-Pérez B, Di Giglio MG, Muratspahić E, Grebien F, Rattei T, Muttenthaler M, Cremer S, Gruber CW. Oxytocin-like signaling in ants influences metabolic gene expression and locomotor activity. FASEB J 2018; 32:fj201800443. [PMID: 29939785 PMCID: PMC6174076 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201800443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Ants are emerging model systems to study cellular signaling because distinct castes possess different physiologic phenotypes within the same colony. Here we studied the functionality of inotocin signaling, an insect ortholog of mammalian oxytocin (OT), which was recently discovered in ants. In Lasius ants, we determined that specialization within the colony, seasonal factors, and physiologic conditions down-regulated the expression of the OT-like signaling system. Given this natural variation, we interrogated its function using RNAi knockdowns. Next-generation RNA sequencing of OT-like precursor knock-down ants highlighted its role in the regulation of genes involved in metabolism. Knock-down ants exhibited higher walking activity and increased self-grooming in the brood chamber. We propose that OT-like signaling in ants is important for regulating metabolic processes and locomotion.-Liutkevičiūtė, Z., Gil-Mansilla, E., Eder, T., Casillas-Pérez, B., Di Giglio, M. G., Muratspahić, E., Grebien, F., Rattei, T., Muttenthaler, M., Cremer, S., Gruber, C. W. Oxytocin-like signaling in ants influences metabolic gene expression and locomotor activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zita Liutkevičiūtė
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Esther Gil-Mansilla
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Eder
- Division of Computational Systems Biology (CUBE), Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Edin Muratspahić
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Grebien
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Rattei
- Division of Computational Systems Biology (CUBE), Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Biological Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sylvia Cremer
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Christian W. Gruber
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Leslie M, Silva P, Paloyelis Y, Blevins J, Treasure J. A Systematic Review and Quantitative Meta-Analysis of Oxytocin's Effects on Feeding. J Neuroendocrinol 2018; 30:10.1111/jne.12584. [PMID: 29480934 PMCID: PMC6292740 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Oxytocin's anorexigenic effects have been widely documented and accepted; however, no paper has yet used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines to compile previous findings in a single systematic review and quantitative meta-analysis. The current paper aimed to identify published and unpublished studies examining the effects of oxytocin on energy intake in animals and humans, and the factors that moderate this effect. METHODS Web of Science, Pub Med, and Ovid were searched for published and unpublished studies reporting the effects of oxytocin on energy intake in wild-type animals and in humans, when administered in the absence of other active drugs or surgery. RESULTS 2049 articles were identified through the original systematic literature search, from which 54 articles were identified as relevant for inclusion in this review. An additional 3 relevant articles were identified in a later update of the literature search. Overall, a single-dose of oxytocin was found to reduce feeding in animals. Despite several individual studies which found that this effect persists to the end of the third week of chronic administration in rodent models, overall, this anorexigenic effect did not hold in the meta-analyses testing the effects of chronic administration. There was no overall effect of oxytocin on energy intake in humans, although a trend was identified for oxytocin to reduce consumption of solid foods. CONCLUSIONS Oxytocin reduces energy intake when administered as a single dose. Oxytocin can inhibit feeding over two- to three-week periods in rodent models. These effects typically do not persist beyond the third week of treatment. The anorexigenic effect of oxytocin is moderated by pregnant status, dose, method of administration, and diet composition. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Leslie
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London (KCL), London, UK
| | - Paulo Silva
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London (KCL), London, UK
| | - Yannis Paloyelis
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London (KCL), London, UK
| | - James Blevins
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Janet Treasure
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London (KCL), London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Gartner SN, Aidney F, Klockars A, Prosser C, Carpenter EA, Isgrove K, Levine AS, Olszewski PK. Intragastric preloads of l-tryptophan reduce ingestive behavior via oxytocinergic neural mechanisms in male mice. Appetite 2018; 125:278-286. [PMID: 29471071 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2018.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Human and laboratory animal studies suggest that dietary supplementation of a free essential amino acid, l-tryptophan (TRP), reduces food intake. It is unclear whether an acute gastric preload of TRP decreases consumption and whether central mechanisms underlie TRP-driven hypophagia. We examined the effect of TRP administered via intragastric gavage on energy- and palatability-induced feeding in mice. We sought to identify central mechanisms through which TRP suppresses appetite. Effects of TRP on consumption of energy-dense and energy-dilute tastants were established in mice stimulated to eat by energy deprivation or palatability. A conditioned taste aversion (CTA) paradigm was used to assess whether hypophagia is unrelated to sickness. c-Fos immunohistochemistry was employed to detect TRP-induced activation of feeding-related brain sites and of oxytocin (OT) neurons, a crucial component of satiety circuits. Also, expression of OT mRNA was assessed with real-time PCR. The functional importance of OT in mediating TRP-driven hypophagia was substantiated by showing the ability of OT receptor blockade to abolish TRP-induced decrease in feeding. TRP reduced intake of energy-dense standard chow in deprived animals and energy-dense palatable chow in sated mice. Anorexigenic doses of TRP did not cause a CTA. TRP failed to affect intake of palatable yet calorie-dilute or noncaloric solutions (10% sucrose, 4.1% Intralipid or 0.1% saccharin) even for TRP doses that decreased water intake in thirsty mice. Fos analysis revealed that TRP increases activation of several key feeding-related brain areas, especially in the brain stem and hypothalamus. TRP activated hypothalamic OT neurons and increased OT mRNA levels, whereas pretreatment with an OT antagonist abolished TRP-driven hypophagia. We conclude that intragastric TRP decreases food and water intake, and TRP-induced hypophagia is partially mediated via central circuits that encompass OT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Colin Prosser
- Dairy Goat Co-operative (NZ) Ltd, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | | | | | - Allen S Levine
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Pawel K Olszewski
- University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand; Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Associations Between Nurse-Guided Variables and Plasma Oxytocin Trajectories in Premature Infants During Initial Hospitalization. Adv Neonatal Care 2018; 18:E12-E23. [PMID: 29337699 DOI: 10.1097/anc.0000000000000452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxytocin (OT) is a social hormone that may help researchers understand how nurse-guided interventions during initial infant hospitalization, such as supporting human milk expression, promoting comforting touch, and reducing exposure to stressors, affect preterm brain development. PURPOSE To determine whether factors related to human milk, touch, or stressor exposure are related to plasma OT trajectories in premature infants. METHODS Plasma from 33 premature infants, born gestational ages 25 to (Equation is included in full-text article.)weeks, was collected at 14 days of life and then weekly until 34 weeks' corrected gestational age (CGA). Variables related to feeding volumes of human milk and formula; touch, as indexed by skin-to-skin contact (SSC) and swaddled holding; and clinical stressors were extracted from the electronic medical record. Linear mixed-models tested associations between nurse-guided variables and plasma OT trajectories. RESULTS In the final model, same-day SSC was positively related not only to plasma OT levels at 27 weeks' CGA (β= .938, P = .002) but also to a decline in plasma OT levels over time (β=-.177, P = .001). Volume of enteral feeds (mL/kg/d), its interaction with CGA, and number of stressful procedures were not statistically significant (β= .011, P = .077; β=-.002, P = .066; and β= .007, P = .062, respectively). IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Nurse-guided interventions are associated with infant plasma OT levels, suggesting nurses may impact the neurobiology of the developing premature infant. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH Replication with larger sample sizes and randomized controlled trial designs is needed to test effects of specific nursing interventions on infant OT.
Collapse
|
23
|
Oxytocin, social factors, and the expression of conditioned disgust (anticipatory nausea) in male rats. Behav Pharmacol 2018; 27:718-725. [PMID: 27740965 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Disgust has been proposed to have evolved as a means to rid the body and mouth of noxious substances and toxins, as well as to motivate and facilitate avoidance of contact with disease-causing organisms and infectious materials. Nonemetic species, such as the rat, show distinctive facial expressions, including the gaping reaction, indicative of nausea-based disgust. These conditioned disgust responses can be used to model anticipatory nausea in humans, which is a learned response observed following chemotherapy treatment. As social factors play a role in the modulation and expression of conditioned disgust responses in rats, and the nonapeptide, oxytocin (OT), is involved in the modulation of social behavior, the present study examined the effects of an OT antagonist, L-368 899, on the development and expression of socially mediated conditioned disgust in male rats. When administered 10 min before testing in a distinct context (different from the original conditioning context), L-368 899 (5 mg/kg) significantly decreased gaping behavior in rats that were conditioned with a social partner. LiCl-treated rats administered L-368 899 before testing also showed decreased social initiations toward their social partner. These findings suggest that OT may play a role in the modulation and expression of socially mediated conditioned disgust in rats.
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
Hypothalamic integration of gastrointestinal and adipose tissue-derived hormones serves as a key element of neuroendocrine control of food intake. Leptin, adiponectin, oleoylethanolamide, cholecystokinin, and ghrelin, to name a few, are in a constant "cross talk" with the feeding-related brain circuits that encompass hypothalamic populations synthesizing anorexigens (melanocortins, CART, oxytocin) and orexigens (Agouti-related protein, neuropeptide Y, orexins). While this integrated neuroendocrine circuit successfully ensures that enough energy is acquired, it does not seem to be equally efficient in preventing excessive energy intake, especially in the obesogenic environment in which highly caloric and palatable food is constantly available. The current review presents an overview of intricate mechanisms underlying hypothalamic integration of energy balance-related peripheral endocrine input. We discuss vulnerabilities and maladaptive neuroregulatory processes, including changes in hypothalamic neuronal plasticity that propel overeating despite negative consequences.
Collapse
|
25
|
Maestrini S, Mele C, Mai S, Vietti R, Di Blasio A, Castello L, Surico D, Aimaretti G, Scacchi M, Marzullo P. Plasma Oxytocin Concentration in Pre- and Postmenopausal Women: Its Relationship with Obesity, Body Composition and Metabolic Variables. Obes Facts 2018; 11:429-439. [PMID: 30372704 PMCID: PMC6257199 DOI: 10.1159/000492001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between oxytocin, menopause and obesity. METHODS A cross-sectional analysis on 56 obese (OB; 28 premenopausal) and 53 normal-weight women (NW; 27 premenopausal) was performed by measurement of oxytocin, leptin, adiponectin, gonadotropins, sex steroids, glucose, and lipid homeostasis as well as DXA assessment of fat mass (%FM) and fat-free mass (FFM). RESULTS Women from NW and OB groups were comparable for age but differed in anthropometric measures. In our cohorts, menopause was not associated with changes in gluco-lipid homeostasis and %FM, while FFM was lower in postmenopausal women from both study groups (p < 0.05). In each group, leptin was unaltered, and adiponectin only marginally changed across menopause, while oxytocin levels were lower in post- than in premenopausal women (NW: p < 0.05; OB: p < 0.005), and lower in OB than NW women, either when assessed as whole groups or if stratified by menopause (p < 0.001). In correlation analysis, inverse associations related oxytocin to menopause, obesity, and adiposity-related measures. BMI (p < 0.0001) and menopause independently predicted oxytocin levels (p < 0.001), but their interaction was null (p = 0.5). CONCLUSIONS Obesity and menopause are independent negative predictors of plasma oxytocin. Longitudinal studies should clarify the role of oxytocin on weight modifications experienced around and after menopause.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Maestrini
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Ospedale S. Giuseppe, Verbania, Italy
| | - Chiara Mele
- Division of General Medicine, I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Ospedale S. Giuseppe, Verbania, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Stefania Mai
- Laboratory of Metabolic Research, I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Ospedale S. Giuseppe, Verbania, Italy
| | - Roberta Vietti
- Laboratory of Metabolic Research, I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Ospedale S. Giuseppe, Verbania, Italy
| | - Annamaria Di Blasio
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Ospedale S. Giuseppe, Verbania, Italy
| | - Luigi Castello
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Daniela Surico
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Gianluca Aimaretti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Massimo Scacchi
- Division of General Medicine, I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Ospedale S. Giuseppe, Verbania, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Marzullo
- Division of General Medicine, I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Ospedale S. Giuseppe, Verbania, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- *Paolo Marzullo, MD, PhD, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, Novara, 28100 Italy,
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Klockars OA, Waas JR, Klockars A, Levine AS, Olszewski PK. Neural Basis of Ventromedial Hypothalamic Oxytocin-Driven Decrease in Appetite. Neuroscience 2017; 366:54-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2017] [Revised: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
|
27
|
Klockars A, Brunton C, Li L, Levine AS, Olszewski PK. Intravenous administration of oxytocin in rats acutely decreases deprivation-induced chow intake, but it fails to affect consumption of palatable solutions. Peptides 2017; 93:13-19. [PMID: 28460894 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2017.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2016] [Revised: 04/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Despite its limited ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, peripherally administered oxytocin (OT) acutely decreases food intake, most likely via the brainstem and hypothalamic mechanisms. Studies performed to date have focused mainly on the effects of subcutaneous or intraperitoneal OT on the consumption of only solid calorie-dense diets (either standard or high-fat), whereas it is unknown whether, similarly to central OT, peripherally administered peptide reduces intake of calorie-dilute and non-caloric palatable solutions. In this project, we established that 0.1μg/kg intravenous (IV) OT is the lowest anorexigenic dose, decreasing deprivation-induced standard chow intake by ca. 40% in rats and its effect does not stem from aversion. We then used this dose in paradigms in which effects of centrally acting OT ligands on consumption of palatable solutions had been previously reported. We found that IV OT did not change episodic intake of individually presented palatable solutions containing 10% sucrose, 0.1% saccharin, combined 10% sucrose-0.1% saccharin or 4.1%. Intralipid and it failed to affect daily scheduled consumption of a sucrose solution in non-deprived rats. In a two-bottle choice test, IV OT did not shift animals' preference from sucrose to Intralipid. Finally, OT injected IV prior to the simultaneous presentation chow and a sucrose solution in food-deprived rats significantly decreased chow intake, whereas sugar water consumption remained unchanged. We conclude that IV OT reduces deprivation-induced chow intake without causing aversion, but the dose effective in decreasing energy-driven consumption of high-calorie food fails to affect consumption of palatable calorie-dilute solutions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anica Klockars
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Chloe Brunton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Lu Li
- University of Auckland, Waikato Clinical School, Hamilton, 3240 New Zealand
| | - Allen S Levine
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, USA
| | - Pawel K Olszewski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand; Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Polymorphisms of the oxytocin receptor gene and overeating: the intermediary role of endophenotypic risk factors. Nutr Diabetes 2017; 7:e279. [PMID: 28530679 PMCID: PMC5518806 DOI: 10.1038/nutd.2017.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Oxytocin (OXT) is an evolutionarily ancient neuropeptide with strong links to affiliative and prosocial behaviors, and the management of stress. Increases in OXT also tend to decrease food intake, especially of sweet carbohydrates. The social correlates of low OXT levels mesh with the social deficits and stress proneness identified in interpersonal models of overeating, as well as the increased appetite for highly palatable foods typically seen in chronic overeaters. The objectives of this study were to investigate links between polymorphisms of the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene and overeating, and to examine OXTR links with relevant endophenotypes of overeating related to reward and stress sensitivity, and to food preferences. Subject/Methods: The sample comprised 460 adults between the ages of 25 and 50 years recruited from the community, and representing a broad range of body weights. Overeating, reward and punishment sensitivity, and food preferences, were quantified as composite variables using well-validated questionnaires. In addition, seven single-nucleotide polymorphisms (rs237878, rs237885, rs2268493, rs2268494, rs2254298, rs53576, rs2268498) of the OXTR gene were genotyped. Results: Analyses identified a four-marker haplotype that was significantly related to food preferences. Individual genotype analyses also found that at least one of the markers was related to each of the phenotypic variables. In addition, an empirically derived structural equation model linking genetic and phenotype variables produced a good fit to the data. Conclusions: The results of this preliminary study have demonstrated that OXTR variation is associated with overeating, and with endophenotypic traits such as sweet and fatty food preferences, and reward and punishment sensitivity. In general, the genetic findings also favor the view that overeating may be associated with relatively low basal OXT levels.
Collapse
|
29
|
|
30
|
Leng G, Sabatier N. Oxytocin - The Sweet Hormone? Trends Endocrinol Metab 2017; 28:365-376. [PMID: 28283319 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2017.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Revised: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian neurons that produce oxytocin and vasopressin apparently evolved from an ancient cell type with both sensory and neurosecretory properties that probably linked reproductive functions to energy status and feeding behavior. Oxytocin in modern mammals is an autocrine/paracrine regulator of cell function, a systemic hormone, a neuromodulator released from axon terminals within the brain, and a 'neurohormone' that acts at receptors distant from its site of release. In the periphery oxytocin is involved in electrolyte homeostasis, gastric motility, glucose homeostasis, adipogenesis, and osteogenesis, and within the brain it is involved in food reward, food choice, and satiety. Oxytocin preferentially suppresses intake of sweet-tasting carbohydrates while improving glucose tolerance and supporting bone remodeling, making it an enticing translational target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gareth Leng
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh UK.
| | - Nancy Sabatier
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh UK
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
The effects of intranasal oxytocin on smoothie intake, cortisol and attentional bias in anorexia nervosa. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 79:167-174. [PMID: 28288443 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anorexia nervosa (AN) is characterised by severe malnutrition as well as intense fear and anxiety around food and eating with associated anomalies in information processing. Previous studies have found that the neuropeptide, oxytocin, can influence eating behaviour, lower the neurobiological stress response and anxiety among clinical populations, and alter attentional processing of food and eating related images in AN. METHODOLOGY Thirty adult women with AN and twenty-nine healthy comparison (HC) women took part in the current study. The study used double blind, placebo controlled, crossover design to investigate the effects of a single dose of intranasal oxytocin (40 IU) on a standard laboratory smoothie challenge, and on salivary cortisol, anxiety, and attentional bias towards food images before and after the smoothie challenge in AN and HC participants. Attentional bias was assessed using a visual probe task. RESULTS Relative to placebo intranasal oxytocin reduced salivary cortisol and altered anomalies in attentional bias towards food images in the AN group only. The oxytocin-induced reduction in attentional avoidance of food images correlated with oxytocin induced reduction in salivary cortisol in the AN group before the smoothie challenge. Intranasal oxytocin did not significantly alter subjective feelings of anxiety or intake during the smoothie challenge in the AN or HC groups. CONCLUSIONS Intranasal oxytocin may moderate the automated information processing biases in AN and reduce neurobiological stress. Further investigation of the effects of repeated administration of oxytocin on these processes as well as on eating behaviour and subjective anxiety would be of interest.
Collapse
|
32
|
Gangestad SW, Grebe NM. Hormonal systems, human social bonding, and affiliation. Horm Behav 2017; 91:122-135. [PMID: 27530218 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Revised: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Which hormones are implicated in human social bonding and affiliation? And how does field research speak to this issue? We begin by laying out a broad view of how endocrine hormones in general modulate life history allocations of energy and other resources, and the ways in which their neuromodulatory functions must be understood within a broader conceptualization of how they have been shaped to affect allocations. We then turn to four specific hormones or hormone families that have received much attention: oxytocin, opioids, prolactin, and progesterone. Each plays a role in regulating psychological capacities and propensities that underlie individuals' interactions with important social targets. Yet in no case is it clear exactly what regulatory roles these hormones play. We suggest several directions for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven W Gangestad
- Department of Psychology, University of New, Albuquerque, NM 87111, Mexico.
| | - Nicholas M Grebe
- Department of Psychology, University of New, Albuquerque, NM 87111, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Quintana DS, Dieset I, Elvsåshagen T, Westlye LT, Andreassen OA. Oxytocin system dysfunction as a common mechanism underlying metabolic syndrome and psychiatric symptoms in schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. Front Neuroendocrinol 2017; 45:1-10. [PMID: 28049009 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2016.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
There is growing interest in using intranasal oxytocin (OT) to treat social dysfunction in schizophrenia and bipolar disorders (i.e., psychotic disorders). While OT treatment results have been mixed, emerging evidence suggests that OT system dysfunction may also play a role in the etiology of metabolic syndrome (MetS), which appears in one-third of individuals with psychotic disorders and associated with increased mortality. Here we examine the evidence for a potential role of the OT system in the shared risk for MetS and psychotic disorders, and its prospects for ameliorating MetS. Using several studies to demonstrate the overlapping neurobiological profiles of metabolic risk factors and psychiatric symptoms, we show that OT system dysfunction may be one common mechanism underlying MetS and psychotic disorders. Given the critical need to better understand metabolic dysregulation in these disorders, future OT trials assessing behavioural and cognitive outcomes should additionally include metabolic risk factor parameters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S Quintana
- NORMENT, KG Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, University of Oslo, and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Ingrid Dieset
- NORMENT, KG Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, University of Oslo, and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Torbjørn Elvsåshagen
- NORMENT, KG Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, University of Oslo, and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars T Westlye
- NORMENT, KG Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, University of Oslo, and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole A Andreassen
- NORMENT, KG Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, University of Oslo, and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Current findings on the role of oxytocin in the regulation of food intake. Physiol Behav 2017; 176:31-39. [PMID: 28284882 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
In the face of the alarming prevalence of obesity and its associated metabolic impairments, it is of high basic and clinical interest to reach a complete understanding of the central nervous pathways that establish metabolic control. In recent years, the hypothalamic neuropeptide oxytocin, which is primarily known for its involvement in psychosocial processes and reproductive behavior, has received increasing attention as a modulator of metabolic function. Oxytocin administration to the brain of normal-weight animals, but also animals with diet-induced or genetically engineered obesity reduces food intake and body weight, and can also increase energy expenditure. Up to now, only a handful of studies in humans have investigated oxytocin's contribution to the regulation of eating behavior. Relying on the intranasal pathway of oxytocin administration, which is a non-invasive strategy to target central nervous oxytocin receptors, these experiments have yielded some promising first results. In normal-weight and obese individuals, intranasal oxytocin acutely limits meal intake and the consumption of palatable snacks. It is still unclear to which extent - or if at all - such metabolic effects of oxytocin in humans are conveyed or modulated by oxytocin's impact on cognitive processes, in particular on psychosocial function. We shortly summarize the current literature on oxytocin's involvement in food intake and metabolic control, ponder potential links to social and cognitive processes, and address future perspectives as well as limitations of oxytocin administration in experimental and clinical contexts.
Collapse
|
35
|
Abstract
Health nudge interventions to steer people into healthier lifestyles are increasingly applied by governments worldwide, and it is natural to look to such approaches to improve health by altering what people choose to eat. However, to produce policy recommendations that are likely to be effective, we need to be able to make valid predictions about the consequences of proposed interventions, and for this, we need a better understanding of the determinants of food choice. These determinants include dietary components (e.g. highly palatable foods and alcohol), but also diverse cultural and social pressures, cognitive-affective factors (perceived stress, health attitude, anxiety and depression), and familial, genetic and epigenetic influences on personality characteristics. In addition, our choices are influenced by an array of physiological mechanisms, including signals to the brain from the gastrointestinal tract and adipose tissue, which affect not only our hunger and satiety but also our motivation to eat particular nutrients, and the reward we experience from eating. Thus, to develop the evidence base necessary for effective policies, we need to build bridges across different levels of knowledge and understanding. This requires experimental models that can fill in the gaps in our understanding that are needed to inform policy, translational models that connect mechanistic understanding from laboratory studies to the real life human condition, and formal models that encapsulate scientific knowledge from diverse disciplines, and which embed understanding in a way that enables policy-relevant predictions to be made. Here we review recent developments in these areas.
Collapse
|
36
|
Olszewski PK, Levine AS. Basic research on appetite regulation: Social context of a meal is missing. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2016; 148:106-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2016.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|