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Danoff JS, Carter CS, Gordevičius J, Milčiūtė M, Brooke RT, Connelly JJ, Perkeybile AM. Maternal oxytocin treatment at birth increases epigenetic age in male offspring. Dev Psychobiol 2024; 66:e22452. [PMID: 38533486 PMCID: PMC10963051 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Exogenous oxytocin (OT) is widely used to induce or augment labor with little understanding of the impact on offspring development. In rodent models, including the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster), it has been shown that oxytocin administered to mothers can affect the nervous system of the offspring with long lasting behavioral effects especially on sociality. Here, we examined the hypothesis that perinatal oxytocin exposure could have epigenetic and transcriptomic consequences. Prairie voles were exposed to exogenous oxytocin, through injections given to the mother just prior to birth, and were studied at the time of weaning. The outcome of this study revealed increased epigenetic age in oxytocin-exposed animals compared to the saline-exposed group. Oxytocin exposure led to 900 differentially methylated CpG sites (annotated to 589 genes), and 2 CpG sites (2 genes) remained significantly different after correction for multiple comparisons. Differentially methylated CpG sites were enriched in genes known to be involved in regulation of gene expression and neurodevelopment. Using RNA-sequencing we also found 217 nominally differentially expressed genes (p<0.05) in nucleus accumbens, a brain region involved in reward circuitry and social behavior; after corrections for multiple comparisons 6 genes remained significantly differentially expressed. Finally, we found that maternal oxytocin administration led to widespread alternative splicing in the nucleus accumbens. These results indicate that oxytocin exposure during birth may have long lasting epigenetic consequences. A need for further investigation of how oxytocin administration impacts development and behavior throughout the lifespan is supported by these outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua S Danoff
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ
| | - C Sue Carter
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington IN
| | | | | | | | | | - Allison M Perkeybile
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington IN
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2
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Liu S, Huang R, Li A, Yu S, Yao S, Xu J, Tang L, Li W, Gan C, Cheng H. The role of the oxytocin system in the resilience of patients with breast cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1187477. [PMID: 37781188 PMCID: PMC10534028 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1187477] [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: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a grave traumatic experience that can profoundly compromise patients' psychological resilience, impacting their overall quality of life. The oxytocin system represents one of the essential neurobiological bases of psychological resilience and plays a critical role in regulating resilience in response to social or traumatic events during adulthood. Oxytocin, through its direct interaction with peripheral or central oxytocin receptors, has been found to have a significant impact on regulating social behavior. However, the precise mechanism by which the activation of peripheral oxytocin receptors leads to improved social is still not completely comprehended and requires additional research. Its activation can modulate psychological resilience by influencing estrogen and its receptors, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, thyroid function, 5-hydroxytryptamine metabolism levels, and arginine pressure release in breast cancer patients. Various interventions, including psychotherapy and behavioral measures, have been employed to improve the psychological resilience of breast cancer patients. The potential effectiveness of such interventions may be underpinned by their ability to modulate oxytocin release levels. This review provides an overview of the oxytocin system and resilience in breast cancer patients and identifies possible future research directions and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaochun Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Runze Huang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Anlong Li
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Sheng Yu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Senbang Yao
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Lingxue Tang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wen Li
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chen Gan
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Huaidong Cheng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Shenzhen Clinical Medical School of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Oncology, Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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Tarsha MS, Narvaez D. The evolved nest, oxytocin functioning, and prosocial development. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1113944. [PMID: 37425179 PMCID: PMC10323226 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1113944] [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: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Prosociality, orientation to attuned, empathic relationships, is built from the ground up, through supportive care in early life that fosters healthy neurobiological structures that shape behavior. Numerous social and environmental factors within early life have been identified as critical variables influencing child physiological and psychological outcomes indicating a growing need to synthesize which factors are the most influential. To address this gap, we examined the influence of early life experiences according to the evolved developmental niche or evolved nest and its influence on child neurobiological and sociomoral outcomes, specifically, the oxytocinergic system and prosociality, respectively. To-date, this is the first review to utilize the evolved nest framework as an investigatory lens to probe connections between early life experience and child neurobiological and sociomoral outcomes. The evolved nest is comprised of characteristics over 30 million years old and is organized to meet a child's basic needs as they mature. Converging evidence indicates that humanity's evolved nest meets the needs of a rapidly developing brain, optimizing normal development. The evolved nest for young children includes soothing perinatal experiences, breastfeeding, positive touch, responsive care, multiple allomothers, self-directed play, social embeddedness, and nature immersion. We examined what is known about the effects of each evolved nest component on oxytocinergic functioning, a critical neurobiological building block for pro-sociomorality. We also examined the effects of the evolved nest on prosociality generally. We reviewed empirical studies from human and animal research, meta-analyses and theoretical articles. The review suggests that evolved nest components influence oxytocinergic functioning in parents and children and help form the foundations for prosociality. Future research and policy should consider the importance of the first years of life in programming the neuroendocrine system that undergirds wellbeing and prosociality. Complex, interaction effects among evolved nest components as well as among physiological and sociomoral processes need to be studied. The most sensible framework for examining what builds and enhances prosociality may be the millions-year-old evolved nest.
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Rubin LH, Bhattacharya D, Fuchs J, Matthews A, Abdellah S, Veenhuis RT, Langenecker SA, Weber KM, Nazarloo HP, Keating SM, Carter CS, Maki PM. Early Life Trauma and Social Processing in HIV: The Role of Neuroendocrine Factors and Inflammation. Psychosom Med 2022; 84:874-884. [PMID: 36044606 PMCID: PMC9553269 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Early life trauma (ELT) and HIV are associated with social processing deficits. In people with HIV (PWH), we examined whether facial emotion identification accuracy differs by ELT and whether neuroendocrine factors including cortisol, oxytocin (OT), and arginine vasopressin, and/or immune system measures play a role in the ELT-performance association. METHODS We used secondary data from the placebo condition of a pharmacologic challenge study in PWH. Presence of ELT was measured with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (at least moderate experiences of sexual, physical, and/or emotional abuse). Social processing was measured with the Facial Emotion Perception Test (FEPT). Salivary immune system measures and cortisol were sampled across a 5-hour study session. Blood was collected at study session start (12 pm ) to measure OT and arginine vasopressin. We examined the association of ELT with FEPT and five biological moderators (from principal components analysis of 12 biomarkers) of ELT-FEPT associations. RESULTS Of 58 PWH (42 men; mean [standard deviation] age = 33.7 [8.9] years), 50% endorsed ELT. ELT-exposed PWH demonstrated lower identification accuracy across all emotional expressions (unstandardized β [ B ] = 0.13; standard error [SE] = 0.05; p = .021, d = 0.63) and had higher OT levels compared with ELT-unexposed PWH ( t(1,56) = 2.12, p = .039; d = 0.57). For total accuracy, an OT/C-reactive protein factor moderated the ELT-FEPT association ( B = 0.14; SE = 0.05; p = .014); accuracy was lower in ELT-exposed PWH versus ELT-unexposed PWH when the factor was low but not when high. Similar results were obtained for fearful, neutral, and happy faces ( p values < .05). Regardless of ELT, a myeloid migration (MCP-1/MMP-9) factor was associated with reduced accuracy ( p values < .05). CONCLUSIONS Our pilot findings suggest that ELT may alter social processing in PWH, and OT and C-reactive protein may be a target for improving social processing in ELT-exposed PWH, and myeloid migration markers may be a target in PWH more generally.
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Putnam PT, Chang SWC. Interplay between the oxytocin and opioid systems in regulating social behaviour. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210050. [PMID: 35858101 PMCID: PMC9272147 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The influence of neuromodulators on brain activity and behaviour is undeniably profound, yet our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms, or ability to reliably reproduce effects across varying conditions, is still lacking. Oxytocin, a hormone that acts as a neuromodulator in the brain, is an example of this quandary; it powerfully shapes behaviours across nearly all mammalian species, yet when manipulated exogenously can produce unreliable or sometimes unexpected behavioural results across varying contexts. While current research is rapidly expanding our understanding of oxytocin, interactions between oxytocin and other neuromodulatory systems remain underappreciated in the current literature. This review highlights interactions between oxytocin and the opioid system that serve to influence social behaviour and proposes a parallel-mechanism hypothesis to explain the supralinear effects of combinatorial neuropharmacological approaches. This article is part of the theme issue 'Interplays between oxytocin and other neuromodulators in shaping complex social behaviours'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip T. Putnam
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Steve W. C. Chang
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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6
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Putnam PT, Chang SWC. Oxytocin does not stand alone. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210047. [PMID: 35858106 PMCID: PMC9272150 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Philip T. Putnam
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Steve W. C. Chang
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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7
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Palanisamy A, Toftlund SA, Giri T, Strandberg-Larsen K, Lønfeldt NN. Birth with synthetic oxytocin and the risk of being overweight or obese during childhood. Pediatr Obes 2022; 17:e12871. [PMID: 34783173 DOI: 10.1111/ijpo.12871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the importance of oxytocinergic signalling for satiety regulation and energy balance, the impact of exposure to synthetic oxytocin during childbirth on obesity during childhood remains unknown. OBJECTIVES To examine the association between oxytocin exposure during labour and the risk of being overweight or obese during childhood. METHODS Synthetic oxytocin exposure data of mothers from the Danish Medical Birth Registry were linked with self-reported anthropometric data of their children from the Danish National Birth Cohort (5 months-11 years of age). Multinomial logistic regression and latent class growth analyses were performed to determine the association between oxytocin exposure and obesity during childhood. RESULTS With the exception of the normal weight-to-overweight group between ages 5 and 12 months, none of the other analyses revealed a significant association between synthetic oxytocin use and the risk of being overweight until the age of 11 years. Furthermore, latent class growth analysis did not reveal an association between oxytocin exposure at birth and the risk of being overweight or obese during childhood. CONCLUSIONS Our analysis of a large cohort of children who varied in their synthetic oxytocin exposure status at childbirth did not reveal an association between oxytocin exposure and the risk of childhood overweight/obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvind Palanisamy
- Department of Anesthesiology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Sarah A Toftlund
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tusar Giri
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Nicole N Lønfeldt
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Centre - Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Capital Region of Denmark, Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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8
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Gustison ML, Phelps SM. Individual differences in social attachment: A multi-disciplinary perspective. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2022; 21:e12792. [PMID: 35170839 PMCID: PMC8916993 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Social behavior varies across both individuals and species. Research to explain this variation falls under the purview of multiple disciplines, each with its own theoretical and empirical traditions. Integration of these disciplinary traditions is key to developing a holistic perspective. Here, we review research on the biology of social attachment, a phenomena in which individuals develop strong affective connections to one another. We provide a historical overview of research on social attachment from psychological, ethological and neurobiological perspectives. As a case study, we describe work on pair-bonding in prairie voles, a socially monogamous rodent. This specific topic takes advantage of many biological perspectives and techniques to explain social bonds. Lastly, we conclude with an overview of multi-dimensional conceptual frameworks that can be used to explain social phenomena, and we propose a new framework for research on individual variation in attachment behavior. These conceptual frameworks originate from philosophy, physics, ethology, cognitive science and neuroscience. The application and synthesis of such frameworks offers a rich opportunity to advance understanding of social behavior and its mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan L. Gustison
- Department of Integrative BiologyThe University of Texas at AustinAustinTexasUSA
| | - Steven M. Phelps
- Department of Integrative BiologyThe University of Texas at AustinAustinTexasUSA
- Institute for NeuroscienceThe University of Texas at AustinAustinTexasUSA
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9
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Carter CS. Oxytocin and love: Myths, metaphors and mysteries. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2022; 9:100107. [PMID: 35755926 PMCID: PMC9216351 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2021.100107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin is a peptide molecule with a multitude of physiological and behavioral functions. Based on its association with reproduction - including social bonding, sexual behavior, birth and maternal behavior - oxytocin also has been called "the love hormone." This essay specifically examines association and parallels between oxytocin and love. However, many myths and gaps in knowledge remain concerning both. A few of these are described here and we hypothesize that the potential benefits of both love and oxytocin may be better understood in light of interactions with more ancient systems, including specifically vasopressin and the immune system. Oxytocin is anti-inflammatory and is associated with recently evolved, social solutions to a variety of challenges necessary for mammalian survival and reproduction. The shared functions of oxytocin and love have profound implications for health and longevity, including the prevention and treatment of excess inflammation and related disorders, especially those occurring in early life and during periods of chronic threat or disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Sue Carter
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA
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10
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Byrd AL, Tung I, Manuck SD, Vine V, Horner M, Hipwell AE, Stepp SD. An interaction between early threat exposure and the oxytocin receptor in females: Disorder-specific versus general risk for psychopathology and social-emotional mediators. Dev Psychopathol 2021; 33:1248-1263. [PMID: 32693857 PMCID: PMC7934270 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579420000462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Early threat exposure is a transdiagnostic risk factor for psychopathology, and evidence suggests that genetic variation in the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) moderates this association. However, it is unclear if this gene-by-environment (G×E) interaction is tied to unique risk for disorder-specific outcomes or instead increases shared risk for general psychopathology. Moreover, little is known about how this G×E interaction increases risk. The current study utilized a prospective, longitudinal sample of females (n = 2,020) to examine: (a) whether the interaction between early threat exposure and OXTR variation (rs53576, rs2254298) confers risk for disorder-specific outcomes (depression, anxiety, borderline and antisocial personality disorders) and/or general psychopathology in early adulthood; and (b) whether social-emotional deficits (emotion dysregulation, callousness, attachment quality) during adolescence constitute mediating mechanisms. Consistent with hypotheses, the interactive effects of early threat exposure and OXTR variation (rs53576) predicted general psychopathology, with threat-exposed women carrying at least one copy of the rs53576 A-allele at greatest risk. This interaction was mediated via emotional dysregulation in adolescence, with threat-exposed A-allele carriers demonstrating greater emotion dysregulation, and greater emotion dysregulation predicting general psychopathology in early adulthood. Findings suggest that this G×E places women at risk for a broad range of psychopathology via effects on emotion dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L. Byrd
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Irene Tung
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Stephen D. Manuck
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Vera Vine
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michelle Horner
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alison E. Hipwell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Stephanie D. Stepp
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Cai W, Ma H, Xun Y, Hou W, Wang L, Zhang X, Ran Y, Yuan W, Guo Q, Zhang J, Li L, Yang Y, Li Y, Lv Z, He Z, Jia R, Tai F. Involvement of the dopamine system in paternal behavior induced by repeated pup exposure in virgin male ICR mice. Behav Brain Res 2021; 415:113519. [PMID: 34389426 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Like mothers, fathers play a vital role in the development of the brain and behavior of offspring in mammals with biparental care. Unlike mothers, fathers do not experience the physiological processes of pregnancy, parturition, or lactation before their first contact with offspring. Whether pup exposure can induce the onset of paternal behavior and the underlying neural mechanisms remains unclear. By using Slc:ICR male mice exhibiting maternal-like parental care, the present study found that repeated exposure to pups for six days significantly increased the total duration of paternal behavior and shortened the latency to retrieve and care for pups. Repeated pup exposure increased c-Fos-positive neurons and the levels of dopamine- and TH-positive neurons in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). In addition, inhibition of dopamine projections from the ventral tegmental area to the NAc using chemogenetic methods reduced paternal care induced by repeated pup exposure. In conclusion, paternal behavior in virgin male ICR mice can be initiated by repeated pup exposure via sensitization, and the dopamine system may be involved in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqi Cai
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Huan Ma
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yufeng Xun
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wenjuan Hou
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Limin Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xueni Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yufeng Ran
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qianqian Guo
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Laifu Li
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yang Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yitong Li
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zijian Lv
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhixiong He
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Rui Jia
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Fadao Tai
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
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Abstract
In contrast to traditional laboratory animals, prairie voles form socially monogamous partnerships in the wild and exhibit lasting social preferences for familiar individuals-both mates and same-sex peers-in the laboratory. Decades of research into the mechanisms supporting pair bonding behavior have made prairie voles an important model organism for the study of social relationships. The partner preference test is a laboratory test of familiarity preference that takes place over an extended interval (typically 3 hr), during which test subjects can directly interact with conspecifics and often engage in resting side-by-side contact (i.e., huddling). The use of this test has enabled study of the neural pathways and mechanisms involved in promoting or impairing relationship formation. The tendency to form partner preferences is also used as a behavioral indicator of the effects of early life experiences and environmental exposures. While this test was developed to assess the extent of social preference for mates in prairie voles, it has been adapted for use in other social contexts and in multiple other species. This article provides instructions for conducting the classic partner preference test, as well as variations including same-sex "peer" partner preference tests. The effects of several protocol variations are examined, including duration of cohousing, separation interval, use of tethers versus barriers, linear versus branched apparatus configuration, and duration of the test. The roles of social variables including sex of the focal individual, sex of conspecifics, reproductive state, and use of the test in other species are then considered. Finally, sample data are provided along with discussion of scoring and statistical analysis of partner preference tests. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol: Partner preference test Support Protocol: Behavioral scoring.
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Norholt H. Delivering Clinically on Our Knowledge of Oxytocin and Sensory Stimulation: The Potential of Infant Carrying in Primary Prevention. Front Psychol 2021; 11:590051. [PMID: 33995157 PMCID: PMC8116555 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.590051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is one of the most intensively researched neuropeptides during the three past decades. In benign social contexts, OT exerts a range of desirable socioemotional, stress-reducing, and immunoregulatory effects in mammals and humans and influences mammalian parenting. Consequentially, research in potential pharmacological applications of OT toward human social deficits/disorders and physical illness has increased substantially. Regrettably, the results from the administration of exogenous OT are still relatively inconclusive. Research in rodent maternal developmental programming has demonstrated the susceptibility of offspring endogenous OT systems to maternal somatosensory stimulation, with consequences for behavioral, epigenetic, cognitive, and neurological outcomes. A translation of this animal research into practically feasible human parenting recommendations has yet to happen, despite the significant prevention potential implied by the maternal developmental programming research. Extended physical contact with full-term healthy infants in the months following birth (infant carrying) might constitute the human equivalent of those specific rodent maternal behaviors, found to positively influence emerging OT systems. Findings from both OT and maternal programming research parallel those found for infants exposed to such extended parental physical contact, whether through skin-to-skin contact or infant carrying. Clinical support of parents to engage in extended physical contact represents a feasible intervention to create optimum conditions for the development of infant OT systems, with potential beneficial long-term health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Norholt
- SomAffect - The Somatosensory & Affective Neuroscience Group, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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14
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Carter CS, Kenkel WM, MacLean EL, Wilson SR, Perkeybile AM, Yee JR, Ferris CF, Nazarloo HP, Porges SW, Davis JM, Connelly JJ, Kingsbury MA. Is Oxytocin "Nature's Medicine"? Pharmacol Rev 2021; 72:829-861. [PMID: 32912963 PMCID: PMC7495339 DOI: 10.1124/pr.120.019398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin is a pleiotropic, peptide hormone with broad implications for general health, adaptation, development, reproduction, and social behavior. Endogenous oxytocin and stimulation of the oxytocin receptor support patterns of growth, resilience, and healing. Oxytocin can function as a stress-coping molecule, an anti-inflammatory, and an antioxidant, with protective effects especially in the face of adversity or trauma. Oxytocin influences the autonomic nervous system and the immune system. These properties of oxytocin may help explain the benefits of positive social experiences and have drawn attention to this molecule as a possible therapeutic in a host of disorders. However, as detailed here, the unique chemical properties of oxytocin, including active disulfide bonds, and its capacity to shift chemical forms and bind to other molecules make this molecule difficult to work with and to measure. The effects of oxytocin also are context-dependent, sexually dimorphic, and altered by experience. In part, this is because many of the actions of oxytocin rely on its capacity to interact with the more ancient peptide molecule, vasopressin, and the vasopressin receptors. In addition, oxytocin receptor(s) are epigenetically tuned by experience, especially in early life. Stimulation of G-protein–coupled receptors triggers subcellular cascades allowing these neuropeptides to have multiple functions. The adaptive properties of oxytocin make this ancient molecule of special importance to human evolution as well as modern medicine and health; these same characteristics also present challenges to the use of oxytocin-like molecules as drugs that are only now being recognized.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sue Carter
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - William M Kenkel
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - Evan L MacLean
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - Steven R Wilson
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - Allison M Perkeybile
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - Jason R Yee
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - Craig F Ferris
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - Hossein P Nazarloo
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - Stephen W Porges
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - John M Davis
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - Jessica J Connelly
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - Marcy A Kingsbury
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
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15
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Hoffiz YC, Castillo-Ruiz A, Hall MAL, Hite TA, Gray JM, Cisternas CD, Cortes LR, Jacobs AJ, Forger NG. Birth elicits a conserved neuroendocrine response with implications for perinatal osmoregulation and neuronal cell death. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2335. [PMID: 33504846 PMCID: PMC7840942 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81511-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-standing clinical findings report a dramatic surge of vasopressin in umbilical cord blood of the human neonate, but the neural underpinnings and function(s) of this phenomenon remain obscure. We studied neural activation in perinatal mice and rats, and found that birth triggers activation of the suprachiasmatic, supraoptic, and paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus. This was seen whether mice were born vaginally or via Cesarean section (C-section), and when birth timing was experimentally manipulated. Neuronal phenotyping showed that the activated neurons were predominantly vasopressinergic, and vasopressin mRNA increased fivefold in the hypothalamus during the 2–3 days before birth. Copeptin, a surrogate marker of vasopressin, was elevated 30-to 50-fold in plasma of perinatal mice, with higher levels after a vaginal than a C-section birth. We also found an acute decrease in plasma osmolality after a vaginal, but not C-section birth, suggesting that the difference in vasopressin release between birth modes is functionally meaningful. When vasopressin was administered centrally to newborns, we found an ~ 50% reduction in neuronal cell death in specific brain areas. Collectively, our results identify a conserved neuroendocrine response to birth that is sensitive to birth mode, and influences peripheral physiology and neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yarely C Hoffiz
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30302, USA
| | | | - Megan A L Hall
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30302, USA
| | - Taylor A Hite
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30302, USA
| | - Jennifer M Gray
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30302, USA
| | - Carla D Cisternas
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30302, USA.,Instituto de Investigación Médica M Y M Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET-UNC, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Laura R Cortes
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30302, USA
| | - Andrew J Jacobs
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30302, USA
| | - Nancy G Forger
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30302, USA.
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16
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Kenkel W. Birth signalling hormones and the developmental consequences of caesarean delivery. J Neuroendocrinol 2021; 33:e12912. [PMID: 33145818 PMCID: PMC10590550 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Rates of delivery by caesarean section (CS) are increasing around the globe and, although several epidemiological associations have already been observed between CS and health outcomes in later life, more are sure to be discovered as this practice continues to gain popularity. The components of vaginal delivery that protect offspring from the negative consequences of CS delivery in later life are currently unknown, although much attention to date has focused on differences in microbial colonisation. Here, we present the case that differing hormonal experiences at birth may also contribute to the neurodevelopmental consequences of CS delivery. Levels of each of the 'birth signalling hormones' (oxytocin, arginine vasopressin, epinephrine, norepinephrine and the glucocorticoids) are lower following CS compared to vaginal delivery, and there is substantial evidence for each that manipulations in early life results in long-term neurodevelopmental consequences. We draw from the research traditions of neuroendocrinology and developmental psychobiology to suggest that the perinatal period is a sensitive period, during which hormones achieve organisational effects. Furthermore, there is much to be learned from research on developmental programming by early-life stress that may inform research on CS, as a result of shared neuroendocrine mechanisms at work. We compare and contrast the effects of early-life stress with those of CS delivery and propose new avenues of research based on the links between the two bodies of literature. The research conducted to date suggests that the differences in hormone signalling seen in CS neonates may produce long-term neurodevelopmental consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Kenkel
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
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17
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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.
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18
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Kurokawa H, Kinari Y, Okudaira H, Tsubouchi K, Sai Y, Kikuchi M, Higashida H, Ohtake F. Competitiveness and individual characteristics: a double-blind placebo-controlled study using oxytocin. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11526. [PMID: 32661293 PMCID: PMC7359354 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68445-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin-enhanced prosocial behaviour depends on individual characteristics. This study investigated the relationship between oxytocin and competitiveness, which is another important social trait and predicts economic and social outcomes. In this double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled study of 192 male participants, we examined whether oxytocin moderates competitiveness and whether the effect of oxytocin on competitiveness is amplified in individuals with autistic traits. While our results show no relationship between oxytocin and competitiveness, we observed suggestive patterns: albeit not significantly, oxytocin reduced and enhanced competitiveness among participants without autistic traits and among their counterparts with autistic traits, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirofumi Kurokawa
- School of Economics and Management, University of Hyogo, 8-2-1 Gakuen-nishi-machi, Nishi-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 651-2197, Japan.
| | - Yusuke Kinari
- Hirao School of Management, Konan University, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Hiroko Okudaira
- Doshisha Business School, Doshisha University, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kiyotaka Tsubouchi
- Department of Biophysical Genetics, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Yoshimichi Sai
- Department of Biophysical Genetics, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Kikuchi
- Department of Biophysical Genetics, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Haruhiro Higashida
- Department of Biophysical Genetics, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Fumio Ohtake
- Department of Economics, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan
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19
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Turner JH, Schutt RK, Keshavan MS. Biology and American Sociology, Part II: Developing a Unique Evolutionary Sociology. THE AMERICAN SOCIOLOGIST 2020; 51:470-505. [PMID: 32836293 PMCID: PMC7275132 DOI: 10.1007/s12108-020-09448-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In sociology's formative period between 1830 and 1930, evolutionary analysis organized much theorizing and research. This line of work ended abruptly in the 1920s but, over the last decades, has come back into the discipline somewhat piecemeal with the reintroduction of more sophisticated stage models of societal evolution, functional analysis, human ecological analysis, and other new lines of evolutionary inquiry outlined in this paper. Our goal is to demonstrate that revitalized paradigms of the past can still be useful with modest reconceptualization, while at the same time new intellectual movements in the other social sciences, especially economics and psychology, incorporating evolutionary ideas from biology provide sociology with an opportunity to develop its own approach to evolutionary analysis that avoids the problems that let to the demise of this line of inquiry in the 1920s, as well as the problems of other social sciences applying their more narrowly focus models to sociological problems. Indeed, sociology can become a leader in the social sciences in developing more sophisticated theoretical and methodological approaches to incorporating biology and evolutionary analysis into the social sciences. When presented in a new, more sophisticated guise, old approaches like functionalism, stage models of societal evolution, and ecological models can be seen as still having a great deal of explanatory power, while revealing a progressive and future orientation that should appeal to all contemporary sociologists. It is time, then, for sociology to remember its past in order to move into the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Russell K. Schutt
- Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Research Scientist I, University of Massachusetts Boston and Lecturer, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
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20
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Soltys SM, Scherbel JR, Kurian JR, Diebold T, Wilson T, Hedden L, Groesch K, Diaz-Sylvester PL, Botchway A, Campbell P, Loret de Mola JR. An association of intrapartum synthetic oxytocin dosing and the odds of developing autism. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2020; 24:1400-1410. [PMID: 32054311 PMCID: PMC7376627 DOI: 10.1177/1362361320902903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A case-control study was performed to determine whether an association exists between exposure to synthetic oxytocin and a subsequent autism spectrum disorder diagnosis; 171 children under age 18 meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) autism spectrum disorder criteria were compared to 171 children without autism spectrum disorder diagnosis matched by gender, birth year, gestational age, and maternal age at birth. A conditional logistic regression model was used to examine the association of clinical variables and autism spectrum disorder. Significantly elevated odds ratios for autism spectrum disorder were associated with first-time Cesarean section (odds ratio = 2.56), but not a repeat Cesarean section. Odds ratios were also significantly elevated for subjects whose mother’s body mass index was 35 or higher at birth (odds ratio = 2.34) and subjects in which the reason for delivery was categorized as “fetal indication” (odds ratio = 2.00). When controlling for these and other variables, the odds of developing autism spectrum disorder were significantly elevated in males with long duration of exposure (odds ratio = 3.48) and high cumulative dose of synthetic oxytocin (odds ratio = 2.79). No significant associations of synthetic oxytocin dosing and autism spectrum disorder were noted in female subjects. The association of elevated autism spectrum disorder odds found with high duration and high cumulative dose synthetic oxytocin in male subjects suggests the need for further investigation to fully elucidate any cause and effect relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Todd Diebold
- Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Teresa Wilson
- Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, USA
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21
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Moslemi M, Khodagholi F, Asadi S, Rafiei S, Motamedi F. Oxytocin protects against 3-NP induced learning and memory impairment in rats: Sex differences in behavioral and molecular responses to the context of prenatal stress. Behav Brain Res 2020; 379:112354. [PMID: 31733312 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2019] [Revised: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Learning and memory impairment manifests years before the onset of motor impairments in Huntington's disease (HD). Oxytocin (OXT), as a neurohypophyseal neuropeptide has a key role in both learning and memory. Hence, we investigated possible protective effect of OXT on instrumental fear conditioning memory impairment by 3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NP) induced HD, considering sex and prenatal stress effects. Pregnant Wistar rats were exposed to restraint stress for 45 min three times a day, from the gestational day 8 to parturition. 3-NP was injected intraperitoneally (20 mg/kg) for 5-7 days after OXT (10 μg/μl. icv) injection in the male and female offspring rats respectively. One day after the last 3-NP injection, the rotarod and passive avoidance task were conducted. As the key molecular determinants in metabolism and memory processes, we measured the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and the amount of receptor interacting protein3 (RIP3) in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, striatum and amygdala using spectrophotometry and western blotting respectively. Besides, the activity of glutamate dehydrogenase was measured (GDH) as a chain between metabolism and memory formation. The results indicated that OXT improved learning and memory impairment caused by 3-NP or prenatal stress in both sexes. It was along with a significant decrease in the level of RIP3, AChE and GDH activities. However, in the presence of prenatal stress, the OXT could improve 3-NP induced learning and memory impairments just in female rats. So it could be suggested as an effective neurotherapeutic agent in diseases such as HD, but its sex and context dependency should be considered carefully.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Moslemi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fariba Khodagholi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Sareh Asadi
- NeuroBiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahrbanoo Rafiei
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Motamedi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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22
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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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23
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Vaidyanathan R, Hammock EA. Oxytocin receptor gene loss influences expression of the oxytocin gene in C57BL/6J mice in a sex- and age-dependent manner. J Neuroendocrinol 2020; 32:e12821. [PMID: 31845417 PMCID: PMC7023993 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 11/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Parental care and sensory stimulation are critical environmental factors that influence oxytocin (OXT) and its receptor (OXTR). Because developmental Oxt mRNA expression is enhanced by sensory-rich early life experience and reduced by sensory deprivation, we predicted that compared to wild-type (WT) littermates, mice with congenital loss of OXTR (OXTR KO), as a genetically induced deprivation, would show impaired Oxt mRNA expression in the offspring hypothalamus during development. Oxt mRNA levels of male and female OXTR KO mice were not different from WT littermates from postnatal day (P)0 to P6, although, by P8, OXTR KO showed significantly decreased Oxt mRNA expression in the hypothalamus compared to WT littermates. At P14, male and female OXTR KO mice had significantly decreased Oxt mRNA expression specifically in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), but not the supraoptic nucleus (SON), compared to WT littermates. We investigated whether this effect persisted in adulthood (P90) and found a significant genotype by sex interaction where male OXTR KO mice displayed a reduction in Oxt expression specific to the PVN compared to male WT littermates. By contrast, male and female OXTR KO adults had increased Oxt mRNA levels in the SON. These findings suggest that OXTR plays a role in developmental Oxt mRNA expression with sex by genotype interactions apparent at adulthood. We then measured OXT and neural activation in the PVN and SON at P14. We observed more OXT-immunoreactive cells in the PVN of OXTR KO mice but significantly fewer c-Fos immunoreactive cells. There were no genotype differences in immunoreactivity for OXT and no c-Fos activity in the SON at P14. Combined, these data suggest that OXTR WT P14 mice have more PVN activity and are more likely to release OXT than OXTR KO mice. Future experiments are warranted to understand which OXTR-expressing neural circuits modulate the development of the PVN oxytocin system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhika Vaidyanathan
- Program in Neuroscience, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL USA
- Department of Psychology, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL USA
| | - Elizabeth A.D. Hammock
- Program in Neuroscience, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL USA
- Department of Psychology, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL USA
- Corresponding author: , Phone: 850-645-9943
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Fu Y, Depue RA. A novel neurobehavioral framework of the effects of positive early postnatal experience on incentive and consummatory reward sensitivity. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 107:615-640. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Revised: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Witchey SK, Fuchs J, Patisaul HB. Perinatal bisphenol A (BPA) exposure alters brain oxytocin receptor (OTR) expression in a sex- and region- specific manner: A CLARITY-BPA consortium follow-up study. Neurotoxicology 2019; 74:139-148. [PMID: 31251963 PMCID: PMC6750986 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a well-characterized endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) used in plastics, epoxy resins and other products. Neurodevelopmental effects of BPA exposure are a major concern with multiple rodent and human studies showing that early life BPA exposure may impact the developing brain and sexually dimorphic behaviors. The CLARITY-BPA (Consortium Linking Academic and Regulatory Insights on BPA Toxicity) program was established to assess multiple endpoints, including neural, across a wide dose range. Studies from our lab as part of (and prior to) CLARITY-BPA have shown that BPA disrupts estrogen receptor expression in the developing brain, and some evidence of oxytocin (OT) and oxytocin receptor (OTR) disruption in the hypothalamus and amygdala. While BPA disruption of steroid hormone function is well documented, less is known about its capacity to alter nonapeptide signals. In this CLARITY-BPA follow up study, we used remaining juvenile rat tissues to test the hypothesis that developmental BPA exposure affects OTR expression across the brain. Perinatal BPA exposure (2.5, 25, or 2500 μg/kg body weight (bw)/day) spanned gestation and lactation with dams gavaged from gestational day 6 until birth and then the offspring gavaged directly through weaning. Ethinyl estradiol (0.5 μg/kg bw/day) was used as a reference estrogen. Animals of both sexes were sacrificed as juveniles and OTR expression assessed by receptor binding. Our results demonstrate prenatal exposure to BPA can eliminate sex differences in OTR expression in three hypothalamic regions, and that male OTR expression may be more susceptible. Our data also identify a sub-region of the BNST with sexually dimorphic OTR expression not previously reported in juvenile rats that is also susceptible to BPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannah K Witchey
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, United States
| | - Joelle Fuchs
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, United States
| | - Heather B Patisaul
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, United States; Center for Human Health and the Environment, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, United States.
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26
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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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Saito R, Tanaka K, Nishimura H, Nishimura K, Sonoda S, Ueno H, Motojima Y, Yoshimura M, Maruyama T, Yamamoto Y, Kusuhara K, Ueta Y. Centrally administered kisspeptin suppresses feeding via nesfatin-1 and oxytocin in male rats. Peptides 2019; 112:114-124. [PMID: 30562556 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2018.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Kisspeptin (KP), known as a hypothalamic neuropeptide, plays a critical role in the regulation of not only reproduction but also food intake. The anorectic neuropeptides, nesfatin-1 and oxytocin (OXT), are expressed in central nervous system, particulaly in various hypothalamic nuclei, and peripheral tissue. We examined the effects of the intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of KP-10 on feeding and nesfatin-1-immunoreactive (ir) or OXT-ir neurons in the rat hypothalamus, using Fos double immunohistochemistry in male rats. Cumulative food intake was remarkably decreased 0.5-3 h after icv administration of KP-10 (6.0 μg) compared to the vehicle treated and the KP-10 (3.8 μg) treated group. The icv administration of KP-10 significantly increased the number of nesfatin-1-ir neurons expressing Fos in the supraoptic nucleus (SON), paraventricular nucleus (PVN), arcuate nucleus (ARC), dorsal raphe nucleus, locus coeruleus, and nucleus tractus solitarius. The decreased food intake induced by KP-10 was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with the icv administration of antisense RNA against nucleobindin-2. After icv administration of KP-10, the percentages of OXT-ir neurons expressing FOS were remarkably higher in the SON and PVN than for vehicle treatment. The KP-10-induced anorexia was partially abolished by pretreatment with OXT receptor antagonist (OXTR-A). The percentage of nesfatin-1-ir neurons expressing Fos-ir in the ARC was also decreased by OXTR-A pretreatment. These results indicate that central administration of KP-10 activates nesfatin-1- and OXT neurons, and may play an important role in the suppression of feeding in male rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reiko Saito
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Kentaro Tanaka
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Haruki Nishimura
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Nishimura
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Satomi Sonoda
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Ueno
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Motojima
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Yoshimura
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Takashi Maruyama
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Yukiyo Yamamoto
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Koichi Kusuhara
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Yoichi Ueta
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan.
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28
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Abstract
Genetic monogamy is rare-at least at the level of a species-and monogamy can exist in the absence of sexual fidelity. Rather than focusing on mating exclusivity, it has become common to use the term "social monogamy" to describe a cluster of social features, including the capacity for selective and lasting social bonds, central to what humans call "love." Socially monogamous mammals often exhibit selective aggression toward strangers and form extended families. These features of social monogamy in mammals are supported by patterns of hormonal function originating in the neurobiology of maternity, including oxytocin, as well as a more primitive vasopressin pathway. Another key feature of social monogamy is reduced sexual dimorphism. Processes associated with sexual differentiation offer clues to the mysteries surrounding the evolution of monogamy. Although there is consistency in the necessary ingredients, it is likely that there is no single recipe for social monogamy. As reviewed here, genes for steroids and peptides and their receptors are variable and are subject to epigenetic regulation across the lifespan permitting individual, gender and species variations and providing substrates for evolution. Reduced sensitivity to gonadal androgens, and a concurrent increased reliance on vasopressin (for selective defense) and oxytocin (for selective affiliation) may have offered pathways to the emergence of social monogamy.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Sue Carter
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
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29
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Cataldo I, Azhari A, Lepri B, Esposito G. Oxytocin receptors (OXTR) and early parental care: An interaction that modulates psychiatric disorders. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2018; 82:27-38. [PMID: 29033100 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2017.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin plays an important role in the modulation of social behavior in both typical and atypical contexts. Also, the quality of early parental care sets the foundation for long-term psychosocial development. Here, we review studies that investigated how oxytocin receptor (OXTR) interacts with early parental care experiences to influence the development of psychiatric disorders. Using Pubmed, Scopus and PsycInfo databases, we utilized the keyword "OXTR" before subsequently searching for specific OXTR single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), generating a list of 598 studies in total. The papers were catalogued in a database and filtered for gene-environment interaction, psychiatric disorders and involvement of parental care. In particular, rs53576 and rs2254298 were found to be significantly involved in gene-environment interactions that modulated risk for psychopathology and the following psychiatric disorders: disruptive behavior, depression, anxiety, eating disorder and borderline personality disorder. These results illustrate the importance of OXTR in mediating the impact of parental care on the emergence of psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Cataldo
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Italy; Mobile and Social Computing Lab, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Trento, Italy
| | - Atiqah Azhari
- Division of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Bruno Lepri
- Mobile and Social Computing Lab, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Trento, Italy
| | - Gianluca Esposito
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Italy; Division of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
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30
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Oxytocin release via activation of TRPM2 and CD38 in the hypothalamus during hyperthermia in mice: Implication for autism spectrum disorder. Neurochem Int 2018; 119:42-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2017.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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31
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Oztan O, Garner JP, Partap S, Sherr EH, Hardan AY, Farmer C, Thurm A, Swedo SE, Parker KJ. Cerebrospinal fluid vasopressin and symptom severity in children with autism. Ann Neurol 2018; 84:611-615. [PMID: 30152888 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Autism is a brain disorder characterized by social impairments. Progress in understanding autism has been hindered by difficulty in obtaining brain-relevant tissues (eg, cerebrospinal fluid [CSF]) by which to identify markers of disease and targets for treatment. Here, we overcome this barrier by providing evidence that mean CSF concentration of the "social" neuropeptide arginine vasopressin (AVP) is lower in children with autism versus controls. CSF AVP concentration also significantly differentiates individual cases from controls and is associated with greater social symptom severity in children with autism. These findings indicate that AVP may be a promising CSF marker of autism's social deficits. Ann Neurol 2018;84:611-615.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozge Oztan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Joseph P Garner
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA.,Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Sonia Partap
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Elliott H Sherr
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Institute of Human Genetics, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Antonio Y Hardan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Cristan Farmer
- Section on Behavioral Pediatrics, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Audrey Thurm
- Section on Behavioral Pediatrics, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Susan E Swedo
- Section on Behavioral Pediatrics, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Karen J Parker
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
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32
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Dashtinejad E, Abedi P, Afshari P. Comparison of the effect of breast pump stimulation and oxytocin administration on the length of the third stage of labor, postpartum hemorrhage, and anemia: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2018; 18:293. [PMID: 29981576 PMCID: PMC6035460 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-018-1832-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to compare the effect of breast pump stimulation with that of oxytocin administration regarding the duration of the third stage of labor, postpartum hemorrhage, and anemia after delivery. METHODS In this study, 108 women were randomly assigned to two groups of breast pump stimulation (n = 54) and oxytocin administration (n = 54). Women in the breast stimulation group received breast pump stimulation (10 min intermittently for each breast with a negative pressure of 250 mmHg), while the women in the oxytocin (control) group received an infusion of 30 IU oxytocin in 1000 mL of Ringer's serum with a maximum rate of 10 mL infusion per min after delivery. The duration of the third stage of labor, blood loss during the third stage of labor and 24 h after delivery, hemoglobin and hematocrit (before and 24 h after delivery), after-birth pain, and the number of breastfeedings during the 24 h after delivery were recorded. The data were analyzed using the chi-square test, independent t-test, and Wilcoxon test. RESULTS The mean duration of the third stage was 5 ± 1.97 and 5.4 ± 2.5 min in the breast stimulation and women that received intravenous oxytocin respectively (p = 0.75). Most participants had mild postpartum hemorrhage (98.1 and 96.2% in the breast stimulation and women that received intravenous oxytocin, respectively, p = 0.99). Although hemoglobin and hematocrit levels significantly decreased in both groups 24 h after delivery, there was no significant difference between both groups regarding both parameters. After-birth pain was significantly lower and the number of breastfeeding during the 24 h after delivery was significantly more in the breast stimulation group compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrated no differences between breast pump stimulation and oxytocin administration regarding the duration of the third stage of labor, postpartum hemorrhage, anaemia, after-birth pain, and the number of breastfeedings during the 24 h after delivery. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER The study protocol was registered in the Iranian Randomized Controlled Trial Registry (Ref. No.: IRCT2015050722146N1 ; Registration date: 2015-11-04). The study was registered prospectively and the enrollment date was 23/8/2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Dashtinejad
- Midwifery Department, Reproductive Health Promotion Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Parvin Abedi
- Community Nutrition, Midwifery Department, Menopause Andropause Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, 13th East Kianpars Ave, 1st Eastern Maroon, No:46, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Poorandokht Afshari
- Midwifery Department, Reproductive Health Promotion Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Spencer KA. Developmental stress and social phenotypes: integrating neuroendocrine, behavioural and evolutionary perspectives. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2018; 372:rstb.2016.0242. [PMID: 28673918 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2016.0242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The social world is filled with different types of interactions, and social experience interacts with stress on several different levels. Activation of the neuroendocrine axis that regulates the response to stress can have consequences for innumerable behavioural responses, including social decision-making and aspects of sociality, such as gregariousness and aggression. This is especially true for stress experienced during early life, when physiological systems are developing and highly sensitive to perturbation. Stress at this time can have persistent effects on social behaviours into adulthood. One important question remaining is to what extent these effects are adaptive. This paper initially reviews the current literature investigating the complex relationships between the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and other neuroendocrine systems and several aspects of social behaviour in vertebrates. In addition, the review explores the evidence surrounding the potential for 'social programming' via differential development and activation of the HPA axis, providing an insight into the potential for positive effects on fitness following early life stress. Finally, the paper provides a framework from which novel investigations could work to fully understand the adaptive significance of early life effects on social behaviours.This article is part of the themed issue 'Physiological determinants of social behaviour in animals'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen A Spencer
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, South Street, St Andrews KY16 9JP, UK
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34
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Duque-Wilckens N, Steinman MQ, Busnelli M, Chini B, Yokoyama S, Pham M, Laredo SA, Hao R, Perkeybile AM, Minie VA, Tan PB, Bales KL, Trainor BC. Oxytocin Receptors in the Anteromedial Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis Promote Stress-Induced Social Avoidance in Female California Mice. Biol Psychiatry 2018; 83:203-213. [PMID: 29066224 PMCID: PMC5743604 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2017.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) is a key regulator of social and emotional behaviors. The effects of OT are context dependent, and it has been proposed that OT increases the salience of both positive and negative social cues. Here we tested whether the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) mediates anxiogenic effects of OT. METHODS First, we studied the effects of systemic administration of an OT receptor (OTR) antagonist L-368,899 on social behavior in male and female California mice exposed to social defeat. We examined the effect of L-368,899 on G protein activation and used early growth response factor 1 immunohistochemistry to identify potential sites of OTR action. Finally, we examined the effects of L-368,899 infused in the BNST on behavior. RESULTS A single dose of systemic L-368,899 increased social approach in stressed female mice and decreased social approach in male mice naïve to defeat. L-368,899 prevented OT activation of G proteins and did not activate G proteins in the absence of OT. Intranasal OT, which reduces social approach in female mice but not male mice, increased early growth response factor 1 immunoreactivity in the nucleus accumbens core and anteromedial BNST in female mice but not in male mice. Stressed female mice that received an infusion of L-368,899 into the anteromedial BNST but not the nucleus accumbens core increased social approach and decreased social vigilance responses. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that OTR activation in anteromedial BNST induces a vigilance response in which individuals avoid, yet attend to, unfamiliar social contexts. Our results suggest that OTR antagonists may have unappreciated therapeutic potential for stress-induced psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Q Steinman
- Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Marta Busnelli
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano Milan, and Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Bice Chini
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano Milan, and Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Sae Yokoyama
- Psychology Department, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Mary Pham
- Psychology Department, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Sarah A Laredo
- Animal Behavior Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Rebecca Hao
- Psychology Department, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | | | - Vanessa A Minie
- Psychology Department, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Phillip B Tan
- Psychology Department, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Karen L Bales
- Psychology Department, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Brian C Trainor
- Animal Behavior Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, California; Psychology Department, University of California, Davis, Davis, California.
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35
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Kret ME, De Dreu CKW. Pupil-mimicry conditions trust in partners: moderation by oxytocin and group membership. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 284:rspb.2016.2554. [PMID: 28250181 PMCID: PMC5360920 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2016.2554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Across species, oxytocin, an evolutionarily ancient neuropeptide, facilitates social communication by attuning individuals to conspecifics' social signals, fostering trust and bonding. The eyes have an important signalling function; and humans use their salient and communicative eyes to intentionally and unintentionally send social signals to others, by contracting the muscles around their eyes and pupils. In our earlier research, we observed that interaction partners with dilating pupils are trusted more than partners with constricting pupils. But over and beyond this effect, we found that the pupil sizes of partners synchronize and that when pupils synchronously dilate, trust is further boosted. Critically, this linkage between mimicry and trust was bound to interactions between ingroup members. The current study investigates whether these findings are modulated by oxytocin and sex of participant and partner. Using incentivized trust games with partners from ingroup and outgroup whose pupils dilated, remained static or constricted, this study replicates our earlier findings. It further reveals that (i) male participants withhold trust from partners with constricting pupils and extend trust to partners with dilating pupils, especially when given oxytocin rather than placebo; (ii) female participants trust partners with dilating pupils most, but this effect is blunted under oxytocin; (iii) under oxytocin rather than placebo, pupil dilation mimicry is weaker and pupil constriction mimicry stronger; and (iv) the link between pupil constriction mimicry and distrust observed under placebo disappears under oxytocin. We suggest that pupil-contingent trust is parochial and evolved in social species in and because of group life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariska E Kret
- Leiden Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands .,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Carsten K W De Dreu
- Leiden Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden, The Netherlands.,Center for Experimental Economics and Political Decision Making, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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36
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Mitre M, Kranz TM, Marlin BJ, Schiavo JK, Erdjument-Bromage H, Zhang X, Minder J, Neubert TA, Hackett TA, Chao MV, Froemke RC. Sex-Specific Differences in Oxytocin Receptor Expression and Function for Parental Behavior. GENDER AND THE GENOME 2017; 1:142-166. [PMID: 32959027 PMCID: PMC7500123 DOI: 10.1089/gg.2017.0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Parental care is among the most profound behavior expressed by humans and other animals. Despite intense interest in understanding the biological basis of parental behaviors, it remains unknown how much of parenting is encoded by the genome and which abilities instead are learned or can be refined by experience. One critical factor at the intersection between innate behaviors and experience-dependent learning is oxytocin, a neurohormone important for maternal physiology and neuroplasticity. Oxytocin acts throughout the body and brain to promote prosocial and maternal behaviors and modulates synaptic transmission to affect neural circuit dynamics. Recently we developed specific antibodies to mouse oxytocin receptors, found that oxytocin receptors are left lateralized in female auditory cortex, and examined how oxytocin enables maternal behavior by sensitizing the cortex to infant distress sounds. In this study we compare oxytocin receptor expression and function in male and female mice. Receptor expression is higher in adult female left auditory cortex than in right auditory cortex or males. Developmental profiles and mRNA expression were comparable between males and females. Behaviorally, male and female mice began expressing parental behavior similarly after cohousing with experienced females; however, oxytocin enhanced parental behavior onset in females but not males. This suggests that left lateralization of oxytocin receptor expression in females provides a mechanism for accelerating maternal behavior onset, although male mice can also effectively co-parent after experience with infants. The sex-specific pattern of oxytocin receptor expression might genetically predispose female cortex to respond to infant cues, which both males and females can also rapidly learn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariela Mitre
- Skirball Institute for Biomolecular Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Department of Otolaryngology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Department of Cell Biology, Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Thorsten M. Kranz
- Skirball Institute for Biomolecular Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Department of Otolaryngology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Department of Cell Biology, Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Bianca J. Marlin
- Skirball Institute for Biomolecular Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Department of Otolaryngology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Jennifer K. Schiavo
- Skirball Institute for Biomolecular Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Department of Otolaryngology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Hediye Erdjument-Bromage
- Skirball Institute for Biomolecular Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | | | - Jess Minder
- Skirball Institute for Biomolecular Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Department of Otolaryngology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Thomas A. Neubert
- Skirball Institute for Biomolecular Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Troy A. Hackett
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Moses V. Chao
- Skirball Institute for Biomolecular Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Department of Cell Biology, Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Robert C. Froemke
- Skirball Institute for Biomolecular Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Department of Otolaryngology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
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Abstract
AbstractAnimal models of early postnatal mother–infant interactions have highlighted the importance of tactile contact for biobehavioral outcomes via the modification of DNA methylation (DNAm). The role of normative variation in contact in early human development has yet to be explored. In an effort to translate the animal work on tactile contact to humans, we applied a naturalistic daily diary strategy to assess the link between maternal contact with infants and epigenetic signatures in children 4–5 years later, with respect to multiple levels of child-level factors, including genetic variation and infant distress. We first investigated DNAm at four candidate genes: the glucocorticoid receptor gene, nuclear receptor subfamily 3, group C, member 1 (NR3C1), μ-opioid receptor M1 (OPRM1) and oxytocin receptor (OXTR; related to the neurobiology of social bonds), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF; involved in postnatal plasticity). Although no candidate gene DNAm sites significantly associated with early postnatal contact, when we next examined DNAm across the genome, differentially methylated regions were identified between high and low contact groups. Using a different application of epigenomic information, we also quantified epigenetic age, and report that for infants who received low contact from caregivers, greater infant distress was associated with younger epigenetic age. These results suggested that early postnatal contact has lasting associations with child biology.
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Rubin LH, Yao L, Keedy SK, Reilly JL, Bishop JR, Carter CS, Pournajafi-Nazarloo H, Drogos LL, Tamminga CA, Pearlson GD, Keshavan MS, Clementz BA, Hill SK, Liao W, Ji GJ, Lui S, Sweeney JA. Sex differences in associations of arginine vasopressin and oxytocin with resting-state functional brain connectivity. J Neurosci Res 2017; 95:576-586. [PMID: 27870395 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23820] [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] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Revised: 06/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) exert robust and sexually dimorphic influences on cognition and emotion. How these hormones regulate relevant functional brain systems is not well understood. OT and AVP serum concentrations were assayed in 60 healthy individuals (36 women). Brain functional networks assessed with resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) were constructed with graph theory-based approaches that characterize brain networks as connected nodes. Sex differences were demonstrated in rs-fMRI. Men showed higher nodal degree (connectedness) and efficiency (information propagation capacity) in left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and bilateral superior temporal gyrus (STG) and higher nodal degree in left rolandic operculum. Women showed higher nodal betweenness (being part of paths between nodes) in right putamen and left inferior parietal gyrus (IPG). Higher hormone levels were associated with less intrinsic connectivity. In men, higher AVP was associated with lower nodal degree and efficiency in left IFG (pars orbitalis) and left STG and less efficiency in left IFG (pars triangularis). In women, higher AVP was associated with lower betweenness in left IPG, and higher OT was associated with lower nodal degree in left IFG (pars orbitalis). Hormones differentially correlate with brain networks that are important for emotion processing and cognition in men and women. AVP in men and OT in women may regulate orbital frontal cortex connectivity, which is important in emotion processing. Hormone associations with STG and pars triangularis in men and parietal cortex in women may account for well-established sex differences in verbal and visuospatial abilities, respectively. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah H Rubin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Li Yao
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Sarah K Keedy
- Psychiatry, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - James L Reilly
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jeffrey R Bishop
- Pharmacy and Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | | | | | - Lauren L Drogos
- Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Carol A Tamminga
- Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Godfrey D Pearlson
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, Yale University and Olin Neuropsychiatric Research Center, Hartford, Connecticut
| | - Matcheri S Keshavan
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Brett A Clementz
- Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Scot K Hill
- Department of Psychology, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, Illinois
| | - Wei Liao
- Center for Information in Biomedicine, Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Gong-Jun Ji
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuropsychology, Department of Medical Psychology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Su Lui
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - John A Sweeney
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.,Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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Yang X, Tang Y, Wei Q, Lang B, Tao H, Zhang X, Liu Y, Tang A. Up-regulated expression of oxytocin mRNA in peripheral blood lymphocytes from first-episode schizophrenia patients. Oncotarget 2017; 8:78882-78889. [PMID: 29108272 PMCID: PMC5668005 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SZ) is a severe neuropsychiatric disorder with significant social cognition impairment. Increasing evidence has suggested that neuropeptides oxytocin (OXT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) are important mediators of complex social cognition and behavior associates with SZ. In the present study, forty-three first-episode schizophrenia (FES) patients and forty-seven healthy controls (HC) were included. The peripheral mRNA expression of OXT, OXT receptor (OXTR), AVP, AVP 1a receptor (AVPR1a) and CD38 was determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The FES patients have a relatively higher mRNA level of OXT and OXTR genes and lower expression of AVP and CD38 genes than HC. No difference was found for AVPR1a between FES patients and HC. As for the sex difference, the mRNA expression of OXT and OXTR showed no difference in both male and female FES patients compared to HC group. The AVP and CD38 genes in female FES patients showed decreased mRNA expression than female HC. Our findings support disrupted OXT and AVP systems in the FES patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiudeng Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Yamei Tang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Qinling Wei
- Department of Psychiatry, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510631, China
| | - Bing Lang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China, Mental Health Institute of Central South University & Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Changsha, China, China National Clinical Research Center on Mental Disorders (Xiangya) & China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, China
| | - Huai Tao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, China
| | - Xianghui Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China, Mental Health Institute of Central South University & Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Changsha, China, China National Clinical Research Center on Mental Disorders (Xiangya) & China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China, Mental Health Institute of Central South University & Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Changsha, China, China National Clinical Research Center on Mental Disorders (Xiangya) & China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, China
| | - Aiguo Tang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
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40
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Baran NM. Sensitive Periods, Vasotocin-Family Peptides, and the Evolution and Development of Social Behavior. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:189. [PMID: 28824549 PMCID: PMC5539493 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonapeptides, by modulating the activity of neural circuits in specific social contexts, provide an important mechanism underlying the evolution of diverse behavioral phenotypes across vertebrate taxa. Vasotocin-family nonapeptides, in particular, have been found to be involved in behavioral plasticity and diversity in social behavior, including seasonal variation, sexual dimorphism, and species differences. Although nonapeptides have been the focus of a great deal of research over the last several decades, the vast majority of this work has focused on adults. However, behavioral diversity may also be explained by the ways in which these peptides shape neural circuits and influence social processes during development. In this review, I synthesize comparative work on vasotocin-family peptides during development and classic work on early forms of social learning in developmental psychobiology. I also summarize recent work demonstrating that early life manipulations of the nonapeptide system alter attachment, affiliation, and vocal learning in zebra finches. I thus hypothesize that vasotocin-family peptides are involved in the evolution of social behaviors through their influence on learning during sensitive periods in social development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M. Baran
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
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41
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Yohn CN, Leithead AB, Becker EA. Increased vasopressin expression in the BNST accompanies paternally induced territoriality in male and female California mouse offspring. Horm Behav 2017; 93:9-17. [PMID: 28359742 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2017.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
While developmental consequences of parental investment on species-typical social behaviors has been extensively characterized in same-sex parent-offspring interactions, the impact of opposite-sex relationships is less clear. In the bi-parental California mouse (Peromyscus californicus), paternal retrieval behavior induces territorial aggression and the expression of arginine vasopressin (AVP) in adult male offspring. Although similar patterns of territorially emerge among females, the sexually dimorphic AVP system has not been considered since it is generally thought to regulate male-typical behavior. However, we recently demonstrated that male and female P. californicus offspring experience increases in plasma testosterone following paternal retrieval. Since AVP expression is androgen-dependent during development, we postulate that increases in AVP expression may accompany territoriality in female, as well as male offspring. To explore this aim, adult P. californicus offspring that received either high or low levels of paternal care (retrievals) during early development were tested for territoriality and immunohistochemical analysis of AVP within the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), paraventricular nucleus (PVN), and supraoptic nucleus (SON). Consistent with previous studies, high care offspring were more aggressive than low care offspring. Moreover, high care offspring had significantly more AVP immunoreactive (AVP-ir) cells within the BNST than low care offspring. This pattern was observed within female as well as male offspring, suggesting an equally salient role for paternal care on female offspring physiology. Regardless of early social experience, sex differences in AVP persisted in the BNST, with males having greater expression than females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine N Yohn
- Department of Psychology, Saint Joseph's University, 5600 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131, USA; Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, 152 Frelinghuysen Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| | - Amanda B Leithead
- Department of Psychology, Saint Joseph's University, 5600 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Becker
- Department of Psychology, Saint Joseph's University, 5600 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131, USA
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42
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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.
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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
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43
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Carter CS. The Oxytocin-Vasopressin Pathway in the Context of Love and Fear. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:356. [PMID: 29312146 PMCID: PMC5743651 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Vasopressin (VP) and oxytocin (OT) are distinct molecules; these peptides and their receptors [OT receptor (OTR) and V1a receptor (V1aR)] also are evolved components of an integrated and adaptive system, here described as the OT-VP pathway. The more ancient peptide, VP, and the V1aRs support individual survival and play a role in defensive behaviors, including mobilization and aggression. OT and OTRs have been associated with positive social behaviors and may function as a biological metaphor for social attachment or "love." However, complex behavioral functions, including selective sexual behaviors, social bonds, and parenting require combined activities of OT and VP. The behavioral effects of OT and VP vary depending on perceived emotional context and the history of the individual. Paradoxical or contextual actions of OT also may reflect differential interactions with the OTR and V1aR. Adding to the complexity of this pathway is the fact that OT and VP receptors are variable, across species, individuals, and brain region, and these receptors are capable of being epigenetically tuned. This variation may help to explain experience-related individual and sex differences in behaviors that are regulated by these peptides, including the capacity to form social attachments and the emotional consequences of these attachments.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Sue Carter
- Kinsey Institute and Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
- *Correspondence: C. Sue Carter,
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44
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Terranova JI, Ferris CF, Albers HE. Sex Differences in the Regulation of Offensive Aggression and Dominance by Arginine-Vasopressin. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:308. [PMID: 29184535 PMCID: PMC5694440 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Arginine-vasopressin (AVP) plays a critical role in the regulation of offensive aggression and social status in mammals. AVP is found in an extensive neural network in the brain. Here, we discuss the role of AVP in the regulation of aggression in the limbic system with an emphasis on the critical role of hypothalamic AVP in the control of aggression. In males, activation of AVP V1a receptors (V1aRs) in the hypothalamus stimulates offensive aggression, while in females activation of V1aRs inhibits aggression. Serotonin (5-HT) also acts within the hypothalamus to modulate the effects of AVP on aggression in a sex-dependent manner. Activation of 5-HT1a receptors (5-HT1aRs) inhibits aggression in males and stimulates aggression in females. There are also striking sex differences in the mechanisms underlying the acquisition of dominance. In males, the acquisition of dominance is associated with the activation of AVP-containing neurons in the hypothalamus. By contrast, in females, the acquisition of dominance is associated with the activation of 5-HT-containing neurons in the dorsal raphe. AVP and 5-HT also play critical roles in the regulation of a form of social communication that is important for the maintenance of dominance relationships. In both male and female hamsters, AVP acts via V1aRs in the hypothalamus, as well as in other limbic structures, to communicate social status through the stimulation of a form of scent marking called flank marking. 5-HT acts on 5-HT1aRs as well as other 5-HT receptors within the hypothalamus to inhibit flank marking induced by AVP in both males and females. Interestingly, while AVP and 5-HT influence the expression of aggression in opposite ways in males and females, there are no sex differences in the effects of AVP and 5-HT on the expression of social communication. Given the profound sex differences in the incidence of many psychiatric disorders and the increasing evidence for a relationship between aggressiveness/dominance and the susceptibility to these disorders, understanding the neural regulation of aggression and social status will have significant import for translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph I. Terranova
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Craig F. Ferris
- Department of Psychology, Center for Translational NeuroImaging, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - H. Elliott Albers
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- *Correspondence: H. Elliott Albers,
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45
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Abstract
A small, but powerful neuropeptide, oxytocin coordinates processes that are central to both human reproduction and human evolution. Also embedded in the evolution of the human nervous system are unique pathways necessary for modern human sociality and cognition. Oxytocin is necessary for facilitating the birth process, especially in light of anatomical restrictions imposed by upright human locomotion, which depends on a fixed pelvis. Oxytocin, by facilitating birth, allowed the development of a large cortex and a protective bony cranium. The complex human brain in turn permitted the continuing emergence of social sensitivity, complex thinking, and language. After birth is complete, oxytocin continues to support human development by providing direct nutrition, in the form of human milk, and emotional and intellectual support through high levels of maternal behavior and selective attachment. Oxytocin also encourages social sensitivity and reciprocal attunement, on the part of both the mother and child, which are necessary for human social behavior and for rearing an emotionally healthy human child. Oxytocin supports growth during development, resilience, and healing across the lifespan. Oxytocin dynamically moderates the autonomic nervous system, and effects of oxytocin on vagal pathways allowing high levels of oxygenation and digestion necessary to support adaptation in a complex environment. Finally, oxytocin has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, helping to explain the pervasive adaptive consequences of social behavior for emotional and physical health.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sue Carter
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, USA.
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46
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Abstract
Selective relationships and attachments are central to human health and well-being, both in current societies and during the course of evolution. The presence or absence of social bonds has consequences across the lifespan. The neurobiology of attachment is grounded in neuroendocrine substrates that are shared with reproduction and survival. Experimental studies of species, such as sheep or prairie voles, capable of showing selective social behaviors toward offspring or partners, have provided empirical evidence for the role of oxytocin and vasopressin in the formation of selective attachments. Developmental exposure to social experiences and to peptides, including oxytocin and vasopressin, also can "retune" the nervous system, altering thresholds for sociality, emotion regulation, and aggression. Without oxytocin and without the ability to form attachments the human brain as we know it could not exist. Knowledge of the neurobiology of attachment, and especially the role of oxytocin, also has implications for understanding both healthy behavior and treating mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sue Carter
- Director, Kinsey Institute, Rudy Professor of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington
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47
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Perkeybile AM, Bales KL. Intergenerational transmission of sociality: the role of parents in shaping social behavior in monogamous and non-monogamous species. J Exp Biol 2017; 220:114-123. [PMID: 28057834 PMCID: PMC5278619 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.142182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Social bonds are necessary for many mammals to survive and reproduce successfully. These bonds (i.e. pair-bonds, friendships, filial bonds) are characterized by different periods of development, longevity and strength. Socially monogamous species display certain behaviors not seen in many other mammals, such as adult pair-bonding and male parenting. In our studies of prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) and titi monkeys (Callicebus cupreus), we have examined the neurohormonal basis of these bonds. Here, we discuss the evidence from voles that aspects of adolescent and adult social behavior are shaped by early experience, including changes to sensory systems and connections, neuropeptide systems such as oxytocin and vasopressin, and alterations in stress responses. We will compare this with what is known about these processes during development and adulthood in other mammalian species, both monogamous and non-monogamous, and how our current knowledge in voles can be used to understand the development of and variation in social bonds. Humans are endlessly fascinated by the variety of social relationships and family types displayed by animal species, including our own. Social relationships can be characterized by directionality (either uni- or bi-directional), longevity, developmental epoch (infant, juvenile or adult) and strength. Research on the neurobiology of social bonds in animals has focused primarily on 'socially monogamous' species, because of their long-term, strong adult affiliative bonds. In this Review, we attempt to understand how the ability and propensity to form these bonds (or lack thereof), as well as the display of social behaviors more generally, are transmitted both genomically and non-genomically via variation in parenting in monogamous and non-monogamous species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M Perkeybile
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Karen L Bales
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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48
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Tabbaa M, Paedae B, Liu Y, Wang Z. Neuropeptide Regulation of Social Attachment: The Prairie Vole Model. Compr Physiol 2016; 7:81-104. [PMID: 28135000 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c150055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Social attachments are ubiquitous among humans and integral to human health. Although great efforts have been made to elucidate the neural underpinnings regulating social attachments, we still know relatively little about the neuronal and neurochemical regulation of social attachments. As a laboratory animal research model, the socially monogamous prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) displays behaviors paralleling human social attachments and thus has provided unique insights into the neural regulation of social behaviors. Research in prairie voles has particularly highlighted the significance of neuropeptidergic regulation of social behaviors, especially of the roles of oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP). This article aims to review these findings. We begin by discussing the role of the OT and AVP systems in regulating social behaviors relevant to social attachments, and thereafter restrict our discussion to studies in prairie voles. Specifically, we discuss the role of OT and AVP in adult mate attachments, biparental care, social isolation, and social buffering as informed by studies utilizing the prairie vole model. Not only do these studies offer insight into social attachments in humans, but they also point to dysregulated mechanisms in several mental disorders. We conclude by discussing these implications for human health. © 2017 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 7:81-104, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal Tabbaa
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Brennan Paedae
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Zuoxin Wang
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
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49
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Zhong J, Amina S, Liang M, Akther S, Yuhi T, Nishimura T, Tsuji C, Tsuji T, Liu HX, Hashii M, Furuhara K, Yokoyama S, Yamamoto Y, Okamoto H, Zhao YJ, Lee HC, Tominaga M, Lopatina O, Higashida H. Cyclic ADP-Ribose and Heat Regulate Oxytocin Release via CD38 and TRPM2 in the Hypothalamus during Social or Psychological Stress in Mice. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:304. [PMID: 27499729 PMCID: PMC4956647 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypothalamic oxytocin (OT) is released into the brain by cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR) with or without depolarizing stimulation. Previously, we showed that the intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) that seems to trigger OT release can be elevated by β-NAD+, cADPR, and ADP in mouse oxytocinergic neurons. As these β-NAD+ metabolites activate warm-sensitive TRPM2 cation channels, when the incubation temperature is increased, the [Ca2+]i in hypothalamic neurons is elevated. However, it has not been determined whether OT release is facilitated by heat in vitro or hyperthermia in vivo in combination with cADPR. Furthermore, it has not been examined whether CD38 and TRPM2 exert their functions on OT release during stress or stress-induced hyperthermia in relation to the anxiolytic roles and social behaviors of OT under stress conditions. Here, we report that OT release from the isolated hypothalami of male mice in culture was enhanced by extracellular application of cADPR or increasing the incubation temperature from 35°C to 38.5°C, and simultaneous stimulation showed a greater effect. This release was inhibited by a cADPR-dependent ryanodine receptor inhibitor and a nonspecific TRPM2 inhibitor. The facilitated release by heat and cADPR was suppressed in the hypothalamus isolated from CD38 knockout mice and CD38- or TRPM2-knockdown mice. In the course of these experiments, we noted that OT release differed markedly between individual mice under stress with group housing. That is, when male mice received cage-switch stress and eliminated due to their social subclass, significantly higher levels of OT release were found in subordinates compared with ordinates. In mice exposed to anxiety stress in an open field, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) OT level increased transiently at 5 min after exposure, and the rectal temperature also increased from 36.6°C to 37.8°C. OT levels in the CSF of mice with lipopolysaccharide-induced fever (+0.8°C) were higher than those of control mice. The TRPM2 mRNA levels and immunoreactivities increased in the subordinate group with cage-switch stress. These results showed that cADPR/CD38 and heat/TRPM2 are co-regulators of OT secretion and suggested that CD38 and TRPM2 are potential therapeutic targets for OT release in psychiatric diseases caused by social stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhong
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Centre for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Sarwat Amina
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Centre for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Mingkun Liang
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Centre for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Shirin Akther
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Centre for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Teruko Yuhi
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Centre for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Tomoko Nishimura
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Centre for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Chiharu Tsuji
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Centre for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tsuji
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Centre for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Hong-Xiang Liu
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Centre for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Minako Hashii
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Centre for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kazumi Furuhara
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Centre for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Shigeru Yokoyama
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Centre for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Yamamoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Vascular Biology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Okamoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Vascular Biology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical SciencesKanazawa, Japan; Department of Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of MedicineSendai, Japan
| | - Yong Juan Zhao
- School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Graduate School Shenzhen, China
| | - Hon Cheung Lee
- School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Graduate School Shenzhen, China
| | - Makoto Tominaga
- Division of Cell Signaling, Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience (National Institute for Physiological Sciences), National Institutes of Natural Sciences Okazaki, Japan
| | - Olga Lopatina
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Centre for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa UniversityKanazawa, Japan; Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical UniversityKrasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Haruhiro Higashida
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Centre for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa UniversityKanazawa, Japan; Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical UniversityKrasnoyarsk, Russia
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50
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Vaidyanathan R, Hammock EA. Oxytocin receptor dynamics in the brain across development and species. Dev Neurobiol 2016; 77:143-157. [DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Radhika Vaidyanathan
- Department of Psychology; Florida State University; Tallahassee FL
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University; Tallahassee FL
| | - Elizabeth A.D. Hammock
- Department of Psychology; Florida State University; Tallahassee FL
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University; Tallahassee FL
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