Articles tagged with Oxytocin
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Scientists have created a detailed map of the mouse brain's oxytocin-vasopressin circuit, revealing dynamic adaptations that refine neural circuits during development. These findings may underlie social disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
A genetic mutation associated with autism can inhibit the release of oxytocin, a peptide that regulates social behavior, and cause abnormal social behavior in mice. This finding suggests that CAPS2 protein plays a critical role in facilitating the release of peripheral oxytocin into the bloodstream.
Researchers Constantina Theofanopoulou and Erich Jarvis demonstrate that the human hormone oxytocin is the same gene across all major vertebrate lineages, finding synteny in the hormone's receptor. They advocate for a new standard nomenclature to make life easier for scientists studying oxytocin and other hormones.
A new study proposes a universal nomenclature for oxytocin and vasotocin genes, which were previously named differently in various species due to small protein coding differences. The researchers found that both hormones stem from a common ancestral gene and propose a new naming convention based on this evolutionary history.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that discontinuing oxytocin stimulation during induced labour may lead to a reduced risk of uterine hyperstimulation and abnormal fetal heart rate. This finding suggests that routine discontinuation of oxytocin stimulation could be beneficial in settings with limited monitoring resources.
Scientists discovered three molecules involved in olfactory imprinting during critical periods in mice, which can modulate adult social behaviors. Oxytocin and signaling molecule Sema7A play a crucial role in forming sensory maps and neural circuits.
A new study comparing lemurs, distant primate cousins of humans, found few consistent differences between monogamous and promiscuous species. However, researchers discovered that the brain chemistry behind love in lemurs may involve a combination of multiple hormones and interactions rather than a single formula.
Researchers from MedUni Vienna and University of Vienna develop new oxytocin/vasopressin constructs with enhanced efficacy, inspired by naturally occurring dimers like locust neuropeptides. These bioactive molecules offer opportunities to optimize therapeutic application for various disorders.
A new study from Kyoto University found that oxytocin influences eye contact in bonobos and chimpanzees differently, promoting species-specific behaviors. The hormone shifted attention more to eyes in images for bonobos, while chimps focused on mouths.
Research at University of Fukui shows that epigenetic modifications to the oxytocin gene are correlated with maternal empathy and personal distress. The study found a positive correlation between oxytocin gene methylation and harsh parenting.
Researchers at Okayama University found a non-synaptic mode of oxytocin transport across the central nervous system, which activates oxytocin receptors to control penile erection and ejaculation in male rats. Oxytocin causes increased sexual activity and neuronal activity in injected animals.
A University of Delaware researcher studies the impact of birth experiences on hormone development, finding that C-sections disrupt natural hormonal signals. He proposes investigating potential interventions to promote healthier outcomes, such as reintroducing missing microbes or hormones in children born via cesarean.
Researchers found connections between autism types and abnormalities in parvocellular oxytocin neurons, which regulate platonic love and sociability. The study could fuel the development of autism therapies targeting disease symptoms spurred on by these brain cells.
A new study published in Nature shows that rodents rely on a combination of innate instincts and learning to recognize unique infant cries. Experienced caregivers were found to be more effective at identifying subtle variations in distress calls and retrieving crying pups, while inexperienced animals required extensive training.
A NIH-funded mouse study reveals that parents have an innate capacity to respond to infant cries, which can adapt over time. The research found that experienced and novice babysitters showed improved responses to altered cries, suggesting a plastic mechanism in the auditory cortex.
A University of California - Davis study found that oxytocin produced in a specific area of the brain can increase stress-induced social anxiety behaviors in mice. The researchers also discovered that this effect is stronger in females, which could help explain why social anxiety disorders are more common and severe in women.
Research by Baylor University finds that people who experienced parental divorce during childhood have lower oxytocin levels and correlate with attachment style responses, suggesting a link between early experience and future emotional attachments.
Research shows that oxytocin reverses delayed gastric emptying caused by stress, increasing stomach muscle contractions. The hormone also inhibits adaptation to stress, delaying gastric emptying and decreasing stomach tone.
Researchers found that oxytocin administration reversed precursors of osteoporosis in female rats, including reduced bone density and decreased bone strength. The study suggests that oxytocin may be a strong ally in preventing osteoporosis during perimenopause.
Researchers found that reducing caesarean section rates among first-time mothers can result in substantial economic savings, with net present values of €1.1million and £9.8million per annual cohort. Improving vaginal births after c-sections also yields significant benefits, with net present values of €3.5M and £23.0M per annual cohort.
Researchers at the University of Basel have discovered a connection between a genetic alteration and social difficulties related to autism. By targeting the oxytocin signaling pathway, they achieved promising results in an animal model and found that treatment with a pharmacological inhibitor can normalize social behavior.
Scientists discovered oxytocin can reverse Aβ-induced impairments in mouse hippocampus, suggesting potential therapeutic option for Alzheimer's. Oxytocin's effect is mediated through oxytocin receptors, and blocking them eliminates its ability to reverse damage.
Researchers have determined the detailed three-dimensional structure of the oxytocin receptor, paving the way for the development of new drugs. The discovery also reveals previously unknown interaction regions with cholesterol and magnesium, improving understanding of the receptor mechanism.
Researchers used a new technique to study oxytocin receptor expression in developing mouse brains, revealing key neural connections form during early development. The study found that oxytocin receptor expression peaks at 21 days after birth and plays a role in wiring the brain.
A new study by Ben-Gurion University researchers found that interacting with a plush, seal-like social robot reduced pain and increased happiness. Lower oxytocin levels were observed in those who interacted with the robot compared to the control group.
A study of mice in semi-natural settings reveals that oxytocin can increase aggressive behavior as well as friendliness, depending on the environment. The findings suggest a more nuanced view of oxytocin's effects and highlight the need for complex environments to translate research findings to human behavior.
A recent study by Aarhus University found that birth control pills increase oxytocin levels, potentially affecting romantic love and closeness. The research suggests that women on birth control may experience altered mood and diminished sense of attachment to partners.
Researchers at UC Davis studied the role of oxytocin in alleviating social withdrawal symptoms in mice, finding that blocking brain pathways affected by stress can reduce social avoidance behaviors. The study suggests potential for pharmacotherapies to effectively treat anxiety disorders.
Researchers compared oxytocin administration methods to improve treatment for social difficulties. The study found that nasal delivery using a nebuliser reached specific brain areas more effectively than standard nasal spray or intravenous injection.
Researchers found that oxytocin levels are increased in groups experiencing conflict and influences the medial prefrontal cortex, leading to a desire for revenge when attacked by an outside group. The study suggests that this process may contribute to conflict contagion among entire groups.
A KU Leuven study found that oxytocin significantly reduced repetitive behavior and improved attachment in men with autism. The treatment showed long-term effects up to a year after administration.
Researchers found oxytocin reduces cravings and amygdala activity in cocaine-addicted men with a history of trauma. However, the hormone has little effect on women with cocaine addiction and a history of childhood trauma, potentially leading to increased relapse risk.
A study revealed oxytocin's role in promoting bone synthesis while curbing bone loss during pregnancy and lactation. Oxytocin administration also reduced total body fat in mice, suggesting potential as a drug target for these conditions.
A new epigenetic study suggests that mothers' behavior can also have a substantial impact on their children's developing oxytocin systems. The study found that infant temperament was reflected in DNA methylation levels, with higher methylation indicating lower oxytocin receptor expression.
A new study found that mothers' involvement in play with their children can influence the development of their oxytocin systems. Higher maternal involvement was associated with reduced DNA methylation and increased expression of the oxytocin receptor gene, which can lead to a stronger bond between mother and child.
A new study has revealed a possible role of oxytocin in hypersexual disorder, which affects 3-6% of the population. The researchers found that microRNA-4456 targets genes involved in regulating oxytocin, suggesting its potential as a treatment target.
Recent research from Dr. Dan Krawczyk's lab at the Center for BrainHealth explored the effects of oxytocin and vasopressin on social cognition. Oxytocin consistently led a perception of greater dominance, while both hormones affected brain activity across trustworthiness and dominance.
Research by LSU biologist Ryoichi Teruyama and student researcher Ryan LeBlanc has identified a group of cells activated by oxytocin in one area of female mouse brains not found in males. This discovery may lead to new treatments for postpartum depression, which affects 10-20% of women after childbirth.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that oxytocin administration can block excess drinking in alcohol-dependent rats, suggesting a potential novel pharmaceutical intervention for treating alcohol-use disorder. Oxytocin also blocked altered GABA signaling in the brain region affected by alcohol dependence.
A Kanazawa University study reveals that RAGE binds to oxytocin, facilitating its transport through the blood-brain barrier and central nervous system. The findings show that oxytocin plays a crucial role in maternal nurturing behaviors, with reduced survival rates observed in offspring when mothers lack functional RAGE.
A study presented at ENDO 2019 found that oxytocin weakens the connection between brain areas involved in food processing, potentially targeting overeating and obesity. Oxytocin modulates the brain's reward system during responses to highly palatable foods.
An animal study published in The FASEB Journal explores the potential link between CD38 mutation and autism spectrum disorder. The research revealed that a deficit in CD38 expression leads to brain abnormalities and oxytocin dysregulation, particularly in males, which are associated with social behavior and emotional difficulties.
A new study found that couples with the GG genotype in the oxytocin gene receptor reported greater marital satisfaction and feelings of security. This genetic variation affects social bonding and is linked to personality traits such as emotional stability and empathy.
Artist Heather Dewey-Hagborg collaborated with scientists to create a custom virus that increases oxytocin production, associated with feelings of love and empathy. The 'Lovesick' virus is a harmless, non-replicating vector that expresses the hormone oxytocin and a fluorescent protein, allowing cells to glow bright red.
A study at Binghamton University found that variation on the Oxytocin Receptor gene impacts marital quality by influencing how partners provide and receive support from each other. Couples with certain genotypes, particularly those associated with social deficits, reported lower satisfaction with their marriages.
Researchers at the University of Otago have discovered blocking oxytocin cells in the brain after a heart attack can improve survival outcomes. The breakthrough could lead to a new pharmacological drug targeting these cells, potentially improving cardiovascular patient outcomes.
Skin-to-skin contact between preterm infants and their parents influences hormone levels related to attachment and stress. Increased oxytocin and decreased cortisol levels during skin-to-skin contact are associated with higher parental engagement scores, suggesting a potential benefits of promoting early contact for preterm infants.
A recent grant from the National Institutes of Health will enable a three-year project to explore the sex differences in oxytocin system development. The study aims to understand how oxytocin affects the female and male brain's neural regulation of social behavior.
Researchers studied food sharing in Tai chimpanzees and found they favor friends over strangers, rewarding cooperation
Scientists have discovered a compound that promotes social interaction among laboratory mice with autistic traits, offering new hope for treating autism. The finding builds on previous research showing oxytocin's potential benefits and develops a drug candidate to overcome its limitations.
A study found that oxytocin and vasopressin reduce aggression and increase cooperation in male rhesus macaques, flattening the social hierarchy and promoting egalitarian behavior. The hormones also synchronize behaviors, enabling non-verbal communication between animals.
Researchers will use high-resolution imaging technology to study oxytocin neurons and their connections in the brain, aiming to gain insights into social behavior and potential disorders like autism. The project aims to create a detailed anatomical map of oxytocin neurons to better understand how they drive behavior.
Emory University's Yerkes National Primate Research Center has received a five-year, $12.7 million NIMH grant to continue research on oxytocin, a brain chemical involved in social bonding. The goal is to understand its role in neural communication and social functioning.
A study found that oxytocin increased brain activity in response to infant and adult faces in mothers, indicating a stronger neural connection. This research explores the role of oxytocin in early parent-infant interaction and its potential benefits for parenting.
The study found that participants were more willing to punish a wrongdoer when they experienced injustice directly, associating with brain activity in the ventral striatum. Participants receiving oxytocin chose less intense punishments, suggesting the hormone's role in maintaining fairness.
A new study in mice has identified an oxytocin-fueled brain circuit that regulates social recognition, revealing the seahorse-shaped hippocampus plays a key role in differentiating similar memories. The findings provide insight into how the brain computes cues to distinguish friend from foe and threat from reward.
Researchers found that oxytocin enhances dogs' interest in smiling faces and reduces their emotional response to angry ones. The study used eye-tracking devices and pupil measurements to evaluate the dogs' emotional states, providing new insights into canine cognition.
A Polish Academy of Sciences team has developed a polymer 'love hormone' sensor that can detect micromolar concentrations of oxytocin, a biomarker associated with autism. The sensor's sensitivity is expected to increase to nanomolar levels, allowing for early diagnosis and potentially dramatic treatment efficacy improvements.
Research reveals that oxytocin is ingested by intestinal villiated epithelial cells via RAGE receptors after gut closure. This mechanism enables oxytocin to be orally administered as a medication and/or nutrient supplement in milk, promoting social brain development and communication.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified the brain circuitry behind social reward, pinpointing oxytocin as a key player. The study suggests that oxytocin promotes sociability by binding to receptors on dopamine-secreting neurons, enhancing their firing and fostering positive social interactions.