1
|
Zhou H, Zhu R, Xia Y, Zhang X, Wang Z, Lorimer GH, Ghiladi RA, Bayram H, Wang J. Neuropeptides affecting social behavior in mammals: Oxytocin. Peptides 2024; 177:171223. [PMID: 38626843 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT), a neuropeptide consisting of only nine amino acids, is synthesized in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus. Although OXT is best known for its role in lactation and parturition, recent research has shown that it also has a significant impact on social behaviors in mammals. However, a comprehensive review of this topic is still lacking. In this paper, we systematically reviewed the effects of OXT on social behavior in mammals. These effects of OXT from the perspective of five key behavioral dimensions were summarized: parental behavior, anxiety, aggression, attachment, and empathy. To date, researchers have agreed that OXT plays a positive regulatory role in a wide range of social behaviors, but there have been controversially reported results. In this review, we have provided a detailed panorama of the role of OXT in social behavior and, for the first time, delved into the underlying regulatory mechanisms, which may help better understand the multifaceted role of OXT. Levels of OXT in previous human studies were also summarized to provide insights for diagnosis of mental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Zhou
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China; International Center for Redox Biology & Precision Medicine of Hubei Province, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China; National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China
| | - Rui Zhu
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China; International Center for Redox Biology & Precision Medicine of Hubei Province, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China; National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China
| | - Yuqing Xia
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China; International Center for Redox Biology & Precision Medicine of Hubei Province, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China; National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China
| | - Xinming Zhang
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China; International Center for Redox Biology & Precision Medicine of Hubei Province, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China; National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China
| | - Zixu Wang
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China
| | | | - Reza A Ghiladi
- Department of Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Hasan Bayram
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Jun Wang
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China; International Center for Redox Biology & Precision Medicine of Hubei Province, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China; National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Önal D, Korkmaz H, Önal G, Pehlivanoğlu B. Body weight modulates the impact of oxytocin on chronic cold-immobilization stress response. Peptides 2024; 177:171202. [PMID: 38555975 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
By activating the stress system, stress modulates various physiological parameters including food intake, energy consumption, and, consequently, body weight. The role of oxytocin in the regulation of stress and obesity cannot be disregarded. Based on these findings, we aimed to investigate the effect of intranasal oxytocin on stress response in high-fat-diet (HFD)--fed and control-diet-fed rats exposed to chronic stress. Cold-immobilization stress was applied for 5 consecutive days to male Sprague-Dawley rats fed either with a control diet (n=20) or HFD (n=20) for 6 weeks. Half of the animals in each group received oxytocin. Stress response was evaluated via plasma and salivary cortisol levels as well as elevated plus maze scores. Prefrontal cortex and hypothalamic oxytocin receptor (OxtR) expression levels were identified using western blot analysis. The results showed higher stress response in HFD-fed animals than in control animals both under basal and post-stress conditions. Oxytocin application had a prominent anxiolytic effect in the control group but an insignificant effect in the HFD group. While OxtR expression levels in the prefrontal cortex did not vary according to the body weight and oxytocin application, OxtR levels in the hypothalamus were higher in the HFD- and/or oxytocin-treated animals. Our results indicated that the peripheral and central effects of oxytocin vary with body weight. Moreover, obesity masks the anxiolytic effects of oxytocin, probably by reinforcing the stress condition via central OxtRs. In conclusion, elucidating the mechanisms underlying the central effect of oxytocin is important to cope with stress and obesity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Önal
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Balıkesir University, Balıkesir, Türkiye.
| | - Hilal Korkmaz
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Gizem Önal
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre and Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK; Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Bilge Pehlivanoğlu
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Türkiye
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Joushi S, Taherizadeh Z, Eghbalian M, Esmaeilpour K, Sheibani V. Boosting decision-making in rat models of early-life adversity with environmental enrichment and intranasal oxytocin. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 165:107050. [PMID: 38677097 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Impaired decision-making constitutes a fundamental issue in numerous psychiatric disorders. Extensive research has established that early life adversity (ELA) increases vulnerability to psychiatric disorders later in life. ELA in human neonates is associated with changes in cognitive, emotional, as well as reward-related processing. Maternal separation (MS) is an established animal model of ELA and has been shown to be associated with decision-making deficits. On the other hand, enriched environment (EE) and intranasal oxytocin (OT) administration have been demonstrated to have beneficial effects on decision-making in humans or animals. Given these considerations, our investigation sought to explore the impact of brief exposure to EE and intranasal OT administration on the decision-making abilities of adolescent rats that had experienced MS during infancy. The experimental protocol involved subjecting rat pups to the MS regimen for 180 min per day from postnatal day (PND) 1 to PND 21. Then, from PND 22 to PND 34, the rats were exposed to EE and/or received intranasal OT (2 μg/μl) for seven days. The assessment of decision-making abilities, using a rat gambling task (RGT), commenced during adolescence. Our findings revealed that MS led to impaired decision-making and a decreased percentage of advantageous choices. However, exposure to brief EE or intranasal OT administration mitigated the deficits induced by MS and improved the decision-making skills of maternally-separated rats. Furthermore, combination of these treatments did not yield additional benefits. These results suggest that EE and OT may hold promise as therapeutic interventions to enhance certain aspects of cognitive performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Joushi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Zahra Taherizadeh
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mostafa Eghbalian
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Esmaeilpour
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Vahid Sheibani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rappeneau V, Castillo Díaz F. Convergence of oxytocin and dopamine signalling in neuronal circuits: Insights into the neurobiology of social interactions across species. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 161:105675. [PMID: 38608828 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Social behaviour is essential for animal survival, and the hypothalamic neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) critically impacts bonding, parenting, and decision-making. Dopamine (DA), is released by ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopaminergic neurons, regulating social cues in the mesolimbic system. Despite extensive exploration of OXT and DA roles in social behaviour independently, limited studies investigate their interplay. This narrative review integrates insights from human and animal studies, particularly rodents, emphasising recent research on pharmacological manipulations of OXT or DA systems in social behaviour. Additionally, we review studies correlating social behaviour with blood/cerebral OXT and DA levels. Behavioural facets include sociability, cooperation, pair bonding and parental care. In addition, we provide insights into OXT-DA interplay in animal models of social stress, autism, and schizophrenia. Emphasis is placed on the complex relationship between the OXT and DA systems and their collective influence on social behaviour across physiological and pathological conditions. Understanding OXT and DA imbalance is fundamental for unravelling the neurobiological underpinnings of social interaction and reward processing deficits observed in psychiatric conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Rappeneau
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstr. 31, Regensburg 93053, Germany.
| | - Fernando Castillo Díaz
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstr. 31, Regensburg 93053, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yin H, Jiang M, Han T, Xu X. Intranasal oxytocin as a treatment for anxiety and autism: From subclinical to clinical applications. Peptides 2024; 176:171211. [PMID: 38579916 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Animal and human studies have demonstrated that intranasal oxytocin (OT) can penetrate the brain and induce cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes, particularly in social functioning. Consequently, numerous investigations have explored the potential of OT as a treatment for anxiety and autism, conditions characterized by social deficits. Although both subclinical and clinical studies provide converging evidence of the therapeutic effects of OT in reducing anxiety levels and improving social symptoms in autism, results are not always consistent. Additionally, the pharmacological mechanism of OT requires further elucidation for its effective clinical application. Therefore, this review aims to examine the contentious findings concerning the effects of OT on anxiety and autism, offer interpretations of the inconsistent results from the perspectives of individual differences and varying approaches to OT administration, and shed light on the underlying mechanisms of OT. Ultimately, standardization of dosage, frequency of administration, formulation characteristics, and nasal spray devices is proposed as essential for future human studies and clinical applications of OT treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hailian Yin
- School of psychology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Meiyun Jiang
- School of psychology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Tao Han
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250000, China.
| | - Xiaolei Xu
- School of psychology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ryabinin A, Johnson M, Zweig J, Zhang Y, Nunez L, Ryabinina O, Hibert M. Effects of Oxytocin Receptor Agonism on Acquisition and Expression of Pair Bonding in Male Prairie Voles. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4351761. [PMID: 38798348 PMCID: PMC11118693 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4351761/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
There is much interest in targeting the activity in the oxytocin system to regulate social bonding. However, studies with exogenous administration of oxytocin face the caveats of its low stability, poor brain permeability and insufficient receptor specificity. The use of a small-molecule oxytocin receptor-specific agonist could overcome these caveats. Prior to testing the potential effects of a brain-penetrant oxytocin receptor agonist in clinical settings, it is important to assess how such an agonist would affect social bonds in animal models. The facultatively monogamous prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), capable of forming long-term social attachments between adult individuals, are an ideal rodent model for such testing. Therefore, in a series of experiments we investigated the effects of the recently developed oxytocin receptor-specific agonist LIT-001 on the acquisition and expression of partner preference, a well-established model of pair bonding, in prairie voles. LIT-001 (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), as expected, facilitated the acquisition of partner preference when administered prior to a 4-hour cohabitation. In contrast, while animals injected with vehicle after the 4-hour cohabitation exhibited significant partner preference, animals that were injected with LIT-001 did not show such partner preference. This result suggests that OXTR activation during expression of pair bonding can inhibit partner preference. The difference in effects of LIT-001 on acquisition versus expression was not due to basal differences in partner preference between the experiments, as LIT-001 had no significant effects on expression of partner preference if administered following a shorter (2 hour-long) cohabitation. Instead, this difference agrees with the hypothesis that the activation of oxytocin receptors acts as a signal of presence of a social partner. Our results indicate that the effects of pharmacological activation of oxytocin receptors crucially depend on the phase of social attachments.
Collapse
|
7
|
Higashida H, Oshima Y, Yamamoto Y. Oxytocin transported from the blood across the blood-brain barrier by receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) affects brain function related to social behavior. Peptides 2024; 178:171230. [PMID: 38677620 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is a neuropeptide that primarily functions as a hormone controlling female reproductive processes. Since numerous recent studies have shown that single and repetitive administrations of OT increase trust, social interaction, and maternal behaviors in humans and animals, OT is considered a key molecule that regulates social memory and behavior. Furthermore, OT binds to receptors for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE), and it has been demonstrated that loss of RAGE in the brain vascular endothelial cells of mice fails to increase brain OT concentrations following peripheral OT administration. This leads to the hypothesis that RAGE is involved in the direct transport of OT, allowing it access to the brain by transporting it across the blood-brain barrier; however, this hypothesis is only based on limited evidence. Herein, we review the recent results related to this hypothesis, such as the mode of transport of OT in the blood circulation to the brain via different forms of RAGE, including membrane-bound full-length RAGE and soluble RAGE. We further review the modulation of brain function and social behavior, which seem to be mediated by RAGE-dependent OT. Overall, this review mostly confirms that RAGE enables the recruitment of circulating OT to the brain, thereby influencing social behavior. The requirement for further studies considering the physiological aspects of RAGE is also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haruhiro Higashida
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan.
| | - Yu Oshima
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Vascular Biology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Yamamoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Vascular Biology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lake AA, Trainor BC. Leveraging the unique social organization of California mice to study circuit-specific effects of oxytocin on behavior. Horm Behav 2024; 160:105487. [PMID: 38281444 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2024.105487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Oxytocin is a versatile neuropeptide that modulates many different forms of social behavior. Recent hypotheses pose that oxytocin enhances the salience of rewarding and aversive social experiences, and the field has been working to identify mechanisms that allow oxytocin to have diverse effects on behavior. Here we review studies conducted on the California mouse (Peromyscus californicus) that shed light on how oxytocin modulates social behavior following stressful experiences. In this species, both males and females exhibit high levels of aggression, which has facilitated the study of how social stress impacts both sexes. We review findings of short- and long-term effects of social stress on the reactivity of oxytocin neurons. We also consider the results of pharmacological studies which show that oxytocin receptors in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and nucleus accumbens have distinct but overlapping effects on social approach behaviors. These findings help explain how social stress can have different behavioral effects in males and females, and how oxytocin can have such divergent effects on behavior. Finally, we consider how new technological developments and innovative research programs take advantage of the unique social organization of California mice to address questions that can be difficult to study in conventional rodent model species. These new methods and questions have opened new avenues for studying the neurobiology of social behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa A Lake
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States of America
| | - Brian C Trainor
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Xu D, Song XJ, Chen X, Wang JW, Cui YL. Advances and future perspectives of intranasal drug delivery: A scientometric review. J Control Release 2024; 367:366-384. [PMID: 38286336 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.01.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Intranasal drug delivery is as a noninvasive and efficient approach extensively utilized for treating the local, central nervous system, and systemic diseases. Despite numerous reviews delving into the application of intranasal drug delivery across biomedical fields, a comprehensive analysis of advancements and future perspectives remains elusive. This review elucidates the research progress of intranasal drug delivery through a scientometric analysis. It scrutinizes several challenges to bolster research in this domain, encompassing a thorough exploration of entry and elimination mechanisms specific to intranasal delivery, the identification of drugs compatible with the nasal cavity, the selection of dosage forms to surmount limited drug-loading capacity and poor solubility, and the identification of diseases amenable to the intranasal delivery strategy. Overall, this review furnishes a perspective aimed at galvanizing future research and development concerning intranasal drug delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi' an 710032, China
| | - Xu-Jiao Song
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China
| | - Xue Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China
| | - Jing-Wen Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi' an 710032, China
| | - Yuan-Lu Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zierhut M, Bergmann N, Hahne I, Wohlthan J, Kraft J, Braun A, Tam Ta TM, Hellmann-Regen J, Ripke S, Bajbouj M, Hahn E, Böge K. The combination of oxytocin and mindfulness-based group therapy for empathy and negative symptoms in schizophrenia spectrum disorders - A double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 171:222-229. [PMID: 38309212 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Treatment options for social cognition and negative symptoms in schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) remain limited. Oxytocin could be a promising augmentation approach, but the social context influences the effect in humans. This pilot study hypothesized that oxytocin in a positive social setting through mindfulness-based group therapy (MBGT) would positively affect empathy and negative symptoms as well as affect and stress in an exploratory approach in SSD. An experimental, randomized, double-blinded (participants, psychotherapists), placebo-controlled pilot study with 41 individuals with SSD was conducted at the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Oxytocin or placebo (24 I.U.) was administered intranasally 45 min before two sessions of MBGT each. A 2 × 2 mixed model ANCOVA design was calculated to assess empathy by the Interpersonal Reactivity Index and the Multifaceted Empathy Test and negative symptoms by the Self-Evaluation of Negative Symptoms. No benefit of oxytocin compared to placebo on empathy was observed, but significant between-group differences favoring oxytocin were found regarding the negative symptoms Diminished emotional range and Avolition. Negative affect and stress were significantly reduced compared to baseline. Mindfulness increased in both groups. Results indicated protocol adherence and retention rate of 91.1%, a drop-out rate of 8.9 % and a completion of 96 % of all sessions by the participants. No severe adverse events or side effects were reported. Our findings indicate proof-of-concept and suggest a potential role of oxytocin on negative symptoms and related variables in SSD in combination with MBGT. Future research should examine the stability of these effects with larger sample sizes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Zierhut
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, BIH Charité Junior Clinician Scientist Program, Berlin, Germany; German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Partner Site, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Niklas Bergmann
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Inge Hahne
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Josefa Wohlthan
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Kraft
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alice Braun
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thi Minh Tam Ta
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julian Hellmann-Regen
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany; German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Partner Site, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephan Ripke
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Partner Site, Berlin, Germany; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Malek Bajbouj
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany; German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Partner Site, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eric Hahn
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kerem Böge
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany; German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Partner Site, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Fam J, Holmes N, Westbrook RF. Stimulating oxytocin receptors in the basolateral amygdala enhances stimulus processing: Differential and consistent effects for stimuli paired with fear versus sucrose in extinction and reversal learning. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 160:106917. [PMID: 38071877 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/02/2024]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) influences a range of social behaviors by enhancing the salience of social cues and regulating the expression of specific social behaviors (e.g., maternal care versus defensive aggression). We previously showed that stimulating OT receptors in the basolateral amygdala of rats also enhanced the salience of fear conditioned stimuli: relative to rats given vehicle infusions, rats infused with [Thr4,Gly7]-oxytocin (TGOT), a selective OT receptor agonist, showed greater discrimination between a cue predictive of danger, and one that signaled safety. In the present series of experiments using male rats, the effects of OT receptor activation in the basolateral amygdala on stimulus processing were examined further using conditioning protocols that consist of changes in stimulus-outcome contingencies (i.e., extinction and reversal), and with stimuli paired with aversive (i.e., foot shock) and appetitive (i.e., sucrose) outcomes. It was revealed that the effects of OTR stimulation diverge for aversive and appetitive learning - enhancing the former but not the latter. However, across both types of learning, OTR stimulation enhanced the detection of conditioned stimuli. Overall, these results are consistent with an emerging view of OT's effects on stimulus salience; facilitating the detection of meaningful stimuli while reducing responding to those that are irrelevant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justine Fam
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Nathan Holmes
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kaur D, Khan H, Grewal AK, Singh TG. Glycosylation: A new signaling paradigm for the neurovascular diseases. Life Sci 2024; 336:122303. [PMID: 38016576 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
A wide range of life-threatening conditions with complicated pathogenesis involves neurovascular disorders encompassing Neurovascular unit (NVU) damage. The pathophysiology of NVU is characterized by several features including tissue hypoxia, stimulation of inflammatory and angiogenic processes, and the initiation of intricate molecular interactions, collectively leading to an elevation in blood-brain barrier permeability, atherosclerosis and ultimately, neurovascular diseases. The presence of compelling data about the significant involvement of the glycosylation in the development of diseases has sparked a discussion on whether the abnormal glycosylation may serve as a causal factor for neurovascular disorders, rather than being just recruited as a secondary player in regulating the critical events during the development processes like embryo growth and angiogenesis. An essential tool for both developing new anti-ischemic therapies and understanding the processes of ischemic brain damage is undertaking pre-clinical studies of neurovascular disorders. Together with the post-translational modification of proteins, the modulation of glycosylation and its enzymes implicates itself in several abnormal activities which are known to accelerate neuronal vasculopathy. Despite the failure of the majority of glycosylation-based preclinical and clinical studies over the past years, there is a significant probability to provide neuroprotection utilizing modern and advanced approaches to target abnormal glycosylation activity at embryonic stages as well. This article focuses on a variety of experimental evidence to postulate the interconnection between glycosylation and vascular disorders along with possible treatment options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dapinder Kaur
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, 140401, Punjab, India
| | - Heena Khan
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, 140401, Punjab, India
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Shariatpanahi M, Sojoudi Z, Khodagholi F, Rahmati H, Jameie SB, Eftekharzadeh M, Karizmeh MS, Shabani M, Zamani E. Effect of sex differences and time of oxytocin administration on treatment of rat model of autism spectrum disorder: Focused on necroptosis markers. Int J Dev Neurosci 2023; 83:552-570. [PMID: 37503701 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder. A variety of molecular and cellular abnormalities leads to behavioral deficits in autism. Nevertheless, its etiology and treatment strategy are not completely understood. Oxytocin has recently shown improvements in social functioning. This study aimed to evaluate the necroptosis pathway for the neuroprotective effects of oxytocin in the valproic acid-induced autism spectrum disorder model. The autism spectrum disorder was induced by valproic acid on gestational day 12.5 (600 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). Offspring received intranasal oxytocin (1 μg/μL) on the 21st and 40th days after birth. The offspring behaviors were scrutinized by self-grooming, marble-burying, three-chamber, and Morris water maze tests. Western blot was performed on the hippocampus and amygdala tissues to investigate the expression of RIP3 and MLKL markers. The valproic acid group demonstrated more anxiety, repetitive behaviors, and expression of RIP3 and MLKL markers, and less social interaction and spatial memory compared with the control group. Oxytocin considerably improved social interactions, preference for social novelty, and memory. The elevated expression of RIP3 and MLKL markers in valproic acid-induced autistic rats were alleviated after treatment with oxytocin. We also highlighted the importance of age and gender in autism spectrum disorder interventions. Our findings suggested that oxytocin administration was as an effective treatment in two areas of repetitive/stereotyped behaviors, social interactions/cognitive function. Notably, early administration of oxytocin resulted in better therapeutic responses in autism-like behaviors. The molecular tests introduce oxytocin as a potential candidate for reducing the expression of necroptosis mediators in the brain. This reinforced our hypothesis that the necroptosis pathway takes part in autism spectrum disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marjan Shariatpanahi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Neuroscience Research Center (NRC), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Sojoudi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Fariba Khodagholi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hiva Rahmati
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
- Student Research Committee, School of Pharmacy, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Seyed Behnamedin Jameie
- Neuroscience Research Center (NRC), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Eftekharzadeh
- Neuroscience Research Center (NRC), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Soleimani Karizmeh
- Electrophysiology Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Shabani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Zamani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Yoshida M, Momita K, Kuwahara M, Kasuya E, Sutoh M, Yayou KI. Behavior and heart rate variability after intranasal administration of oxytocin in Holstein steers. J Vet Med Sci 2023; 85:956-963. [PMID: 37495517 PMCID: PMC10539827 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.22-0323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) is a neuropeptide that regulates memory, emotion, stress response, and behavior in the brain. In our previous study with cattle, we demonstrated the anti-stress effect of intracerebroventricularly administered OXT on the central nervous system. However, it is important to investigate the effects of this peptide after intranasal administration, as it offers convenience and non-invasiveness for practical use. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of intranasal OXT on the behavior and autonomic nervous system of Holstein steers. The experiment followed a within-subjects design, including a total of six steers. Each steer received intranasal administration of either 1 mL of saline (SAL), 100 µg OXT (OXT100), or 200 µg OXT (OXT200). However, due to some issues, the sample size for the OXT200 group was reduced to five. After these treatments, we conducted electrocardiography recordings to analyze heart rate variability (HRV) and also made behavioral observations for 90 min. OXT200 tended to increase the time spent ruminating while lying down (Steel's multiple comparison test; P=0.053). In contrast, OXT treatment did not affect HRV indices. In conclusion, the current OXT dosage did not significantly affects behavior or the autonomic nervous system. However, the observed tendency to increase rumination may suggest a central effect of OXT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masumi Yoshida
- Department of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Chiba Prefecture Agricultural Mutual Aid Union Federation, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kosuke Momita
- School of Agriculture, Tokai University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Megmilk Snow Brand, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Kuwahara
- Department of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Etsuko Kasuya
- National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Madoka Sutoh
- College of Agriculture, Ibaraki University, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Yayou
- National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Ibaraki, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sorenson K, Kendall E, Grell H, Kang M, Shaffer C, Hwang S. Intranasal Oxytocin in Pediatric Populations: Exploring the Potential for Reducing Irritability and Modulating Neural Responses: A Mini Review. JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY AND BRAIN SCIENCE 2023; 8:e230008. [PMID: 37990750 PMCID: PMC10662790 DOI: 10.20900/jpbs.20230008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Endogenous neuropeptide Oxytocin (OXT) plays a crucial role in modulating pro-social behavior and the neural response to social/emotional stimuli. Intranasal administration is the most common method of delivering OXT. Intranasal OXT has been implemented in clinical studies of various psychiatric disorders with mixed results, mainly related to lack of solid pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics model. Due to intranasal OXT's mechanism of reducing the activation of neural areas implicated in emotional responding and emotion regulation, a psychopathology with this target mechanism could be potentially excellent candidate for future clinical trial. In this regard, irritability in youth may be a very promising target for clinical studies of intranasal OXT. Here we provide a mini-review of fifteen randomized controlled trials in pediatric patients with diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), or Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS). Most studies had small sample sizes and varying dosages, with changes in irritability, mainly as adverse events (AEs). Neuroimaging results showed modulation of the reward processing system and the neural areas implicated in social-emotional information processing by intranasal OXT administration. Further research is needed to determine the most effective dose and duration of OXT treatment, carefully select target psychopathologies, verify target engagement, and measure adverse event profiles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kennet Sorenson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Emilee Kendall
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Hannah Grell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Minjoo Kang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Christopher Shaffer
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Soonjo Hwang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
López-Arjona M, Botía M, Martínez-Subiela S, Cerón JJ. Oxytocin measurements in saliva: an analytical perspective. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:96. [PMID: 37507690 PMCID: PMC10386254 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03661-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin has traditionally been known for its physiological effects on muscle contraction associated with birth and lactation, but in the last years is widely used as a biomarker of "positive experiences" in psychology and behavior. Different types of samples have been used for oxytocin measurements with saliva samples having the particular advantage of an easy and non-stressful collection. However, the low concentration of oxytocin in saliva can represent a limitation for its use. For this reason, sensitive assays and even a previous sample treatment in some cases are required for saliva oxytocin quantification. In addition, the lack of standardized and generally agreed-upon approach to peripheral oxytocin measurement leads to large discrepancies between different laboratories, that use different sample treatment protocols and different assays. The main objectives of this review are to describe the current status of the use of saliva for oxytocin measurement, provide details of the different sample processing techniques that can be applied and inform about the analytical techniques and assays available in different animal species, and also in humans for comparative purposes. It is expected that this information can contribute to an increase in the knowledge about the measurements of oxytocin in saliva and to its wider use in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina López-Arjona
- Department of Animal and Food Science, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain.
| | - María Botía
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia (Interlab-UMU), University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo s/n, Murcia, 30100, Spain
| | - Silvia Martínez-Subiela
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia (Interlab-UMU), University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo s/n, Murcia, 30100, Spain
| | - José Joaquín Cerón
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia (Interlab-UMU), University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo s/n, Murcia, 30100, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Mekhael AA, Bent JE, Fawcett JM, Campbell TS, Aguirre-Camacho A, Farrell A, Rash JA. Evaluating the efficacy of oxytocin for pain management: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials and observational studies. Can J Pain 2023; 7:2191114. [PMID: 37205278 PMCID: PMC10187080 DOI: 10.1080/24740527.2023.2191114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Background There is a need for novel analgesics with favorable risk to benefit profiles. Oxytocin has recently gained attention for its potential analgesic properties. Aim The aim of this study was to perform an updated systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effect of oxytocin for pain management. Method Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Clinicaltrials.gov were searched for articles reporting on associations between oxytocin and chronic pain management from January 2012 to February 2022. Studies published before 2012 that were identified in our previous systematic review were also eligible. Risk of bias of included studies was assessed. Synthesis of results was performed using meta-analysis and narrative synthesis. Results Searches returned 2087 unique citations. In total, 14 articles were included that reported on 1504 people living with pain. Results from meta-analysis and narrative review were mixed. Meta-analysis of three studies indicated that exogenous oxytocin administration did not result in a significant reduction in pain intensity relative to placebo (N = 3; n = 95; g = 0.31; 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.10, 0.73). Narrative review provided encouraging evidence that exogenous oxytocin administration reduced pain sensitivity among individuals with back pain, abdominal pain, and migraines. Results suggested that individual difference factors (e.g., sex and chronic pain condition) may influence oxytocin-induced nociception, but the heterogeneity and limited number of studies identified precluded further investigation. Discussion There is equipoise for the benefit of oxytocin for pain management. Future studies are imperative and should undertake more precise exploration of potential confounds and mechanisms of analgesic action to clarify inconsistency in the literature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia A. Mekhael
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Jennifer E. Bent
- Division of Community Health and Humanities, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Jonathan M. Fawcett
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Tavis S. Campbell
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Aldo Aguirre-Camacho
- School of Biomedical Sciences, European University of Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychology, Cardenal Cisneros University College, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alison Farrell
- Memorial University Libraries, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Joshua A. Rash
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Jiang J, Yang M, Tian M, Chen Z, Xiao L, Gong Y. Intertwined associations between oxytocin, immune system and major depressive disorder. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 163:114852. [PMID: 37163778 PMCID: PMC10165244 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prominent psychiatric disorder with a high prevalence rate. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the already high prevalence of MDD. Unfortunately, a significant proportion of patients are unresponsive to conventional treatments, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic strategies. Oxytocin, an endogenous neuropeptide, has emerged as a promising candidate with anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. Oxytocin has been shown to alleviate emotional disorders by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the central immune system. The dysfunction of the immune system has been strongly linked to the onset and progression of depression. The central immune system is believed to be a key target of oxytocin in ameliorating emotional disorders. In this review, we examine the evidence regarding the interactions between oxytocin, the immune system, and depressive disorder. Moreover, we summarize and speculate on the potential roles of the intertwined association between oxytocin and the central immune system in treating emotional disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junliang Jiang
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Yunnan University, Kunming, China; Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Miaoxian Yang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mi Tian
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhong Chen
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.
| | - Lei Xiao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ye Gong
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Potretzke S, Zhang Y, Li J, Fecteau KM, Erikson DW, Hibert M, Ryabinin AE. Male-selective effects of oxytocin agonism on alcohol intake: behavioral assessment in socially housed prairie voles and involvement of RAGE. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:920-928. [PMID: 36369481 PMCID: PMC10156683 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01490-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Targeting the oxytocin (OXT) peptide system has emerged as a promising new approach for the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, further advancements in this development depend on properly modeling various complex social aspects of AUD and its treatment. Here we examined behavioral and molecular underpinnings of OXT receptor (OXTR) agonism in prairie voles, a rodent species with demonstrated translational validity for neurobiological mechanisms regulating social affiliations. To further improve translational validity of these studies, we examined effects of intranasal (IN) OXT administration in male and female prairie voles socially housed in the presence of untreated cagemates. IN OXT selectively inhibited alcohol drinking in male, but not female, animals. Further, we confirmed that exogenously administered OXT penetrates the prairie vole brain and showed that Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-products assists this penetration after IN, but not intraperitoneal (IP), OXT administration. Finally, we demonstrated that IP administration of LIT-001, a small-molecule OXTR agonist, inhibits alcohol intake in male, but not female, prairie voles socially housed in the presence of untreated cagemates. Taken together, results of this study support the promise of selectively targeting OXTR for individualized treatment of AUD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheena Potretzke
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Yangmiao Zhang
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Ju Li
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Kristopher M Fecteau
- Endocrine Technologies Core, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - David W Erikson
- Endocrine Technologies Core, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Marcel Hibert
- Laboratoire d'Innovation Thérapeutique, Faculté de Pharmacie, UMR7200 CNRS/Université de Strasbourg, 74 Route du Rhin, F-67412, Illkirch, France
| | - Andrey E Ryabinin
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Guoynes CD, Marler CA. Acute intranasal oxytocin dose enhances social preference for parents over peers in male but not female peri-adolescent California mice (Peromyscus californicus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 335:114230. [PMID: 36781024 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Peri-adolescence is a critical developmental stage marked by profound changes in the valence of social interactions with parents and peers. We hypothesized that the oxytocin (OXT) and vasopressin (AVP) systems, known for influencing social behavior, would be involved in the maintenance and breaking of bonding behavior expressed by very early peri-adolescent males and females. In rodents, OXT is associated with mother-pup bonding and may promote social attachment to members of the natal territory. AVP, on the other hand, can act in contrasting ways to OXT and has been associated with aggression and territoriality. Specifically, we predicted that in peri-adolescent male and female juveniles of the biparental and territorial California mouse (Peromyscus californicus), a) OXT would increase the social preferences for the parents over unfamiliar age-matched peers (one male and one female), and b) AVP would break the parent-offspring bond and either increase time in the neutral chamber and/or approach to their unfamiliar and novel peers. We examined anxiety and exploratory behavior using an elevated plus maze and a novel object task as a control. Peri-adolescent mice were administered an acute intranasal (IN) treatment of 0.5 IU/kg IN AVP, 0.5 IU/kg IN OXT, or saline control; five minutes later, the behavioral tests were conducted. As predicted, we found that IN OXT enhanced social preference for parents; however, this was only in male and not female peri-adolescent mice. IN AVP did not influence social preference in either sex. These effects appear specific to social behavior and not anxiety, as neither IN OXT nor AVP influenced behavior during the elevated plus maze or novel object tasks. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence indicating that OXT may play a role in promoting peri-adolescent social preferences for parents and delaying weaning in males.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caleigh D Guoynes
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Catherine A Marler
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Dergacheva O, Polotsky VY, Mendelowitz D. Oxytocin mediated excitation of hypoglossal motoneurons: implications for treating obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep 2023; 46:zsad009. [PMID: 36846973 PMCID: PMC10091096 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsad009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical studies have shown that oxytocin administered intranasally (IN) decreased the incidence and duration of obstructive events in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Although the mechanisms by which oxytocin promotes these beneficial effects are unknown, one possible target of oxytocin could be the excitation of tongue-projecting hypoglossal motoneurons in the medulla, that exert central control of upper airway patency. This study tested the hypothesis that IN oxytocin enhances tongue muscle activity via the excitation of hypoglossal motoneurons projecting to tongue protrudor muscles (PMNs). To test this hypothesis we performed in vivo and in vitro electrophysiological studies in C57BL6/J mice as well as fluorescent imaging studies in transgenic mice in which neurons that express oxytocin receptors co-express fluorescent protein. IN oxytocin significantly increased the amplitude of inspiratory-related tongue muscle activity. This effect was abolished by severing the medial branch of hypoglossal nerve that innervates PMNs of the tongue. Oxytocin receptor-positive neurons were more prevalent in the population of PMNs than in retractor-projecting hypoglossal motoneurons (RMNs). Oxytocin administration increased action potential firing in PMNs, but had no significant effect on firing activity in RMNs. In conclusion, IN oxytocin stimulates respiratory-relating tongue muscle activity likely acting on central hypoglossal motoneurons that provide tongue protrusion and upper airway opening. This mechanism may play a role in oxytocin-induced reductions in upper airway obstructions in patients with OSA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga Dergacheva
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Vsevolod Y Polotsky
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - David Mendelowitz
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Zhou L, Wu X, Qin S, Shi J, Yu C, Xu Z, Tian G, Zhu W, Qin J. Cell-liposome delivery system based on neuroinflammation to target the amygdala for ameliorating depressive-like behaviors. Int J Pharm 2023; 637:122724. [PMID: 36958607 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.122724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Depression is a serious psychiatric disorder with unsatisfactory outcomes due to difficulties in delivering therapeutic molecules from the periphery to the brain. Neuroinflammation plays a key role in neurobiology and the treatment of depression. Neutrophils can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and infiltrate key brain regions related to the pathophysiology of depression during neuroinflammation. N-Acetyl Pro-Gly-Pro (PGP) peptides efficiently bind to CXCR2 receptors on the surface of neutrophils. The neuropeptide oxytocin demonstrated antidepressant properties in preclinical and clinical studies, but its inability to penetrate the BBB hampers its therapeutic applications. In this study, we established a novel drug delivery system based on neutrophil infiltration in key brain regions during neuroinflammation. PGP was used to modify oxytocin-loaded liposomes (PGP-OTL) as the target ligand. Systematic administration of PGP-OTL exhibited enhanced antidepressant properties resulting from elevated oxytocin concentrations, especially in the amygdala, a crucial depression-implicated brain region. Enhanced antidepressant effects of PGP-OTL, similar to the ones caused by central oxytocin infusion, were observed in behavioral measurement including forced swim and tail suspension tests. Our study demonstrated that PGP-OTL can "hitchhike" neutrophils and enhance delivery of therapeutics into the brain, thus providing the means for developing novel cell-liposome-based drug delivery strategies for depression therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liping Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiao Wu
- National Institute on Drug Dependence & Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Sijie Qin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jing Shi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chunfeng Yu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Zhaowei Xu
- Precision Medicine Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong Province 264003, China
| | - Geng Tian
- Precision Medicine Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong Province 264003, China.
| | - Weili Zhu
- National Institute on Drug Dependence & Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence, Peking University, Beijing, China.
| | - Jing Qin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201203, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Troha R, Gowda M, Lee SLT, Markus E. Observational learning in rats: Interplay between demonstrator and observer behavior. J Neurosci Methods 2023; 388:109807. [PMID: 36731637 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2023.109807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Observational learning is a vital skill for survival. This form of learning has been seen in humans and certain non-human animals. However, the neural circuitry underlying this form of learning is still poorly understood. NEW METHOD To better understand the factors underlying successful observation in rats, we employed a task where an observer must base its behavior on that of a demonstrator rat to identify a reward location. A comparison was made of behavior during a social and non-social observation condition. RESULTS Observers oriented more, responded faster and omitted less responses in the social compared to the non-social condition. Observer performance was also linked to initial orientation, proximity, and the manner in which the demonstrator rat performed the task. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD Previous work on observational learning encompassed multiple exposures to a single solution over days or weeks. The current method provides data from multiple individual novel observational learning trials, leading to much faster and more robust social learning. This method provides a clearly defined interval in which observation must take place. Allowing for precise tracking of both the observer and demonstrator behavior during the learning period. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights observer and demonstrator interplay in successful observational learning and provides a novel method for analyzing social behavior in rodents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Troha
- University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Hou W, Huang S, Li L, Guo X, He Z, Shang S, Jia Z, Zhang L, Qu Y, Huang C, Li Y, Li Y, Lv Z, Tai F. Oxytocin treatments or activation of the paraventricular nucleus-the shell of nucleus accumbens pathway reduce adverse effects of chronic social defeat stress on emotional and social behaviors in Mandarin voles. Neuropharmacology 2023; 230:109482. [PMID: 36893984 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Chronic social stress can cause psychological disease. Although oxytocin (OT) has been showed to modulate effects of chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) on emotional and social behaviors, however, how OT circuits mediate effects of CSDS on emotional and social abnormalities remains unclear. Here, we found that repeated intraperitoneal OT administration in the process of CSDS buffered adverse effects of CSDS on emotional and social behaviors in mandarin voles (Microtus mandarinus) of both sexes except no effect on depression-like behavior of males. Repeated OT treatments during CSDS prevented decrease of oxytocin receptors in nucleus accumbens (NAc) in females, but produced no effects on males. Furthermore, using designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs)-based chemogenetic tools, we determined that the activation of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN)-the shell of NAc (NAcs) projections before social defeat during CSDS process significantly prevented the increase of the anxiety-like behaviors and social avoidance induced by CSDS in both sexes, and reversed the depressive-like behaviors induced by CSDS only in females. Besides, optogenetic activation of PVN-NAcs projections after CSDS reduced anxiety-like behaviors and increased levels of sociality. Collectively, we suggest that PVN-NAcs projections modulate emotional and social behaviors during or after the process of CSDS sex-specifically, although AAV viruses did not specifically infect OT neurons. These findings offer potential targets for preventing or treating emotional and social disorders induced by chronic stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Hou
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Shuying Huang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Lu Li
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Xing Guo
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Zhixiong He
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Shufeng Shang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China; College of Bioscience and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723000, China
| | - Ziyan Jia
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Lizi Zhang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Yishan Qu
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Caihong Huang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Yin Li
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Yitong Li
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Zijian Lv
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Fadao Tai
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Hersey M, Bacon AK, Bailey LG, Lee MR, Chen AY, Leggio L, Tanda G. Oxytocin receptors mediate oxytocin potentiation of methylphenidate-induced stimulation of accumbens dopamine in rats. J Neurochem 2023; 164:613-623. [PMID: 36420597 PMCID: PMC10766115 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
While the illicit use and misuse of stimulants like cocaine and methylphenidate (MP) has increased, there remains no FDA-approved treatments for psychostimulant use disorders (PSUD). Oxytocin (OT) has shown promise as a potential pharmacotherapy for PSUD. Dopamine (DA) neurotransmission plays a significant role in PSUD. We have recently shown that OT blunts the reinforcing effects of MP but, surprisingly, enhanced MP-induced stimulation of DA levels. Such effects have been suggested as a result of activation of OT receptors or, alternatively, could be mediated by direct actions of OT on MP blockade of the DA transporter. Here, we employed fast scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) to investigate the effects of systemic OT on MP-induced changes in the dynamics of DA, phasic release and uptake, in the nucleus accumbens shell (NAS) of Sprague-Dawley rats. We also tested the systemic effects of an antagonist of OT receptors, atosiban, to counteract the OT enhancement of dopaminergic effects of MP under microdialysis procedures in the NAS in rats. Administration of OT alone (2 mg/kg; i.p.) did not significantly modify evoked NAS DA dynamics measured by FSCV, and when administered 10 min before MP (0.1, 0.3, 1.0 mg/kg; i.v.), OT did not potentiate MP-induced increases in phasic DA release and did not alter DA clearance rate, suggesting no direct interactions of OT with the MP-induced blockade of DA uptake. Also, OT alone did not elicit significant changes in tonic, extracellular NAS DA levels measured by microdialysis. However, consistent with previous studies, we observed that OT pretreatments (2 mg/kg; i.p.) potentiated MP-induced (0.1, 0.3, 1.0 mg/kg; i.v.) efflux of extracellular NAS DA levels. This effect was abolished when rats were pretreated with atosiban (2 mg/kg; i.p.), suggesting that OT receptors mediate this OT action. Overall, our results suggest that OT receptors mediated OT potentiation of MP-induced stimulation of extracellular NAS DA levels, likely driven by modulation of DA receptor signaling pathways, without affecting MP blockade of DAT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mary R. Lee
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC
| | - Andy Y. Chen
- Medication Development Program, NIDA IRP, Baltimore, MD
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Medication Development Program, NIDA IRP, Baltimore, MD
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, NIDA/NIAAA IRP, Baltimore, MD
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Li L, Li P, Guo J, Wu Y, Zeng Q, Li N, Huang X, He Y, Ai W, Sun W, Liu T, Xiong D, Xiao L, Sun Y, Zhou Q, Kuang H, Wang Z, Jiang C. Up-regulation of oxytocin receptors on peripheral sensory neurons mediates analgesia in chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. Br J Pharmacol 2023. [PMID: 36702458 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain (CINP) currently has limited effective treatment. Although the roles of oxytocin (OXT) and the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) in central analgesia have been well documented, the expression and function of OXTR in the peripheral nervous system remain unclear. Here, we evaluated the peripheral antinociceptive profiles of OXTR in CINP. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Paclitaxel (PTX) was used to establish CINP. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry were used to observe OXTR expression in dorsal root ganglia (DRG). The antinociceptive effects of OXT were assessed by hot-plate and von Frey tests. Whole-cell patch clamp was performed to record sodium currents, excitability of DRG neurons, and excitatory synapse transmission. KEY RESULTS Expression of OXTR in DRG neurons was enhanced significantly after PTX treatment. Activation of OXTR exhibited antinociceptive effects, by decreasing the hyperexcitability of DRG neurons in PTX-treated mice. Additionally, OXTR activation up-regulated the phosphorylation of protein kinase C (pPKC) and, in turn, impaired voltage-gated sodium currents, particularly the voltage-gated sodium channel 1.7 (NaV 1.7) current, that plays an indispensable role in PTX-induced neuropathic pain. OXT suppressed excitatory transmission in the spinal dorsal horn as well as excitatory inputs from primary afferents in PTX-treated mice. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS The OXTR in small-sized DRG neurons is up-regulated in CINP and its activation relieved CINP by inhibiting the neural excitability by impairment of NaV 1.7 currents via pPKC. Our results suggest that OXTR on peripheral sensory neurons is a potential therapeutic target to relieve CINP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lixuan Li
- Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China.,Department of Pain Medicine and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Pain Medicine, The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Pupu Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shenzhen University General Hospital and Shenzhen University Academy of Clinical Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yifei Wu
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Key University Laboratory of Metabolism and Health of Guangdong, SUSTech Center for Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Qian Zeng
- Department of Pain Medicine and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Pain Medicine, The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Nan Li
- Department of Pain Medicine and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Pain Medicine, The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoting Huang
- Medical Research Center, The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yongshen He
- Medical Research Center, The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Wen Ai
- Medical Research Center, The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Wuping Sun
- Department of Pain Medicine and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Pain Medicine, The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Donglin Xiong
- Department of Pain Medicine and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Pain Medicine, The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Lizu Xiao
- Department of Pain Medicine and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Pain Medicine, The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanyan Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen University General Hospital and Shenzhen University Academy of Clinical Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiming Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Haixia Kuang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zilong Wang
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Key University Laboratory of Metabolism and Health of Guangdong, SUSTech Center for Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Changyu Jiang
- Department of Pain Medicine and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Pain Medicine, The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.,Medical Research Center, The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Tabak BA, Leng G, Szeto A, Parker KJ, Verbalis JG, Ziegler TE, Lee MR, Neumann ID, Mendez AJ. Advances in human oxytocin measurement: challenges and proposed solutions. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:127-140. [PMID: 35999276 PMCID: PMC9812775 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01719-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin, a neuropeptide known for its role in reproduction and socioemotional processes, may hold promise as a therapeutic agent in treating social impairments in patient populations. However, research has yet to uncover precisely how to manipulate this system for clinical benefit. Moreover, inconsistent use of standardized and validated oxytocin measurement methodologies-including the design and study of hormone secretion and biochemical assays-present unresolved challenges. Human studies measuring peripheral (i.e., in plasma, saliva, or urine) or central (i.e., in cerebrospinal fluid) oxytocin concentrations have involved very diverse methods, including the use of different assay techniques, further compounding this problem. In the present review, we describe the scientific value in measuring human endogenous oxytocin concentrations, common issues in biochemical analysis and study design that researchers face when doing so, and our recommendations for improving studies using valid and reliable methodologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin A Tabak
- Department of Psychology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Gareth Leng
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Angela Szeto
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Karen J Parker
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Joseph G Verbalis
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Toni E Ziegler
- Assay Services Unit and Institute for Clinical and Translational Research Core Laboratory, National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Mary R Lee
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Inga D Neumann
- Department of Behaviour and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Armando J Mendez
- Diabetes Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Černotová D, Hrůzová K, Levčík D, Svoboda J, Stuchlík A. Linking Social Cognition, Parvalbumin Interneurons, and Oxytocin in Alzheimer's Disease: An Update. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 96:861-875. [PMID: 37980658 PMCID: PMC10741376 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Finding a cure for Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been notoriously challenging for many decades. Therefore, the current focus is mainly on prevention, timely intervention, and slowing the progression in the earliest stages. A better understanding of underlying mechanisms at the beginning of the disease could aid in early diagnosis and intervention, including alleviating symptoms or slowing down the disease progression. Changes in social cognition and progressive parvalbumin (PV) interneuron dysfunction are among the earliest observable effects of AD. Various AD rodent models mimic these early alterations, but only a narrow field of study has considered their mutual relationship. In this review, we discuss current knowledge about PV interneuron dysfunction in AD and emphasize their importance in social cognition and memory. Next, we propose oxytocin (OT) as a potent modulator of PV interneurons and as a promising treatment for managing some of the early symptoms. We further discuss the supporting evidence on its beneficial effects on AD-related pathology. Clinical trials have employed the use of OT in various neuropsychiatric diseases with promising results, but little is known about its prospective impacts on AD. On the other hand, the modulatory effects of OT in specific structures and local circuits need to be clarified in future studies. This review highlights the connection between PV interneurons and social cognition impairment in the early stages of AD and considers OT as a promising therapeutic agent for addressing these early deficits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Černotová
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of Memory, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Karolína Hrůzová
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of Memory, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - David Levčík
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of Memory, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Svoboda
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of Memory, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Aleš Stuchlík
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of Memory, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Coccia G, La Greca F, Di Luca M, Scheggia D. Dissecting social decision-making: A spotlight on oxytocinergic transmission. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1061934. [PMID: 36618824 PMCID: PMC9813388 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1061934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Social decision-making requires the ability to balance both the interests of the self and the interests of others to survive in social environments. Empathy is essential to the regulation of this type of interaction, and it often sustains relevant prosocial behaviors such as altruism and helping behavior. In the last decade, our capacity to assess affective and empathy-like behaviors in rodents has expanded our understanding of the neurobiological substrates that underly social decision-making processes such as prosocial behaviors. Within this context, oxytocinergic transmission is profoundly implicated in modulating some of the major components of social decision-making. Thus, this review will present evidence of the association between oxytocin and empathy-like and prosocial behaviors in nonhuman animals. Then, we will dissect the involvement of oxytocinergic transmission-across different brain regions and pathways-in some of the key elements of social decision-making such as emotional discrimination, social recognition, emotional contagion, social dominance, and social memory. Evidence of the modulatory role of oxytocin on social decision-making has raised considerable interest in its clinical relevance, therefore we will also discuss the controversial findings on intranasal oxytocin administration.
Collapse
|
30
|
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'.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Leng G, Leng RI, Ludwig M. Oxytocin—a social peptide? Deconstructing the evidence. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210055. [PMID: 35858110 PMCID: PMC9272144 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we analyse the claim that oxytocin is a ‘social neuropeptide’. This claim originated from evidence that oxytocin was instrumental in the initiation of maternal behaviour and it was extended to become the claim that oxytocin has a key role in promoting social interactions between individuals. We begin by considering the structure of the scientific literature on this topic, identifying closely interconnected clusters of papers on particular themes. We then analyse this claim by considering evidence of four types as generated by these clusters: (i) mechanistic studies in animal models, designed to understand the pathways involved in the behavioural effects of centrally administered oxytocin; (ii) evidence from observational studies indicating an association between oxytocin signalling pathways and social behaviour; (iii) evidence from intervention studies, mainly involving intranasal oxytocin administration; and (iv) evidence from translational studies of patients with disorders of social behaviour. We then critically analyse the most highly cited papers in each segment of the evidence; we conclude that, if these represent the best evidence, then the evidence for the claim is weak. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Interplays between oxytocin and other neuromodulators in shaping complex social behaviours’.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gareth Leng
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, 15 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Rhodri I. Leng
- Department of Science, Technology and Innovation Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mike Ludwig
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, 15 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Polk R, Horta M, Lin T, Porges E, Ojeda M, Nazarloo HP, Carter CS, Ebner NC. Evaluating the neuropeptide-social cognition link in ageing: the mediating role of basic cognitive skills. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210048. [PMID: 35858076 PMCID: PMC9274329 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The roles of oxytocin (OT) and arginine-vasopressin (AVP) as crucial modulators of social cognition and related behaviours have been extensively addressed in the literature. The involvement of these neuropeptides in social cognition in ageing, however, and a potential mediating effect of basic cognitive capacities on this link, are not well understood. To fill these research gaps, this study assessed associations of plasma OT and AVP levels with dynamic emotion identification accuracy in generally healthy older men (aged 55-95 years) and probed the underlying roles of crystallized and fluid cognition in these associations. Higher plasma OT levels were associated with lower accuracy in dynamic emotion identification, with this negative relationship fully mediated by cognition. For plasma AVP levels, in contrast, there was no association with dynamic emotion identification accuracy. Integrated within existing theoretical accounts, results from this study advance understanding of the neuropeptide-social cognition link in ageing and support basic cognitive capacities as mediators in this association. This article is part of the theme issue 'Interplays between oxytocin and other neuromodulators in shaping complex social behaviours'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Polk
- Department of Psychology, College of Public Health and Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Marilyn Horta
- Department of Psychology, College of Public Health and Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Tian Lin
- Department of Psychology, College of Public Health and Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Eric Porges
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, College of Public Health and Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Marite Ojeda
- Department of Psychology, College of Public Health and Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Hans P. Nazarloo
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - C. Sue Carter
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Natalie C. Ebner
- Department of Psychology, College of Public Health and Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, Institute on Aging, College of Public Health and Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Khazen T, Narattil NR, Ferreira G, Maroun M. Hippocampal oxytocin is involved in spatial memory and synaptic plasticity deficits following acute high-fat diet intake in juvenile rats. Cereb Cortex 2022; 33:3934-3943. [PMID: 35989314 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The hippocampus undergoes maturation during juvenility, a period of increased vulnerability to environmental challenges. We recently found that acute high-fat diet (HFD) impaired hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) and hippocampal-dependent spatial memory. We also recently reported that similar HFD exposure affected prefrontal plasticity and social memory through decreased oxytocin levels in the prefrontal cortex. In the present study, we therefore evaluated whether hippocampal oxytocin levels are also affected by juvenile HFD and could mediate deficits of hippocampal LTP and spatial memory. We found that postweaning HFD decreased oxytocin levels in the CA1 of the dorsal hippocampus. Interestingly, systemic injection of high, but not low, dose of oxytocin rescued HFD-induced LTP impairment in CA1. Moreover, deficits in long-term object location memory (OLM) were prevented by systemic injection of both high and low dose of oxytocin as well as by intra-CA1 infusion of oxytocin receptor agonist. Finally, we found that blocking oxytocin receptors in CA1 impaired long-term OLM in control-fed juvenile rats. These results suggest that acute HFD intake lowers oxytocin levels in the CA1 that lead to CA1 plasticity impairment and spatial memory deficits in juveniles. Further, these results provide the first evidence for the regulatory role of oxytocin in spatial memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tala Khazen
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, and The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Nisha Rajan Narattil
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, and The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Guillaume Ferreira
- University of Bordeaux, INRAE, Nutrition and Integrative Neurobiology, UMR 1286, Bordeaux, 33076, France
| | - Mouna Maroun
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, and The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Oxytocin-based therapies for treatment of Prader-Willi and Schaaf-Yang syndromes: evidence, disappointments, and future research strategies. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:318. [PMID: 35941105 PMCID: PMC9360032 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02054-1] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The prosocial neuropeptide oxytocin is being developed as a potential treatment for various neuropsychiatric disorders including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Early studies using intranasal oxytocin in patients with ASD yielded encouraging results and for some time, scientists and affected families placed high hopes on the use of intranasal oxytocin for behavioral therapy in ASD. However, a recent Phase III trial obtained negative results using intranasal oxytocin for the treatment of behavioral symptoms in children with ASD. Given the frequently observed autism-like behavioral phenotypes in Prader-Willi and Schaaf-Yang syndromes, it is unclear whether oxytocin treatment represents a viable option to treat behavioral symptoms in these diseases. Here we review the latest findings on intranasal OT treatment, Prader-Willi and Schaaf-Yang syndromes, and propose novel research strategies for tailored oxytocin-based therapies for affected individuals. Finally, we propose the critical period theory, which could explain why oxytocin-based treatment seems to be most efficient in infants, but not adolescents.
Collapse
|
35
|
Vizeli P, Straumann I, Duthaler U, Varghese N, Eckert A, Paulus MP, Risbrough V, Liechti ME. Effects of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine on Conditioned Fear Extinction and Retention in a Crossover Study in Healthy Subjects. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:906639. [PMID: 35910354 PMCID: PMC9326355 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.906639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) has shown initial promise as an adjunct in psychotherapy to treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Its efficacy and safety have been demonstrated across phase I-III studies. However, the mechanism underlying the potential utility of MDMA to treat PTSD in humans has not yet been thoroughly investigated. Preliminary evidence suggests that MDMA may facilitate fear extinction recall, which may be through the release of oxytocin. To test this hypothesis, we examined the efficacy of acute MDMA treatment to enhance fear extinction learning and recall. Methods: We used a two-period, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover design in 30 healthy male subjects who received a placebo and a single dose of MDMA (125 mg). Fear extinction was tested using two separate Pavlovian fear conditioning paradigms, one using skin conductance response (SCR), and the other fear-potentiated startle (FPS) to conditioned cues. MDMA treatment occurred after fear conditioning and 2 h before extinction learning. Extinction recall was tested 23 h after MDMA intake. Additional outcome measures included subjective effects, emotion recognition tasks, plasma levels of oxytocin, and pharmacokinetics. Results: Fear conditioning and extinction learning were successful in both fear extinction paradigms (generalized eta-squared [ges] for SCR: 0.08; FPS: 0.07). Compared to placebo treatment, MDMA treatment significantly reduced SCRs to the reinforced conditioned stimulus (CS+) during extinction learning (ges = 0.03) and recall (ges = 0.06). Intensity of the subjective effects of MDMA (good effect, trust, and openness) during extinction learning negatively correlated with the discrimination between CS+ and the safety stimulus (CS-) during recall. MDMA did not influence FPS to conditioned cues. Oxytocin concentration was increased fourfold on average by MDMA during acute effects but was not associated with fear extinction outcomes. Conclusions: MDMA treatment facilitated rapid fear extinction and retention of extinction as measured by SCR to fear cues, in line with animal studies of MDMA facilitation of extinction. However, this effect may be limited to certain forms of learned fear responses, as it was not observed in the extinction model using startle reactivity as the outcome. This study provides further evidence for the facilitation of extinction with MDMA treatment and suggests this may be a component of its efficacy when paired with psychotherapy. Clinical Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03527316.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Vizeli
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Patrick Vizeli, ; Matthias E. Liechti,
| | - Isabelle Straumann
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Urs Duthaler
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nimmy Varghese
- Psychiatric University Hospital, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland,Transfaculty Research Platform Molecular and Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anne Eckert
- Psychiatric University Hospital, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland,Transfaculty Research Platform Molecular and Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Victoria Risbrough
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States,Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Matthias E. Liechti
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland,*Correspondence: Patrick Vizeli, ; Matthias E. Liechti,
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Higashida H, Furuhara K, Lopatina O, Gerasimenko M, Hori O, Hattori T, Hayashi Y, Cherepanov SM, Shabalova AA, Salmina AB, Minami K, Yuhi T, Tsuji C, Fu P, Liu Z, Luo S, Zhang A, Yokoyama S, Shuto S, Watanabe M, Fujiwara K, Munesue SI, Harashima A, Yamamoto Y. Oxytocin Dynamics in the Body and Brain Regulated by the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-Products, CD38, CD157, and Nicotinamide Riboside. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:858070. [PMID: 35873827 PMCID: PMC9301327 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.858070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigating the neurocircuit and synaptic sites of action of oxytocin (OT) in the brain is critical to the role of OT in social memory and behavior. To the same degree, it is important to understand how OT is transported to the brain from the peripheral circulation. To date, of these, many studies provide evidence that CD38, CD157, and receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) act as regulators of OT concentrations in the brain and blood. It has been shown that RAGE facilitates the uptake of OT in mother’s milk from the digestive tract to the cell surface of intestinal epithelial cells to the body fluid and subsequently into circulation in male mice. RAGE has been shown to recruit circulatory OT into the brain from blood at the endothelial cell surface of neurovascular units. Therefore, it can be said that extracellular OT concentrations in the brain (hypothalamus) could be determined by the transport of OT by RAGE from the circulation and release of OT from oxytocinergic neurons by CD38 and CD157 in mice. In addition, it has recently been found that gavage application of a precursor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, nicotinamide riboside, for 12 days can increase brain OT in mice. Here, we review the evaluation of the new concept that RAGE is involved in the regulation of OT dynamics at the interface between the brain, blood, and intestine in the living body, mainly by summarizing our recent results due to the limited number of publications on related topics. And we also review other possible routes of OT recruitment to the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haruhiro Higashida
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- Laboratory of Social Brain Study, Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Professor V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
- *Correspondence: Haruhiro Higashida,
| | - Kazumi Furuhara
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Olga Lopatina
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- Laboratory of Social Brain Study, Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Professor V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Maria Gerasimenko
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Osamu Hori
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Hattori
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Hayashi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kanazawa Medical University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Stanislav M. Cherepanov
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Anna A. Shabalova
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Alla B. Salmina
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- Laboratory of Social Brain Study, Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Professor V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Kana Minami
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Teruko Yuhi
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Chiharu Tsuji
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - PinYue Fu
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Zhongyu Liu
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Shuxin Luo
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Anpei Zhang
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Shigeru Yokoyama
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Satoshi Shuto
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Research and Education on Drug Discovery, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Mizuki Watanabe
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Research and Education on Drug Discovery, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Koichi Fujiwara
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Research and Education on Drug Discovery, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Sei-ichi Munesue
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Vascular Biology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Ai Harashima
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Vascular Biology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Yamamoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Vascular Biology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Finton CJ, Ophir AG. Developmental exposure to intranasal vasopressin impacts adult prairie vole spatial memory. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 141:105750. [PMID: 35397260 PMCID: PMC9149121 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Spatial memory is critical for many tasks necessary for survival (i.e., locating mates and food resources). The two mammalian nonapeptides arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) are mechanistically important in modulating memory ability, albeit in contrasting ways. In general, AVP facilitates memory consolidation and retrieval while OT is an amnesic. Although AVP and OT are known to have these memory effects, past work has focused on their impact in social memory with little research on their effects on spatial memory. In this experiment, we tested the impact of AVP and OT on spatial memory as determined by performance in the Morris water maze (MWM). We administered doses of AVP, OT, or saline (a control) intranasally to male prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), a species whose spatial memory is hypothesized to impact their mating tactics. We also investigated if acute doses (given immediately prior to the memory trial in the MWM) and chronic doses (given daily during adolescence) had differing impacts on spatial cognition. We found that chronic intranasal administration of AVP during post-wean development improved spatial memory performance. In contrast, both chronic and acute administration of OT and acute administration of AVP had no impact on spatial memory. These results together suggest that 1) chronic exposure to AVP has organizational effects on spatial memory in the prairie vole, and 2) acute administration of nonapeptides does not impact the retrieval of spatial memories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlyn J Finton
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Alexander G Ophir
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Freeman H, Scholl JL, AnisAbdellatif M, Forster GL, Jacob S, Kaflay S, Bam R, Do T, Gnimpieba EZ. Experimental data exploring the effects of intranasal oxytocin on young adult social preference and attachment to romantic partners, parents, friends, and strangers. Data Brief 2022; 42:108283. [PMID: 35656124 PMCID: PMC9151734 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2022.108283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental studies exploring the effects of intranasal oxytocin are typically underpowered due to small samples. Open access to experimental data and procedures and the use of previously employed measures is critical to building more robust and replicable findings, especially in less studied areas of oxytocin research. In this paper, data is provided from a double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study exploring the effects of intranasal oxytocin (IN—OT: 24 IU) on social preference to romantic partners, parents, peers, and strangers. Young adults (N = 44; 91% female) in committed dating relationships completed three phases of data collection including a screening survey followed by two cmd kwdnextpage ?>laboratory visits. In addition to romantic partner-, and stranger attraction ratings, the data is the first to provide comparisons between attachment and social preference ratings to parents, close friends, and romantic partners under placebo and IN—OT conditions. The data also include differences by situational and life history factors known to moderate oxytocin effects. The detailed protocol, and dataflow can be accessed to verify the analysis and findings or to conduct a replication study. The standardized experimental design and common IN—OT protocol add to the capacity for a meta-analysis exploring oxytocin effects on partner preference and may also be directly ported to existing or future studies with related questions to increase sample size and power.
Collapse
|
39
|
Triki Z, Daughters K, De Dreu CKW. Oxytocin has 'tend-and-defend' functionality in group conflict across social vertebrates. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210137. [PMID: 35369742 PMCID: PMC8977669 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Across vertebrate species, intergroup conflict confronts individuals with a tension between group interests best served by participation in conflict and personal interest best served by not participating. Here, we identify the neurohormone oxytocin as pivotal to the neurobiological regulation of this tension in distinctly different group-living vertebrates, including fishes, birds, rodents, non-human primates and humans. In the context of intergroup conflict, a review of emerging work on pro-sociality suggests that oxytocin and its fish and birds homologues, isotocin and mesotocin, respectively, can elicit participation in group conflict and aggression. This is because it amplifies (i) concern for the interests of genetically related or culturally similar ‘in-group’ others and (ii) willingness to defend against outside intruders and enemy conspecifics. Across a range of social vertebrates, oxytocin can induce aggressive behaviour to ‘tend-and-defend’ the in-group during intergroup contests. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Intergroup conflict across taxa’.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zegni Triki
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Carsten K W De Dreu
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Center for Research in Experimental Economics and Political Decision Making, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Guoynes CD, Marler CA. Intranasal oxytocin reduces pre-courtship aggression and increases paternal response in California mice (Peromyscus californicus). Physiol Behav 2022; 249:113773. [PMID: 35248556 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) is a neuropeptide that can facilitate prosocial behavior and decrease social stress and anxiety but can also increase aggression in some contexts. We investigated whether acute pulses of intranasal (IN) OXT influenced social behavior during social challenges that are likely to occur throughout the lifespan of a wild mouse. To test this, we examined the acute effects of IN OXT in the male California mouse (Peromyscus californicus), a monogamous, biparental, and territorial rodent, using a within-subjects longitudinal design. Social challenges included a pre-courtship male-female encounter conducted during the (1) initial aggressive and not the following affiliative phase of courtship, (2) same-sex resident intruder test, and (3) parental care test. Consecutive tests and doses were separated by at least two weeks. Males were treated with intranasal infusions of 0.8 IU/kg OXT or saline controls 5-min before each behavioral test, receiving a total of three treatments of either IN OXT or saline control. We predicted that IN OXT would 1) decrease aggression and increase affiliation during the pre-courtship aggression phase, 2) increase aggression during resident intruder paradigms, and 3) increase paternal care and vocalizations during a paternal care test. As predicted, during pre-courtship aggression with a novel female, IN OXT males displayed less contact aggression than control males, although with no change in affiliative behavior. However, post-pairing, during the resident intruder test, IN OXT males did not differ from control males in contact aggression. During the paternal care test, IN OXT males were quicker to approach their pups than control males but did not differ in vocalizations produced, unlike our previous research demonstrating an effect on vocalizations in females. In summary, during pre-courtship aggression and the paternal care test, IN OXT reduced antisocial behavior; however, during the resident intruder test, IN OXT did not alter antisocial behavior. These data suggest that IN OXT promotes prosocial behavior specifically in social contexts that can lead to affiliation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caleigh D Guoynes
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison - Madison, 1202 W Johnson Street, Madison, WI, 53703 USA.
| | - Catherine A Marler
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison - Madison, 1202 W Johnson Street, Madison, WI, 53703 USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Lindenmaier Z, Ellegood J, Stuive M, Easson K, Yee Y, Fernandes D, Foster J, Anagnostou E, Lerch JP. Examining the effect of chronic intranasal oxytocin administration on the neuroanatomy and behavior of three autism-related mouse models. Neuroimage 2022; 257:119243. [PMID: 35508216 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.119243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Although initially showing great potential, oxytocin treatment has encountered a translational hurdle in its promise of treating the social deficits of autism. Some debate surrounds the ability of oxytocin to successfully enter the brain, and therefore modify neuroanatomy. Moreover, given the heterogeneous nature of autism, treatment will only amerliorate symptoms in a subset of patients. Therefore, to determine whether oxytocin changes brain circuitry, and whether it does so variably, depending on genotype, we implemented a large randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled, preclinical study on chronic intranasal oxytocin treatment in three different mouse models related to autism with a focus on using neuroanatomical phenotypes to assess and subset treatment response. Intranasal oxytocin (0.6IU) was administered daily, for 28 days, starting at 5 weeks of age to the 16p11.2 deletion, Shank3 (exon 4-9) knockout, and Fmr1 knockout mouse models. Given the sensitivity of structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to the neurological effects of interventions like drugs, along with many other advantages, the mice underwent in vivo longitudinal and high-resolution ex vivo imaging with MRI. The scans included three in vivo T1weighted, 90um isotropic resolution scans and a T2-weighted, 3D fast spin echo with 40um isotropic resolution ex vivo scan to assess the changes in neuroanatomy using established automated image registration and deformation based morphometry approaches in response to oxytocin treatment. The behavior of the mice was assessed in multiple domains, including social behaviours and repetitive behaviours, among others. Treatment effect on the neuroanatomy did not reach significance, although the pattern of trending effects was promising. No significant effect of treatment was found on social behavior in any of the strains, although a significant effect of treatment was found in the Fmr1 mouse, with treatment normalizing a grooming deficit. No other treatment effect on behavior was observed that survived multiple comparisons correction. Overall, chronic treatment with oxytocin had limited effects on the three mouse models related to autism, and no promising pattern of response susceptibility emerged.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zsuzsa Lindenmaier
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Jacob Ellegood
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Monique Stuive
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kaitlyn Easson
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yohan Yee
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Darren Fernandes
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jane Foster
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, St.Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Autism Research Center, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jason P Lerch
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Wellcome Centre for Integrative NeuroImaging, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Species differences in the effect of oxytocin on maternal behavior: A model incorporating the potential for allomaternal contributions. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 65:100996. [PMID: 35429546 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.100996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin has historically been linked to processes involved with maternal behavior. However, the relative importance of oxytocin for maternal behavior widely varies among mammalian species, from indispensable to apparently nonessential. This review proposes a new model in which the relative importance of oxytocin for mothering across species is explained by an evolutionary pressure which we term "allomaternal potential", or the degree to which other conspecifics are capable and likely to assist with caregiving. It is notable that in animals where allomaternal potential is high (i.e., many quality helpers are available), oxytocin is decoupled from mothering. However, in animals where allomaternal potential is low (i.e., conspecifics refuse to, or do not provide, quality help), oxytocin is crucial for mothering. We posit that this relationship is a form of kin selection, whereby oxytocin is a signal that leads mothers to preferentially dispense resources to their own young when quality helpers are unlikely.
Collapse
|
43
|
Zagrean AM, Georgescu IA, Iesanu MI, Ionescu RB, Haret RM, Panaitescu AM, Zagrean L. Oxytocin and vasopressin in the hippocampus. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2022; 118:83-127. [PMID: 35180939 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) and vasopressin (AVP) are related neuropeptides that exert a wide range of effects on general health, homeostasis, development, reproduction, adaptability, cognition, social and nonsocial behaviors. The two peptides are mainly of hypothalamic origin and execute their peripheral and central physiological roles via OXT and AVP receptors, which are members of the G protein-coupled receptor family. These receptors, largely distributed in the body, are abundantly expressed in the hippocampus, a brain region particularly vulnerable to stress exposure and various lesions. OXT and AVP have important roles in the hippocampus, by modulating important processes like neuronal excitability, network oscillatory activity, synaptic plasticity, and social recognition memory. This chapter includes an overview regarding OXT and AVP structure, synthesis, receptor distribution, and functions, focusing on their relationship with the hippocampus and mechanisms by which they influence hippocampal activity. Brief information regarding hippocampal structure and susceptibility to lesions is also provided. The roles of OXT and AVP in neurodevelopment and adult central nervous system function and disorders are highlighted, discussing their potential use as targeted therapeutic tools in neuropsychiatric diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Maria Zagrean
- Division of Physiology and Neuroscience, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Ioana-Antoaneta Georgescu
- Division of Physiology and Neuroscience, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mara Ioana Iesanu
- Division of Physiology and Neuroscience, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Rosana-Bristena Ionescu
- Division of Physiology and Neuroscience, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania; Department of Clinical Neurosciences and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Mihai Haret
- Division of Physiology and Neuroscience, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Maria Panaitescu
- Filantropia Clinical Hospital Bucharest, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Leon Zagrean
- Division of Physiology and Neuroscience, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Wigton R, Tracy DK, Verneuil TM, Johns M, White T, Michalopoulou PG, Averbeck B, Shergill S. The importance of pro-social processing, and ameliorating dysfunction in schizophrenia. An FMRI study of oxytocin. Schizophr Res Cogn 2022; 27:100221. [PMID: 34660212 PMCID: PMC8503903 DOI: 10.1016/j.scog.2021.100221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is often a severe and debilitating mental illness, frequently associated with impairments in social cognition that hinder individuals' abilities to relate to others and integrate effectively in society. Oxytocin has emerged as a putative therapeutic agent for treating social deficits in schizophrenia, but the mode of action remains unclear. This placebo-controlled crossover study aimed to elucidate the neural underpinnings of oxytocin administration in patients with schizophrenia. 20 patients with schizophrenia were examined using functional magnetic resonance imaging under oxytocin (40 IU) or placebo nasal spray. Participants performed a stochastically rewarded decision-making task that incorporated elements of social valence provided by different facial expressions, i.e. happy, angry and neutral. Oxytocin attenuated the normal bias in selecting the happy face accompanied by reduced activation in a network of brain regions that support mentalising, processing of facial emotion, salience, aversion, uncertainty and ambiguity in social stimuli, including amygdala, temporo-parietal junction, posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus and insula. These pro-social effects may contribute to the facilitation of social engagement and social interactions in patients with schizophrenia and warrant further investigation in future clinical trials for social cognitive impairments in schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah Wigton
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Cognition and Schizophrenia Imaging Lab, De Crespigny Park Rd., Denmark Hill SE5 8AF, UK
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA, USA
| | - Derek K. Tracy
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Cognition and Schizophrenia Imaging Lab, De Crespigny Park Rd., Denmark Hill SE5 8AF, UK
- West London NHS Trust, London, UK
- Corresponding author at: West London NHS Trust, 1 Armstrong Way, Southall, London UB2 4SD, UK.
| | - Tess M. Verneuil
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Cognition and Schizophrenia Imaging Lab, De Crespigny Park Rd., Denmark Hill SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Michaela Johns
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Cognition and Schizophrenia Imaging Lab, De Crespigny Park Rd., Denmark Hill SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Thomas White
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Cognition and Schizophrenia Imaging Lab, De Crespigny Park Rd., Denmark Hill SE5 8AF, UK
- Computational Cognitive Neuroimaging Group, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Panayiota G. Michalopoulou
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Cognition and Schizophrenia Imaging Lab, De Crespigny Park Rd., Denmark Hill SE5 8AF, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Bruno Averbeck
- Unit on Learning and Decision Making, Laboratory of Neuropsychology, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sukhwinder Shergill
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Cognition and Schizophrenia Imaging Lab, De Crespigny Park Rd., Denmark Hill SE5 8AF, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Quintana DS. Towards better hypothesis tests in oxytocin research: Evaluating the validity of auxiliary assumptions. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 137:105642. [PMID: 34991063 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Various factors have been attributed to the inconsistent reproducibility of human oxytocin research in the cognitive and behavioral sciences. These factors include small sample sizes, a lack of pre-registered studies, and the absence of overarching theoretical frameworks that can account for oxytocin's effects over a broad range of contexts. While there have been efforts to remedy these issues, there has been very little systematic scrutiny of the role of auxiliary assumptions, which are claims that are not central for testing a hypothesis but nonetheless critical for testing theories. For instance, the hypothesis that oxytocin increases the salience of social cues is predicated on the assumption that intranasally administered oxytocin increases oxytocin levels in the brain. Without robust auxiliary assumptions, it is unclear whether a hypothesis testing failure is due to an incorrect hypothesis or poorly supported auxiliary assumptions. Consequently, poorly supported auxiliary assumptions can be blamed for hypothesis failure, thereby safeguarding theories from falsification. In this article, I will evaluate the body of evidence for key auxiliary assumptions in human behavioral oxytocin research in terms of theory, experimental design, and statistical inference, and highlight assumptions that require stronger evidence. Strong auxiliary assumptions will leave hypotheses vulnerable for falsification, which will improve hypothesis testing and consequently advance our understanding of oxytocin's role in cognition and behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S Quintana
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; NevSom, Department of Rare Disorders, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; KG Jebsen Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Ryabinin AE, Zhang Y. Barriers and Breakthroughs in Targeting the Oxytocin System to Treat Alcohol Use Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:842609. [PMID: 35295777 PMCID: PMC8919088 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.842609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of better treatments for alcohol use disorder (AUD) is urgently needed. One promising opportunity for this development is the potential of targeting the oxytocin peptide system. Preclinical studies showed that administration of exogenous oxytocin or, more recently, stimulation of neurons expressing endogenous oxytocin lead to a decreased alcohol consumption across several rodent models. Initial clinical studies also showed that administration of oxytocin decreased craving for alcohol and heavy alcohol drinking. However, several more recent clinical studies were not able to replicate these effects. Thus, although targeting the oxytocin system holds promise for the treatment of AUD, more nuanced approaches toward development and application of these treatments are needed. In this mini-review we discuss potential caveats resulting in differential success of attempts to use oxytocin for modulating alcohol use disorder-related behaviors in clinical studies and evaluate three directions in which targeting the oxytocin system could be improved: (1) increasing potency of exogenously administered oxytocin, (2) developing oxytocin receptor agonists, and (3) stimulating components of the endogenous oxytocin system. Both advances and potential pitfalls of these directions are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrey E. Ryabinin
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Sucrose intake by rats affected by both intraperitoneal oxytocin administration and time of day. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:429-442. [PMID: 34731267 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-06014-3] [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: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Daily limited access to palatable food or drink at a fixed time is commonly used in rodent models of bingeing. Under these conditions, entrainment may modulate intake patterns. Oxytocin is involved in circadian patterns of intake and, when administered peripherally, reduces sucrose intake. However, oxytocin's effects on intake under limited-access conditions and its potential interaction with entrainment have not been explored. OBJECTIVES This study examined the role of entrainment on intake patterns, oxytocin's effects on sucrose intakes and locomotor activity and whether oxytocin's effects were mediated by its actions at the oxytocin receptor. METHODS Sated rats received daily 1-h access to 10% sucrose solution either at a fixed or varied time of day. Rats received intraperitoneal oxytocin (0 mg/kg, 0.3 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, 3 mg/kg) prior to sucrose access, and spontaneous locomotor activity was assessed in an open-field test. Rats were then pre-treated with an oxytocin receptor antagonist, L368,899, prior to oxytocin before sucrose access. RESULTS Intake patterns did not differ between fixed- or varied-time presentations; rats consumed more sucrose solution in the middle as opposed to the early-dark phase. Oxytocin dose-dependently reduced sucrose intakes, but also reduced locomotor activity. There was some evidence of partial blockade of oxytocin-induced sucrose intake reductions by L368,899, but the results were unclear. CONCLUSIONS Time of day and oxytocin impact sucrose solution intake under daily limited access in rats and the sedative-like effects of oxytocin should be considered in future studies on oxytocin and food intake.
Collapse
|
48
|
Reinhard MA, Padberg F, Dewald-Kaufmann J, Wüstenberg T, Goerigk S, Barton BB, Zülch A, Brandl L, Windmüller H, Fernandes F, Brunoni AR, Musil R, Jobst A. Sequential Social Exclusion in a Novel Cyberball Paradigm Leads to Reduced Behavioral Repair and Plasma Oxytocin in Borderline Personality Disorder. J Pers Disord 2022; 36:99-115. [PMID: 34427490 DOI: 10.1521/pedi_2021_35_532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) show interpersonal deficits, and altered emotional and oxytocin (OT) responses to social exclusion (Cyberball). In order to extend previous findings, this study applies a novel Cyberball variant. Nineteen BPD patients and 56 healthy controls (HC) played Cyberball for 2 minutes of inclusion, 5 minutes of partial exclusion by one of two co-players, and 2 minutes total exclusion by both. Plasma OT levels at baseline and after 7, 9, 15, and 40 minutes were measured with radioimmunoassay. BPD patients showed a greater aversive reaction and a trend for greater OT reduction after social exclusion than HC. BPD patients also tended to play less frequently with the excluder. Though limited by our sample size, we partially replicate previous findings. Our preliminary behavioral data support the notion of an altered OT regulation and reduced capacity for social cooperation in BPD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias A Reinhard
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Frank Padberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Dewald-Kaufmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany.,Hochschule Fresenius, University of Applied Sciences, Munich, Germany
| | - Torsten Wüstenberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Campus Mitte, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephan Goerigk
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Barbara B Barton
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Adima Zülch
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Lisa Brandl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Hannah Windmüller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Fabiana Fernandes
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Andre R Brunoni
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo & Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Biomarkers in Psychiatry and Laboratory of Neurosciences (LIM-27), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Richard Musil
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Andrea Jobst
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Effects of Intranasal Administration of Oxytocin and Vasopressin on Social Cognition and Potential Routes and Mechanisms of Action. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14020323. [PMID: 35214056 PMCID: PMC8874551 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute and chronic administration of intranasal oxytocin and vasopressin have been extensively utilized in both animal models and human preclinical and clinical studies over the last few decades to modulate various aspects of social cognition and their underlying neural mechanisms, although effects are not always consistent. The use of an intranasal route of administration is largely driven by evidence that it permits neuropeptides to penetrate directly into the brain by circumventing the blood–brain barrier, which has been considered relatively impermeable to them. However, this interpretation has been the subject of considerable debate. In this review, we will focus on research in both animal models and humans, which investigates the different potential routes via which these intranasally administered neuropeptides may be producing their various effects on social cognition. We will also consider the contribution of different methods of intranasal application and additionally the importance of dose magnitude and frequency for influencing G protein-coupled receptor signaling and subsequent functional outcomes. Overall, we conclude that while some functional effects of intranasal oxytocin and vasopressin in the domain of social cognition may result from direct penetration into the brain following intranasal administration, others may be contributed by the neuropeptides either entering the peripheral circulation and crossing the blood–brain barrier and/or producing vagal stimulation via peripheral receptors. Furthermore, to complicate matters, functional effects via these routes may differ, and both dose magnitude and frequency can produce very different functional outcomes and therefore need to be optimized to produce desired effects.
Collapse
|
50
|
Social Stimulation by the Owner Increases Dogs’ (Canis familiaris) Social Susceptibility in a Food Choice Task—The Possible Effect of Endogenous Oxytocin Release. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12030296. [PMID: 35158620 PMCID: PMC8833464 DOI: 10.3390/ani12030296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests a human-like susceptibility to social influence in dogs. For example, dogs tend to ignore their ‘natural’ preference for the larger amount of food after having seen a human’s explicit preference for a smaller quantity. However, it is still unclear whether this tendency to conform to the partner’s behaviour can be influenced by social stimuli and/or the neurohormone oxytocin as primers to prosocial predispositions. In Experiment I, eighty two dogs were tested using Prato-Previde et al.’s food quantity preference task. In Experiment I, we investigated in a 2 × 2 design how (i) a 10-minute-long social stimulation by the owner versus a socially ignoring pre-treatment as well as (ii) on-line ostensive communications versus no communication during task demonstration affect dogs’ (N = 82) choices in the abovementioned food choice task. Results indicate that the owners’ pre-treatment with social stimuli (eye contact, petting) increased dogs’ susceptibility to the experimenter’s food preference, but the salient ostensive addressing signals accompanying human demonstration masked this social priming effect. In Experiment II, N = 32 dogs from the subjects of Experiment I were retested after oxytocin (OT) or placebo (PL) pre-treatments. This experiment aimed to study whether intranasal administration of oxytocin as compared to placebo treatment would similarly increase dogs’ tendency to re-enact the human demonstrator’s counterproductive choice in the same task. Results showed an increased susceptibility to the human preference in the OT group, suggesting that both socially stimulating pre-treatment and the intranasal administration of oxytocin have similar priming effects on dogs’ social susceptibility.
Collapse
|