Article
Physiology
Clinton T. Elfers, James E. Blevins, Elizabeth A. Lawson, Richard Pittner, David Silva, Alex Kiselyov, Christian L. Roth
Summary: The study demonstrated the efficacy of oxytocin analog ASK1476 in reducing food intake and body weight in experimental animals, showing a stronger dose response and similar reduction in food intake compared to native oxytocin.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Chi-Ying Chen, Yu-Chen Chiang, Tai-Chih Kuo, Ka-Wai Tam, El-Wui Loh
Summary: In non-psychiatric subjects, single-dose INOT significantly reduces food intake, but no significant effects were found in patients with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and schizophrenia. Further studies are needed to assess the long-term effects and safety of INOT in obese patients and whether it could be a treatment option for patients with eating disorders.
CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Biology
Kengo Inada, Kazoku Tsujimoto, Masahide Yoshida, Katsuhiko Nishimori, Kazunari Miyamichi
Summary: Studies have shown that oxytocin signaling in the arcuate nucleus suppresses excessive food intake, playing an important role in body weight homeostasis and appetite regulation.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Anna Aulinas, Maged Muhammed, Kendra R. Becker, Elisa Asanza, Kristine Hauser, Casey Stern, Julia Gydus, Tara Holmes, Helen Burton Murray, Lauren Breithaupt, Nadia Micali, Madhusmita Misra, Kamryn T. Eddy, Jennifer J. Thomas, Elizabeth A. Lawson
Summary: This study examined the response of anorexigenic oxytocin to food intake in adolescents and young adults with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). It was found that individuals with ARFID had higher levels of oxytocin compared to healthy controls at all time points.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Clinton T. Elfers, James E. Blevins, Therese S. Salameh, Elizabeth A. Lawson, David Silva, Alex Kiselyov, Christian L. Roth
Summary: This study tested the efficacy of a long-lasting oxytocin (OXT) analogue, ASK2131, in diet-induced obese rats. The results showed that ASK2131 was more effective than OXT in reducing food intake and body weight, leading to a significant weight loss over a 22-day period.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Katy A. van Galen, Kasper W. ter Horst, Mireille J. Serlie
Summary: The role of serotonin in food intake is complex, involving both the homeostatic and hedonic brain circuitries. Serotonergic signaling helps integrate metabolic signals to suppress food intake and reduce reward-related consumption, while disturbances in serotonin signaling are associated with obesity. Understanding the regional effects of serotonin receptor subtypes in regulating food intake is crucial for potential therapeutic implications.
Article
Neurosciences
Jack H. Taylor, Noah S. Campbell, Jeanne M. Powell, H. Elliott Albers, Aubrey M. Kelly
Summary: The nonapeptide system plays a crucial role in regulating various social behaviors in different species. This study maps the distribution of oxytocin and vasopressin receptors in the brain of male and female Mongolian gerbils and explores the influence of gonadal sex on these receptors. The findings provide a foundation for future research on manipulating the nonapeptide system to study social behavior.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Clarissa M. Liu, Mai O. Spaulding, Jessica J. Rea, Emily E. Noble, Scott E. Kanoski
Summary: Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus, reduces food intake and holds potential for obesity treatment. Research in rodent models suggests that oxytocin reduces food intake by enhancing physiological satiation signals within meals.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Santiago Ballaz, Nicole Espinosa, Michel Bourin
Summary: Alcohol use disorder is characterized by uncontrollable alcohol use, intoxication, and heightened anxiety after withdrawal. Ethanol-associated stimuli drive the urge to drink through classical conditioning. CCK interacts with neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and GABA to modulate reward and anxiety circuitries.
Article
Neurosciences
Simone Rehn, Joel S. Raymond, Robert A. Boakes, Michael T. Bowen
Summary: This study examined the role of entrainment on intake patterns, oxytocin's effects on sucrose intakes, and locomotor activity, as well as whether oxytocin's effects were mediated by its actions at the oxytocin receptor. The results suggest that 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.
PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Caroline E. Geisler, Meghan P. Antonellis, Wolfgang Trumbauer, Jennifer A. Martin, Tamer Coskun, Ricardo J. Samms, Matthew R. Hayes
Summary: This study aims to investigate the role of GIPR and GLP-1R agonists in regulating palatable food intake and specific macronutrient preferences. The results show that GLP-1R and dual GIPR/GLP-1R agonist therapies can decrease preference for high-caloric, high-fat foods, which may contribute to weight loss success.
DIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Jeanne M. Powell, Kiyoshi Inoue, Kelly J. Wallace, Ashley W. Seifert, Larry J. Young, Aubrey M. Kelly
Summary: The nonapeptide system, through the activation of oxytocin and vasopressin receptors, modulates various social behaviors. This study mapped the distribution and expression of OXTR and AVPR1A receptors in the spiny mouse brain and found differences between males and females in the binding densities and co-expression patterns in brain regions involved in social behavior and reward. These findings provide important insights for studying nonapeptide-mediated behavior in a highly social species.
BRAIN STRUCTURE & FUNCTION
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Junki Imaizumi, Shuhei Kamada, Miyu Taniguchi, Tatsuro Sugimoto, Takaaki Maeda, Ryosuke Arakaki, Shota Yamamoto, Aya Shirakawa, Ayuka Mineda, Atsuko Yoshida, Takeshi Iwasa, Takashi Kaji
Summary: Changes in oxytocin levels and oxytocin receptor mRNA expression were observed in rats with intrauterine undernutrition. These changes could potentially affect nutritional and metabolic regulation systems and contribute to the mechanisms underlying DOHaD.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shota Yamamoto, Hiroki Noguchi, Asuka Takeda, Ryosuke Arakaki, Maimi Uchishiba, Junki Imaizumi, Saki Minato, Shuhei Kamada, Tomohiro Kagawa, Atsuko Yoshida, Takako Kawakita, Yuri Yamamoto, Kanako Yoshida, Masafumi Kon, Nobuo Shinohara, Takeshi Iwasa
Summary: PCOS is a common condition in reproductive-age females, often exacerbated by obesity. Recent studies have found that oxytocin can reduce weight gain and food intake, making it a potential treatment for obese PCOS patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Liya Kerem, Elizabeth A. Lawson
Summary: This review comprehensively describes both the central and peripheral effects of oxytocin on eating behavior and metabolism, as well as discussing the association between endogenous oxytocin levels and weight status, metabolic syndrome, and bone health. The review also highlights the potential of intranasal oxytocin as a therapeutic option for obesity treatment and the challenges of translating oxytocin research into clinical care.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Trenton C. Simmons, Sara M. Freeman, Nicholas S. Lackey, Brooke K. Dreyer, Devanand S. Manoli, Karen L. Bales
Summary: Endocannabinoids, particularly through the actions of CB1 receptors, play a significant role in regulating social behaviors in voles. The study found higher CB1 binding in regions associated with social attachment and spatial memory in prairie voles compared to meadow voles. This suggests that CB1 densities, rather than distribution, may correlate with the social behaviors of vole species.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Physiology
Melise M. Edwards, Ha K. Nguyen, Adam J. Herbertson, Andrew D. Dodson, Tomasz Wietecha, Tami Wolden-Hanson, James L. Graham, Kevin D. O'Brien, Peter J. Havel, James E. Blevins
Summary: Chronic hindbrain oxytocin (OT) treatment leads to sustained weight loss in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice by reducing energy intake and increasing brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis at a dosage that does not cause visceral illness.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-REGULATORY INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nicholas M. Grebe, Annika Sharma, Sara M. Freeman, Michelle C. Palumbo, Heather B. Patisaul, Karen L. Bales, Christine M. Drea
Summary: Contemporary research on the roles of oxytocin and vasopressin in mammalian social behavior has been heavily influenced by seminal vole studies, but translating these findings to other mammalian groups, including humans, poses challenges. A study on Eulemur primates, which consist of both monogamous and non-monogamous species, reveals receptor distribution patterns that are reminiscent of rodents at times and more similar to visually oriented anthropoids at others. These findings suggest lemurs occupy an evolutionary niche between haplorhine primates and other mammalian groups, challenging existing assumptions and informing discussions on the biological bases of monogamy.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Pawel K. Olszewski, Emily E. Noble, Luis Paiva, Yoichi Ueta, James E. Blevins
Summary: Oxytocin plays an important role in regulating food intake and energy balance, primarily by limiting meal size through interactions in key brain areas governing food intake. The effects of oxytocin on feeding are influenced by diet composition, flavor, and social context. Additionally, oxytocin also affects lipolysis, energy expenditure, and glucose regulation, contributing to its overall impact on energy balance.
JOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Rocio Arias-del Razo, Maria de Lourdes Velasco Vazquez, Petru Turcanu, Mathieu Legrand, Maeva Floch, Tamara A. R. Weinstein, Leana R. Goetze, Sara M. Freeman, Alexander Baxter, Lynea R. Witczak, Elizabeth Sahagun, Trish Berger, Suma Jacob, Rebecca H. Lawrence, Emily S. Rothwell, Logan E. Savidge, Marjorie Solomon, Sally P. Mendoza, Karen L. Bales
Summary: Chronic intranasal oxytocin administration during infancy may have long-term effects on adult social behavior, making animals more affiliative.
HORMONES AND BEHAVIOR
(2022)
Review
Psychiatry
Noa Reuveni, Cole A. Carlson, Sarah Schwartz, Diana Meter, Tyson S. Barrett, Sara M. Freeman
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical literature on the effects of cannabinoids in the chronic unpredictable stress model of depression found that cannabinoid administration moderately improved the negative effects of stress on depressive-like behavior, suggesting that cannabinoids may be a viable long-term treatment for stress-related psychopathologies such as depression.
TRANSLATIONAL PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Sage S. Frehner, Kip T. Dooley, Michelle C. Palumbo, Aaron L. Smith, Mark M. Goodman, Karen L. Bales, Sara M. Freeman
Summary: This study found significantly lower levels of OXTR in females with autism compared to other groups. There were no differences in mRNA levels for either gene across the four groups. These results suggest that dysregulation in OXTR protein translation or increased OXTR internalization/recycling may contribute to the differences in social symptoms seen in females with autism.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Paula Escriche Chova, Emilio Ferrer, Leana R. Goetze, Madison E. Dufek, Sara M. Freeman, Karen L. Bales
Summary: Pair bonding can have positive effects on health and wellbeing, but also come with challenges such as separation, jealousy, or grief. In this study, female titi monkeys were used to examine their responses to their partner, a stranger, or being alone. The results showed that females housed alone had higher levels of cortisol compared to being with their partner or encountering a stranger. Furthermore, the brain activity in areas like the amygdala and hippocampus differed when interacting with a stranger compared to a partner. Overall, female titi monkeys have distinct physiological, neural, and behavioral reactions in different social conditions.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Alexandra Turano, Stacey P. Brummer, Julie K. Young, Sara M. Freeman
Summary: Social monogamy is rare among mammalian taxa, but all wild canid species exhibit this social system. This study aimed to understand monogamous behavior in coyotes by adapting a partner preference test. The results showed that the coyotes exhibited affiliative behavior towards their partner, but there was high variation between individual coyotes. This study emphasizes the need for larger sample sizes and species-specific modifications in studying species with high individual variability.
BEHAVIOURAL PROCESSES
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Pauline B. Zablocki-Thomas, Logan E. Savidge, Lynea R. Witczak, Emilio Ferrer, Brad A. Hobson, Abhijit J. Chaudhari, Sara M. Freeman, Karen L. Bales
Summary: Jealousy is a complex emotion that can lead to various behavioral reactions in individuals when they perceive a threat to a valuable relationship. It is a negatively-valenced emotion that can include fear, anxiety, suspicion, and anger. However, there is limited understanding of how complex social emotions, such as jealousy, influence cognitive flexibility.
HORMONES AND BEHAVIOR
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Alexander Baxter, Chloe L. Karaskiewicz, Lindsey A. Campbell, Erin L. Kinnally, Emilio Ferrer, Adele H. M. Seelke, Sara M. Freeman, Karen L. Bales
Summary: This study examined the changes in vasopressin receptors and androgens in male and female parents of titi monkeys, a pair-bonding and biparental species. The results showed that parents had lower vasopressin receptor binding in most brain regions and a negative correlation between parental experience and androgen levels, suggesting that these hormones are associated with parenting behavior and physiology in titi monkeys.
JOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Pauline Zablocki-Thomas, Allison Lau, Lynea Witczak, Madison Dufek, Amber Wright, Logan Savidge, John Paulus, Alexander Baxter, Chloe Karaskiewicz, Adele M. H. Seelke, Sara M. Freeman, Emilio Ferrer, Karen L. Bales
Summary: Low-dose vasopressin weakens partner preference in female titi monkeys, according to a pharmacological study combined with a behavioral partner preference test.
JOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Lynea R. Witczak, Jaclyn Samra, Madison Dufek, Leana R. Goetze, Sara M. Freeman, Rocio Arias-del Razo, Alexander Baxter, Chloe Karaskiewicz, Allison R. Lau, Emily S. Rothwell, Logan E. Savidge, Emilio Ferrer, Karen L. Bales
Summary: Social interactions have an impact on our behavior and physiology, and strong social bonds can help reduce stress. In this study, researchers focused on coppery titi monkeys to study the father-daughter bond. They found that fathers played a significant role in buffering their daughters from stress, as evidenced by fewer distress vocalizations, less locomotion, and lower plasma cortisol levels during social separation. Interestingly, females who exhibited stronger father-daughter bond-related behaviors showed reduced physiological distress during separation. The study also explored the effects of oxytocin and vasopressin manipulations but found no behavioral changes, except for an increase in plasma cortisol levels with oxytocin receptor blockade. These findings contribute to our understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying female bonds and how social disruptions can impact individuals differently based on their bond-related behaviors.
PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
James Blevins, Melise Edwards, Ha Nguyen, Adam Herbertson, Andrew Dodson, Ronald Vered, Tami Wolden-Hanson, James Graham, Peter Havel, Thomas Mundinger, Carl Sikkema, Elaine Peskind, Ngoc Nguyen, Vitaly Ryu, Gerald Taborsky
Meeting Abstract
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
James Blevins, Melise Edwards, Ha Nguyen, Adam Herbertson, Andrew Dodson, Tami Wolden-Hanson, James Graham, Peter Havel, Thomas Mundinger, Carl Sikkema, Elaine Peskind, Vitaly Ryu, Gerald Taborsky
Article
Neurosciences
Yang He, Jun Tang, Meng Zhang, Junjie Ying, Dezhi Mu
Summary: This study investigated the protective effects and mechanisms of human placenta derived mesenchymal stem cells (hPMSCs) transplantation in a rat model of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). The results showed that hPMSCs transplantation reduced apoptosis and improved long-term neurological prognosis. Furthermore, the downregulation of Sema 3A/NRP-1 expression and activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway played a key role in the protective effects of hPMSCs.
Article
Neurosciences
Emily L. Isenstein, Edward G. Freedman, Jiayi Xu, Ian A. DeAndrea-Lazarus, John J. Foxe
Summary: This study evaluated electrophysiological discrimination of parametric somatosensory stimuli in healthy young adults to understand how the brain processes the duration of tactile information. The results showed that participants did not electrophysiologically discriminate between 100 and 115 ms, but they exhibited distinct electrophysiological responses when the deviant stimuli were 130, 145, and 160 ms. These findings contribute to a better understanding of tactile sensitivity in different clinical conditions.
Article
Neurosciences
Juliana R. Souza, Ludmila Lima-Silveira, Daniela Accorsi-Mendonca, Benedito H. Machado
Summary: This study demonstrates that A2A receptors play a crucial role in modulating synaptic transmission in the NTS neurons and are required for the enhancement of glutamatergic transmission observed under short-term sustained hypoxia conditions.
Article
Neurosciences
Miki Hashizume, Rina Ito, Rie Suge, Yasushi Hojo, Gen Murakami, Takayuki Murakoshi
Summary: The basolateral amygdaloid complex (BLA) is closely involved in the formation of emotional memories, including both aversive memory and contextual fear memory. Acute sleep deprivation (SD) disrupts the acquisition of tone-associated fear memory in juvenile rats, but has no significant effect on contextual fear memory. Slow network oscillation in the amygdala contributes to the formation of amygdala-dependent fear memory in relation to sleep.
Article
Neurosciences
Qunxian Wang, Shipeng Guo, Dongjie Hu, Xiangjun Dong, Zijun Meng, Yanshuang Jiang, Zijuan Feng, Weihui Zhou, Weihong Song
Summary: GSDME plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease by regulating the switch from apoptosis to pyroptosis and participating in neuroinflammatory response. Knockdown of GSDME has been shown to improve cognitive impairments, indicating that GSDME could be a therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease.