Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mehwish Abbasi, Rachael A. Augustine, Karl J. Iremonger, Colin H. Brown
Summary: Oxytocin neurons in the hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus and paraventricular nucleus secrete oxytocin to induce uterine contractions during parturition. The activation of oxytocin neurons at parturition involves a network of afferent inputs. Kisspeptin, which increases during pregnancy, only excites oxytocin neurons in late pregnancy. However, the excitation of oxytocin neurons by kisspeptin does not appear to involve the ERK1/2-p38 signaling pathway.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chen Ran, Jack C. Boettcher, Judith A. Kaye, Catherine E. Gallori, Stephen D. Liberles
Summary: The nervous system uses various coding strategies to process sensory inputs. However, the principles underlying sensory processing by the interoceptive nervous system are not well understood. In this study, researchers used a two-photon calcium imaging method to investigate how internal organs are represented in the brainstem. They found that individual neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) are tuned to detect signals from specific organs and are organized based on body position. Additionally, inputs from the same organ converge centrally in the NTS. These findings reveal key organizational features used by the brain to process interoceptive inputs.
Article
Cell Biology
Tsung-Chih Tsai, Yi-Syuan Fang, Yu-Chieh Hung, Ling-Chien Hung, Kuei-Sen Hsu
Summary: This study reveals the crucial role of oxytocin receptor signaling in the dorsal hippocampus CA2 region in governing the persistence of long-term social recognition memory (SRM). By investigating the neural circuitry involved, the researchers identify the connection from dorsal CA2 to ventral CA1 as necessary for the formation of long-term SRM.
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Caitlyn J. Finton, Alexander G. Ophir
Summary: The study found that chronic administration of AVP improves spatial memory in prairie voles, while OT and acute dosages have no impact.
PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Shalini S. Kumar, Gregory T. Bouwer, Meliame K. Jackson, Michael R. Perkinson, Fiona J. McDonald, Colin H. Brown, Rachael A. Augustine
Summary: Oxytocin, synthesized in the hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus (SON) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN), plays a crucial role in triggering uterine contractions during parturition. In mice, kisspeptin neurons from the periventricular nucleus (PeN) innervate oxytocin neurons and exhibit increased activity during late pregnancy. However, eliminating kisspeptin neuron projections to oxytocin neurons does not affect the duration or timing of delivery, suggesting that they are not necessary for parturition in mice.
BRAIN STRUCTURE & FUNCTION
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Yu-Jie Li, Wei-Jia Du, Rui Liu, Gui-Ying Zan, Bing-Lu Ye, Qian Li, Zhi-Hao Sheng, Ya-Wei Yuan, Yu-Jie Song, Jing-Gen Liu, Zhi-Qiang Liu
Summary: Anxiety-like behaviors induced by inflammatory pain may be associated with oxytocinergic projections from the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) to the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA). Activation of PVN oxytocin neurons can prevent pain-related anxiety-like behaviors, while inhibition of PVN oxytocin neurons can induce anxiety-like behaviors. Oxytocin exerts its anti-anxiety effects through its projection to the CeA.
CNS NEUROSCIENCE & THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Ju Li, Andrey E. Ryabinin
Summary: The study reveals the expression of Oxtr in the centrally-projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EWcp) of mice and demonstrates its functional role in regulating body temperature. The findings suggest that oxytocin (OXT) may exert its effects on body temperature through the EWcp.
Article
Neurosciences
Richard Ortiz, Jason R. Yee, Praveen P. Kulkarni, Nancy G. Solomon, Brian Keane, Xuezhu Cai, Craig F. Ferris, Bruce S. Cushing
Summary: This study examines the differences in higher-order brain structure, microarchitecture, and functional connectivity between male prairie voles with different levels of prosocial behavior. The results suggest that gray matter microarchitecture and FC may play a role in the expression of prosocial behavior, with potential involvement of other brain regions, especially the brainstem.
BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY-COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Courtney E. King, William C. Griffin, Marcelo F. Lopez, Howard C. Becker
Summary: Both preclinical and clinical evidence suggest that exogenous administration of oxytocin may be a promising therapeutic strategy for reducing heavy alcohol drinking. This study demonstrates that targeted activation of hypothalamic oxytocin neurons can reduce alcohol consumption, indicating a role for oxytocin in the regulation of alcohol self-administration behavior. Furthermore, the ability of oxytocin to reduce alcohol drinking is mediated by signaling at oxytocin receptors in the brain.
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Lindsay L. Sailer, Ashley H. Park, Abigail Galvez, Alexander G. Ophir
Summary: Despite the confusion in terminology and unclear mechanisms governing social behavior, this study highlights the importance of disentangling the prosocial and antisocial elements associated with different forms of social behavior. The activation of the lateral septum (LS) alters social responses in male prairie voles, increasing affiliative behaviors and reducing selective aggression with same-sex conspecifics, but maintaining bonding with opposite-sex individuals. This reveals the significance of the LS in adjusting selective and nonselective social behavior related to reproductive success.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Carla L. Sanchez-Lafuente, Raquel Romay-Tallon, Josh Allen, Jenessa N. Johnston, Lisa E. Kalynchuk, Hector J. Caruncho
Summary: This study reveals the sexually dimorphic subpopulation of reelin-positive neurons in the paraventricular nucleus that can be differentially affected by chronic stress for the first time. Chronic corticosterone shows gender-specific effects on behavior and reelin expression in the paraventricular nucleus.
HORMONES AND BEHAVIOR
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Sagi Enicole A. Gillera, William P. Marinello, Kevin T. Cao, Brian M. Horman, Heather M. Stapleton, Heather B. Patisaul
Summary: The study found that developmental exposure to the common FR mixture Firemaster 550 has gender-specific effects on social behaviors and neuronal populations in prairie voles. Exposed females showed changes in AVP neurons while exposed males had alterations in dopaminergic neurons, indicating potential endocrine disruption on OT/AVP pathways and coordination of behaviors.
Article
Neurosciences
Yu-Xiang Wen, Lin-Yao Fan, An -Yong Yang, Yan-Chufei Zhang, Chang Xu, Zi-Hui Wang, Wen-Jiong Xie, Yang Lu, Xiao-Yang Zhang, Jing-Ning Zhu, Anyang Sun, Liang Li, Qi-Peng Zhang
Summary: Cumulative evidence suggests that oxytocin is involved in male sexual behaviors, but knock-out mice lacking the oxytocin gene showed no significant sexual impairments, indicating that oxytocin is not necessary for sexual behavior in male mice. In order to better understand the role of oxytocin in male erection, two types of oxytocin gene KO mice were created and the results showed that disrupting the oxytocin gene at either the embryonic or adult stage did not affect erection, suggesting that oxytocin is not necessary for penile erection. However, activating oxytocinergic neurons strongly induced penile erection, while inhibiting these neurons blocked the erection responses, indicating that the activity of oxytocinergic neurons is required for male erection.
Article
Neurosciences
Kiyoshi Inoue, Charles L. Ford, Kengo Horie, Larry J. Young
Summary: Oxytocin regulates social behavior through direct modulation of neurons, regulation of neural network activity, and interaction with other neurotransmitter systems. This study found that oxytocin receptor mRNA is diffusely expressed throughout the brain, with strong expression in certain areas involved in social behavior. The research also revealed that the receptor protein may be transported to distal neuronal processes and that oxytocin receptors are expressed on cells expressing both D1 and D2 dopamine receptor subtypes in the nucleus accumbens. Furthermore, genetic polymorphisms significantly influence oxytocin receptor expression in this brain region.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Zhixiong He, Lizi Zhang, Wenjuan Hou, Xin Zhang, Larry J. Young, Laifu Li, Limin Liu, Huan Ma, Yufeng Xun, Zijian Lv, Yitong Li, Rui Jia, Jingang Li, Fadao Tai
Summary: Paternal care is crucial for the development of offspring in monogamous species, and the activation of oxytocin neurons in the PVN to VTA or NAc plays a significant role in promoting paternal care. Understanding the neuronal circuitry underlying paternal care could have implications for treating abnormalities such as paternal postpartum depression or abuse.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
William M. Kenkel, C. Sue Carter
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2016)
Article
Developmental Biology
William M. Kenkel, Allison M. Perkeybile, C. Sue Carter
DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROBIOLOGY
(2017)
Article
Neurosciences
J. R. Yee, W. M. Kenkel, P. Kulkarni, K. Moore, A. M. Perkeybile, S. Toddes, J. A. Amacker, C. S. Carter, C. F. Ferris
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Sonam Dodhia, Peter C. Baxter, Fei Ye, Michael J. Pitman
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Sonam Dodhia, Katrina Celis, Alana Aylward, Yi Cai, Maria E. Fontana, Alberto Trespalacios, David C. Hoffman, Henry Ostos Alfonso, Sidney B. Eisig, Gloria H. Su, Wendy K. Chung, Joseph Haddad
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
E. R. Glasper, W. M. Kenkel, J. Bick, J. K. Rilling
FRONTIERS IN NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
W. M. Kenkel, A. -M. Perkeybile, J. R. Yee, H. Pournajafi-Nazarloo, T. S. Lillard, E. F. Ferguson, K. L. Wroblewski, C. F. Ferris, C. S. Carter, J. J. Connelly
Article
Neurosciences
Richard Ortiz, Jason R. Yee, Praveen P. Kulkarni, Nancy G. Solomon, Brian Keane, Xuezhu Cai, Craig F. Ferris, Bruce S. Cushing
Summary: This study examines the differences in higher-order brain structure, microarchitecture, and functional connectivity between male prairie voles with different levels of prosocial behavior. The results suggest that gray matter microarchitecture and FC may play a role in the expression of prosocial behavior, with potential involvement of other brain regions, especially the brainstem.
BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY-COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Sonam Dodhia, Conall W. R. Fitzgerald, Andrew T. McLean, Avery Yuan, Cristina Valero Mayor, Dauren Adilbay, Ximena Mimica, Piyush Gupta, Jennifer R. Cracchiolo, Snehal Patel, Richard J. Wong, Jatin Shah, Ian Ganly, Marc A. Cohen
Summary: This study analyzed complications in a large cohort of patients undergoing surgery for sinonasal malignancy, finding a low mortality rate and a higher rate of severe complications. Advanced T-stage was significantly associated with postoperative complications, indicating the importance of preoperative risk stratification based on tumor characteristics.
JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Developmental Biology
Christopher Harshaw, Sayuri Kojima, Cara L. Wellman, Gregory E. Demas, Ardythe L. Morrow, Diana Hazard Taft, William M. Kenkel, Joseph K. Leffel, Jeffrey R. Alberts
Summary: Maternal antibiotic exposure can disrupt the transfer of microbiota from mother to offspring, potentially leading to dysbiosis relevant to autism spectrum disorder. In a mouse model, offspring of ABx-treated dams showed behavioral differences and these differences could be related to thermoregulatory deficiencies.
DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Sara Hintze, Jason R. Yee
Summary: The concept of flow is significant in advancing human well-being, but it has not been explored in non-human animals. As we uncover the cognitive and affective capacities of animals, it is important to consider the concept of flow in animals to improve their welfare. By studying the characteristics of flow in humans, we can develop methods to induce and assess flow in animals.
BIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Surgery
Sonam Dodhia, Ade Obayemi, Kevin Kuonqui, Oscar Trujillo
FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY & AESTHETIC MEDICINE
(2023)
Letter
Psychology, Clinical
Will Kenkel
ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
William Kenkel
Summary: Rates of delivery by caesarean section are increasing globally, with various epidemiological associations between CS and later health outcomes requiring further research. Differences in hormonal experiences at birth may contribute to the neurodevelopmental consequences of CS delivery, highlighting the need for attention in this area.
JOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Farrah N. Madison, Verner P. Bingman, Tom Smulders, Christine R. Lattin
Summary: Although research on the avian hippocampus has been limited, it is crucial for understanding its evolution and changes over time. The avian hippocampus plays important roles in spatial cognition as well as regulating anxiety, approach-avoidance behavior, and stress responses. Future research should focus on elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms, including endocrinology, to resolve outstanding questions about avian hippocampal function and organization.
HORMONES AND BEHAVIOR
(2024)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Judith A. H. Smit, Riet Vooijs, Peter Lindenburg, Alexander T. Baugh, Wouter Halfwerk
Summary: This study investigates the effects of urbanization on hormone levels in tungara frogs and found that urban frogs and forest frogs have different endocrine phenotypes. Exposure to urban noise and light pollution led to an increase in testosterone and a decrease in corticosterone in urban frogs, while forest frogs showed no endocrine response to sensory pollutants. These results suggest that urbanization can modulate hormone levels and influence behavior in frogs.
HORMONES AND BEHAVIOR
(2024)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Hannah D. Fulenwider, Yangmiao Zhang, Andrey E. Ryabinin
Summary: Social hierarchies have significant effects on overall health of individuals in animal groups, particularly the lowest-ranking individuals. Tube test can be used to determine social rank in male and female mice, and the complex interactions between social rank, sex, environment, and testing length influence peptide levels.
HORMONES AND BEHAVIOR
(2024)