Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Parker J. Holman, Charlis Raineki, Amanda Chao, Riley Grewal, Sepehr Haghighat, Cecilia Fung, Erin Morgan, Linda Ellis, Wayne Yu, Joanne Weinberg
Summary: The study found that prenatal alcohol exposure and early-life adversity have sex- and age-specific effects on social recognition memory and OT/AVP expression in adolescent male and female rats, with more pronounced changes observed in males.
PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Wenjuan Hou, Huan Ma, Yufeng Xun, Xin Zhang, Wenqi Cai, Shuying Huang, Zhixiong He, Fadao Tai, Rui Jia
Summary: The study found that CSDS affects behavioral performance and levels of social withdrawal in monogamous mandarin voles, with the OT and AVP systems potentially playing important regulatory roles in sex differences of behavioral performances.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Olga Wronikowska-Denysiuk, Weronika Mrozek, Barbara Budzynska
Summary: Drug abuse is a global problem that has negative consequences on physical, mental, and economic aspects. The oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) systems have shown potential as therapeutic targets for drug abuse treatment. Both OT and AVP can reduce drug consumption and ameliorate their rewarding effects. Additionally, these neuropeptides are involved in social and reward behaviors. Therefore, understanding the relationship between OT and AVP and the behavioral effects of drugs of abuse may contribute to more successful drug development.
Article
Neurosciences
Aubrey M. Kelly, Ashley W. Seifert
Summary: VP and OT, two nonapeptides, play critical roles in modulating physiology and social behaviors across vertebrates, showing relatively strong evolutionary conservation in distributions. The distribution of VP and OT neurons in Acomys cahirinus, a gregarious rodent species, was examined, revealing both similarities and sex differences in neuronal populations compared to other rodents. These findings provide foundational knowledge for studying nonapeptide-mediated behavior in social rodents.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Nicole Rigney, Geert J. de Vries, Aras Petrulis, Larry J. Young
Summary: This article reviews the regulatory effects of oxytocin and vasopressin on social behavior and summarizes the circuit-based mechanisms related to social behaviors. It discusses the use of modern molecular genetic technologies to study neuropeptide circuits and explores the species diversity in the effects of oxytocin and vasopressin on social behaviors. Additionally, it discusses the translational implications of oxytocin and vasopressin for improving social functioning in disorders such as autism spectrum disorder.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Saijun Huang, Jiaying Zeng, Ruoyu Sun, Hong Yu, Haimou Zhang, Xi Su, Paul Yao
Summary: Prenatal exposure to progestin causes oxytocin suppression, leading to social deficits in mouse offspring.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Riley T. Bottom, Olga O. Kozanian, David J. Rohac, Michael A. Erickson, Kelly J. Huffman
Summary: This study used a transgenerational mouse model to investigate the effects of prenatal ethanol exposure on offspring behavior. The results suggest that behavioral abnormalities can be passed down to multiple generations. However, the specific brain mechanisms underlying these behavioral changes remain unclear.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(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
Cell Biology
Priyanka D. Pinky, Jenna Bloemer, Warren D. Smith, Yifeng Du, Ryan T. Heslin, Sharay E. Setti, Jeremiah C. Pfitzer, Kawsar Chowdhury, Hao Hong, Subhrajit Bhattacharya, Muralikrishnan Dhanasekaran, Alexander Dityatev, Miranda N. Reed, Vishnu Suppiramaniam
Summary: Cannabis use during pregnancy is a growing concern due to its potential impact on the neurofunctional and cognitive development of the offspring. This study investigates the mechanisms behind learning and memory deficits in adolescent rats exposed to prenatal cannabinoids. The findings suggest that prenatal cannabinoid exposure leads to hippocampal-dependent memory deficits, accompanied by altered synaptic plasticity and an imbalance in GluN2A- and GluN2B-mediated signaling. Furthermore, the study reveals that reduced expression of neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) and polysialylated-NCAM (PSA-NCAM) may contribute to the impaired synaptic plasticity. The administration of exogenous PSA mitigates the memory deficits, highlighting the potential therapeutic implications of manipulating the GluN2A- and GluN2B- signaling pathways.
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
Neurosciences
Annie Lei, Kristen R. Breit, Jennifer D. Thomas
Summary: Alcohol and cannabis can negatively affect fetal development and lead to cognitive impairments. However, the combined effects of prenatal exposure to both substances are not well understood. This study used an animal model to investigate the effects of prenatal exposure to ethanol, THC, or the combination on spatial and working memory.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
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.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
G. Wirobski, F. S. Schaebs, F. Range, S. Marshall-Pescini, T. Deschner
Summary: The study validated a commercial Enzyme Immunoassay for measuring oxytocin metabolite concentrations in dog, wolf, and human urine samples, with improved performance compared to a previously validated assay.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Shameena Bake, Siara K. Rouzer, Shruti Mavuri, Rajesh C. Miranda, Amanda H. Mahnke
Summary: Prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to developmental abnormalities in cells and tissues, resulting in a range of physical and neurobehavioral disorders. Genetic sex plays a significant role in the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on offspring. Understanding how sex and prenatal alcohol exposure interact is crucial for identifying associated complications and improving the quality of life for affected individuals.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lydia Smith Osborne, Anh Duorg, Alexis Resendez, Rupert Palme, Jonathan P. Fadok
Summary: Social species form dominance hierarchies to ensure survival and promote reproductive success. Female hierarchies are thought to be less despotic and rank is conferred by intrinsic traits. Both social buffering and elevated social status confer resilience to chronic stress. In this study, we investigate how female social hierarchies and individual traits influence stress resilience. The results show that stable female hierarchies emerge rapidly and individual traits are characteristic of rank. Female rank is associated with behavior, stress status, and neurobiology. Hierarchies exert context-specific influence upon stress outcomes.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Vivian Y. Y. Lam, Charlis Raineki, Linda Ellis, Wayne Yu, Joanne Weinberg
PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2018)
Article
Developmental Biology
Parker J. Holman, Samantha L. Baglot, Erin Morgan, Joanne Weinberg
DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOBIOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Vivian Y. Y. Lam, Charlis Raineki, Lisa Y. Wang, Melissa Chiu, Grace Lee, Linda Ellis, Wayne Yu, Joanne Weinberg
PROGRESS IN NEURO-PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2019)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Rosemary Basson, Julia I. O'Loughlin, Joanne Weinberg, Allan H. Young, Tamara Bodnar, Lori A. Brotto
PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Developmental Biology
Mia A. McLean, Nikoo Niknafs, Olivia C. Scoten, Cecil M. Y. Chau, Margot MacKay, Joanne Weinberg, Anne Synnes, Steven P. Miller, Ruth E. Grunau
Summary: Children born preterm may exhibit altered sensory processing, with exposure to neonatal pain-related stress potentially leading to more sensory processing problems, especially in girls. Girls may be more susceptible to the effects of neonatal pain-related stress exposure, particularly in relation to hypersensitivity to sensory input.
DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Parker J. Holman, Charlis Raineki, Amanda Chao, Riley Grewal, Sepehr Haghighat, Cecilia Fung, Erin Morgan, Linda Ellis, Wayne Yu, Joanne Weinberg
Summary: The study found that prenatal alcohol exposure and early-life adversity have sex- and age-specific effects on social recognition memory and OT/AVP expression in adolescent male and female rats, with more pronounced changes observed in males.
PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Lori A. Brotto, Bozena Zdaniuk, Meredith L. Chivers, Faith Jabs, Andrea Grabovac, Martin L. Lalumiere, Joanne Weinberg, Kimberly A. Schonert-Reichl, Rosemary Basson
Summary: This study compared group mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) with group supportive sex education and therapy (STEP) for women with Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder (SIAD). The results show that both treatments significantly improved symptoms of SIAD, with MBCT showing more significant effects in reducing sexual distress and rumination about sex.
JOURNAL OF CONSULTING AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Pediatrics
Mia A. Mclean, Olivia C. Scoten, Wayne Yu, Xiang Y. Ye, Julie Petrie, Paige T. Church, Amuchou S. Soraisham, Lucia S. Mirea, Joanne Weinberg, Anne R. Synnes, Karel O'Brien, Ruth E. Grunau
Summary: The study evaluates whether implementing Family Integrated Care (FICare) in the neonatal intensive care unit has a positive impact on the physiological and psychological well-being of premature infants and their mothers. The results indicate that FICare lowers maternal physiological stress and improves child behavior.
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Alexandre A. Lussier, Tamara S. Bodnar, Michelle Moksa, Martin Hirst, Michael S. Kobor, Joanne Weinberg
Summary: The study revealed that prenatal alcohol exposure and food-related stress can affect neurodevelopment and immune function through their influence on DNA methylation levels in the rat brain, potentially in a sex-dependent manner. These epigenetic changes may reflect the sex-specific effects of prenatal insults on long-term functional and health outcomes.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Tamara S. Bodnar, David Y. Mak, Lesley A. Hill, Linda Ellis, Wayne Yu, Joanne Weinberg
Summary: The study found that prenatal alcohol exposure alters the severity and course of arthritis, highlighting the potential impact on immunity. Particularly, these findings have implications for understanding preliminary data suggesting a heightened propensity for autoimmune disorders in individuals with FASD.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Jessica A. Baker, Kristen R. Breit, Tamara S. Bodnar, Joanne Weinberg, Jennifer D. Thomas
Summary: Prenatal alcohol exposure can disrupt the development of the immune system, but choline supplementation can mitigate these effects. The study found that early choline supplementation can reduce the impact of alcohol exposure on hippocampal inflammation and improve hippocampal function.
Article
Cell Biology
Jessica A. Baker, Tamara S. Bodnar, Kristen R. Breit, Joanne Weinberg, Jennifer D. Thomas
Summary: Alcohol exposure during pregnancy can have negative effects on development, including cognitive and behavioral dysfunction. It has been found that alcohol-induced changes in cytokine levels in the hippocampus can contribute to abnormal outcomes. Nutritional intervention with choline may improve behavioral impairments and influence neuroimmune function.
Article
Neurosciences
Tamara S. Bodnar, Amanda Chao, Parker J. Holman, Linda Ellis, Charlis Raineki, Joanne Weinberg
Summary: Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can cause various cognitive, behavioral, and neurological changes. Mental health problems are overrepresented in individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), with approximately 90% of FASD patients experiencing such issues. FASD patients also exhibit impairments in coping skills and increased vulnerability to stress.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
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)