Oxytocin Current Research

This volume collects cutting-edge expert reviews in the oxytocin field and will be of interest to a broad scientific audience ranging from social neuroscience to clinical psychiatry. The role of the neuropeptide oxytocin in social behaviors is one of the earliest and most significant discoveries in social neuroscience. Influential studies in animal models have delineated many of the neural circuits and genetic components that underlie these behaviors. These discoveries have inspired researchers to investigate the effects of oxytocin on brain and behavior in humans and its potential relevance as a treatment for psychiatric disorders including borderline personality disorder and autism and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. In fact, there is no established social psychopharmacology in Psychiatry, and oxytocin can be seen as the first endogenous agent specifically addressing social-cognitive impairment in psychiatric disorders, with animal research suggesting that it could be especially efficient in the early postnatal period. From a human perspective, it is crucial to understand more precisely who can benefit from potential oxytocin-related treatments, which outcome measures will best represent their effects, how they should be administered, and what brain mechanisms are likely involved in mediating their effects. This type of “precision medicine” approach is in line with the research domain criteria defined by the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health.

Advances in Oxytocin Research documents the proceedings of a symposium held by the Blair-Bell Research Society at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, London, England, on 1st May 1964. Oxytocin was chosen as the subject of the symposium due to recent important work on its physiology and pharmacology, and the availability of a new method of administering the drug for the induction of labor in women after extensive study in America, Europe, and Great Britain. The volume contains papers presented by during the two sessions held during the symposium. The first session on the physiology and pharmacology of oxytocin includes studies on the circulatory effects of oxytocin, release of oxytocin during parturition, and the release of oxytocin in domestic animals. The second session on clinical applications includes papers on the endocrine control of labour, clinical trials of buccal oxytocin, and tge oxytocin sensitivity test. Also included are the opening remarks by Sir Arthur Bell, President of the Blair-Bell Society and the Chairman’s Introduction at the beginning of each session.

Vasopressin and oxytocin are the key hormones of the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system, and are well-known to be critically involved in antidiuresis, labor, and milk ejection. This book highlights the latest research on vasopressin and oxytocin, covering multiple biological aspects. The capacity of both hormones to regulate various aspects of social behaviours including pair-bonding, aggression, maternal love, and sexual behaviour, is a main focus, as are their interactions with a variety of other neuromodulators and transmitters. Moreover, the book illustrates the recent development of vasopressin and oxytocin agonists/antagonists as potential drugs to treat not only disturbances of body fluid homeostasis, but also mental disorders, including social phobia, autism, anxiety, and depression. The promising combination of basic and clinical research, comprising physiology, neuroendocrinology, behavioral biology, pharmacology, imaging and molecular genetics makes this book an essential addition to both experts and scientists new to the field alike. • Comprehensive review of OXT and AVP physiology and behaviour • Each chapter covers a novel aspect of OXT and AVP research and is written by a leading expert • Review articles are ideal for experts and newcomers to the field alike • Discusses fascinating behavioural effects of oxytocin and vasopressin • Summarizes the recent explosion of neuropeptide research, physiology and behaviour, is in one location