The oxytocin system and early-life experience-dependent plastic changes.
Tatsushi Onaka1, Yuki Takayanagi1
1Division of Brain and Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan.
Journal of Neuroendocrinology
|October 29, 2021
Summary
Early-life touch and oxytocin influence adult social behavior by modulating the oxytocin system. Positive early experiences enhance this system, while stress may impair it, impacting social and emotional outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Behavioral Biology
Background:
- Early-life experiences significantly shape adult social and emotional behaviors.
- Affiliative tactile stimuli promote positive development, while adverse stimuli increase disease risk.
- Oxytocin plays a crucial role in early development, but its precise mechanisms remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of neonatal tactile stimuli and oxytocin treatment on the oxytocin system and adult social/emotional behavior.
- To elucidate the mechanisms linking early-life experiences to adult behavioral outcomes via the oxytocin system.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies examining neonatal tactile stimuli and oxytocin administration.
- Analysis of effects on the oxytocin-oxytocin receptor system activity in the brain.
- Evaluation of resulting social and anxiety-related behaviors in adulthood.
Main Results:
- Both affiliative and adverse early stimuli activate the neonatal oxytocin system but lead to opposite adult behavioral outcomes.
- Positive early experiences (tactile, oxytocin) generally enhance adult oxytocin system activity.
- Early stress appears to reduce oxytocin system activity, potentially causing adverse adult effects.
Conclusions:
- The oxytocin system's activity in adulthood is modulated by early-life experiences.
- Targeting the oxytocin system early in life may offer therapeutic potential for developmental psychiatric disorders.
- Understanding these mechanisms is key to addressing behavioral issues stemming from early life adversity.
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