Oxytocinergic Signaling in Zebrafish: Translational Perspectives for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Alterations in the oxytocin system, accompanied by cognitive and behavioral deficits, are common in several neurodevelopmental conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorder. Oxytocin, a neuropeptide produced in the hypothalamus, plays a pivotal role in modulating social cognition and complex social behaviors. Recently, increasing attention has been given to the therapeutic potential of oxytocin in the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders. However, many aspects of oxytocin signaling and its effects remain to be fully elucidated. Given its pronounced social behaviors and conserved neurochemical pathways, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) has emerged as a model for investigating the neural and behavioral effects of oxytocin. This species exhibits a wide behavioral repertoire, making it suitable for modeling oxytocin-related neurodevelopmental alterations. Here we provide an overview of the key mechanisms underlying oxytocin signaling and discuss current findings supporting the use of zebrafish as an Autism Spectrum Disorder model.