Oxytocin, Neural Plasticity, and Social Behavior

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Robert C Froemke, New York University; Larry Young, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2021-01-01
• Publisher: ANNUAL REVIEWS
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © 2021 by Annual Reviews. All rights reserved
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1146/annurev-neuro-102320-102847
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: ANNUAL REVIEW OF NEUROSCIENCE, VOL 44, 2021
• Volume: 44
• Start Page: 359
• End Page: 381
• Keywords: neural circuits; PARENTAL CARE; maternal care; SYNAPTIC PLASTICITY; MATERNAL-BEHAVIOR; Neurosciences & Neurology; HIPPOCAMPAL CA2; social behavior; Neurosciences; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE; VASOPRESSIN; Science & Technology; NUCLEUS-ACCUMBENS; PARTNER PREFERENCE FORMATION; social bonding; RECEPTOR; hypothalamus; RAT SUPRAOPTIC NEURONS; neuromodulation

Abstract

Oxytocin regulates parturition, lactation, parental nurturing, and many other social behaviors in both sexes. The circuit mechanisms by which oxytocin modulates social behavior are receiving increasing attention. Here, we review recent studies on oxytocin modulation of neural circuit function and social behavior, largely enabled by new methods of monitoring and manipulating oxytocin or oxytocin receptor neurons in vivo. These studies indicate that oxytocin can enhance the salience of social stimuli and increase signal-to-noise ratios by modulating spiking and synaptic plasticity in the context of circuits and networks. We highlight oxytocin effects on social behavior in nontraditional organisms such as prairie voles and discuss opportunities to enhance the utility of these organisms for studying circuit-level modulation of social behaviors. We then discuss recent insights into oxytocin neuron activity during social interactions. We conclude by discussing some of the major questions and opportunities in the field ahead.