Oxytocin (OXT) Gene
Oxytocin (OXT) is a gene that plays a role in social behaviors in many species. Oxytocin dysfunction may be a cause for autism.
Oxytocin (OXT) is a peptide hormone found in almost all mammals. The structure of oxytocin is very similar to vasopressin. The two genes are located close together on the same chromosome (chromosome 20 in humans) and it is possible that they were produced by a duplication event in a single gene approximately 500 million years ago. Oxytocin and vasopressin are the only hormones released by the posterior pituitary gland that can affect cells in distant parts of the body. Oxytocin has a role in social behaviors in many species, and mice with a mutant OXT gene show impaired social skills (Ferguson and colleagues, 2000). Hollander and colleagues (2007) found that oxytocin dysfunction may be a cause for autism. Moreover, the researchers suggest that treatment with oxytocin may counteract social difficulties associated with the disorder.
oxytocin, oxt, pituitary gland, social behavior, vasopressin, autism, hormone, gene, chromosome, map
- ID: 1371
- Source: DNALC.G2C
Related Content
915. AVPR1A Gene
AVPR1A is a candidate gene for autism.
2386. Oxytocin And Autism
Doctor Larry Young discusses evidence of a relationship between oxytocin and autism, speculating that oxytocin may be used to treat autism.
908. Autism Candidate Genes
Use this chromosome map to explore genes associated with autism.
2375. Drug Addiction and Bonding
Doctor Larry Young discusses his research with prairie voles and suggests that the same neurobiological processes may underlie drug addiction and bonding.
2010. Vasopressin, oxytocin and bonding (1)
Doctor Thomas Insel discusses the importance of two neuropeptides - oxytocin and vasopressin - in relation to attachment and social bonding.
2379. Social Differences Wired Into DNA
Doctor Larry Young explains that the genes that encode for vasopressin receptors can predict social behaviors. This intriguing finding makes the link between genes, the brain and behavior.
2206. Endocrine system - functions
Professor Bruce McEwen describes some of the key players in the endocrine system - hypothalamus, pituitary gland, adrenal cortex, sex glands, and hormones.
825. A Brain Built for Fair Play
A new theory of the neuroscientific basis for the human instinct for fair play.
2383. The Reward System includes Vasopressin and Oxytocin
Doctor Larry Young discusses how vasopressin and oxytocin contribute to the reward system, which can promote behavior such as bonding and drug addiction.
2011. Vasopressin, oxytocin and bonding (2)
Doctor Thomas Insel continues his discussion of the two neuropeptides, vasopressin and oxytocin.