Lifespan oxytocin signaling: Maturation, flexibility, and stability in newborn, adolescent, and aged brain.
The hypothalamic neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) is a forefront molecule among neuropeptides due to its pronounced prosocial effects and its potential use in socioemotional deficits that characterize the most prevalent neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders (autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia). The effects of OT have been studied in young and adult subjects (either animals or humans), while the complete lifespan trajectories of OT system development and activity have been far less investigated. In this (mini) review, we will primarily focus on three temporal distinct periods of life-early postnatal period, puberty/adolescence, and elderly. We selected the neonatal period to discuss the role of OT in the switch of GABA action from excitation to inhibition in the first days after birth (in rodents), with potential implications in neurodevelopmental disorders. In the puberty/adolescence period, we consider of particular relevance the OT impact on drug consumption, stress and aggression. Finally, OT could potentially contribute to maintain social capacities of aged people and to ameliorate socially emotional deficits and symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 158-168, 2017.
Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Universitá degli Studi di Milano, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy.
Sara
S
Sannino
Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Universitá degli Studi di Milano, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy.
Bice
B
Chini
Schaller Research Group on Neuropeptides at German Cancer Research Center DKFZ, Central Institute of Mental Health and CellNetworks Cluster of Excellence at the University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.
Valery
V
Grinevich
D000818:Animals; D006803:Human Development / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D065886:Neurodevelopmental Disorders / Q000378:metabolism*; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*
D010121:Oxytocin
adolescence; aging; oxytocin; oxytocin receptor; perinatal