Research: Neuropeptides and Social Behavior: Effects of Oxytocin and Vasopressin in Humans

Authored by Heinrichs, M., and Domes G. in Progress in Brain Research, Volume 170, Issue , p. 337-350, (2008).

Article summary (posted Sep 22, 2008):

Oxytocin may be a good treatment for autism.

This article reviews the role of the brain chemicals oxytocin and vasopressin on human behavior. Some of the social problems of people with autism mimic the problems seen in animals that lack oxytocin. Many people with autism also have low levels of oxytocin in their blood. Studies of genes have shown that people with autism often have a problem in the gene that codes for the protein that binds oxytocin (oxytocin receptor). Oxytocin can be given by infusion straight into the blood of the patient.

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animal-assisted therapy (AAT), autism, gene, mimic, oxytocin, protein, social behavior, social problems, treatment, vasopressin
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