When a mother speaks to her newborn during a medical intervention, the baby's oxytocin levels increase and their expression of pain decreases.
Mouse mothers gathering their pups train female mice without pups to perform the same behavior. In virgin mice, observing the mother mouse take care of her pups stimulates oxytocin production, biologically shaping them for maternal behavior.
Connections between oxytocin neurons in the hypothalamus and dopamine neurons in the reward system drive parenting behaviors in both male and female voles.
Expectant fathers with higher levels of brain activation and oxytocin later endorsed a more "child-led" empathetic style of parenting once their child was born.
A new study reveals what goes on in the brain when a person embarks on a musical collaboration project.
A genetic mutation of Caps2 impairs the release of oxytocin, leading to problems in regulating social behavior in those on the autism spectrum.
Olfactory imprinting in infant mice has a direct impact on their social behaviors as adults.
Sexual activity before sleep increases oxytocin and reduces the stress-related hormone cortisol. Researchers say sexual activity at bedtime can help reduce symptoms of insomnia and reduce sleep disruptions.
Researchers found functional and anatomical differences in the brains of people who are more likely to embark on risky behaviors.
New research that simultaneously measures brain activity in children and their parents offers insights into bonding.
Methylation of the oxytocin gene OXT was associated with maternal personal distress, resulting in harsher parenting. OXT methylation was also negatively correlated with gray matter in the right inferior temporal gyrus.
Oxytocin injections in rodent models directly activated SEG/GRP neurons via oxytocin receptors and influenced male sexual functions in the lumbar spinal cord. Reducing the activity of oxytocin receptors resulted in a decrease in sexual activity and ejaculatory response in the animals.
