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vasopressin

·April 29, 2025·6 min read

Vasopressin Boosts Social Skills Without Aggression in Autism

New research shows that supplementing vasopressin levels in low-social rhesus monkeys improves social behavior and facial recognition without triggering aggression. The findings suggest vasopressin deficiency may underlie social difficulties seen in autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

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·December 15, 2020·4 min read

Water May be an Effective Treatment for Metabolic Syndrome

Drinking water can suppress the vasopressin hormone receptor, mitigating obesity and metabolic syndrome in mice.

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·July 23, 2020·4 min read

Antibiotics Disrupt Development of the ‘Social Brain’ in Mice

Early-life exposure to antibiotics may impact brain signaling pathways associated with social behavior and pain regulation. Young mice treated with antibiotics had reduced expression of receptors that mediate endorphin, oxytocin, and vasopressin signaling in the frontal cortex.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·April 27, 2020·5 min read

Vasopressin levels could be a potential biomarker for autism in babies

Lower levels of vasopressin were present in the cerebrospinal fluid of infants who later went on to be diagnosed with autism.

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·July 31, 2019·4 min read

‘Love hormone’ has stomach-turning effect in starfish

Oxytocin, a hormone commonly associated with love and bonding in humans, causes starfish to turn their stomachs inside-out to feed. The findings provide vital new evidence for the evolutionary role of oxytocin and vasopressin neuropeptides as regulators of feeding in animals.

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·March 30, 2019·5 min read

Had Enough Water? Brain’s Thirst Centers Make a Gut Check

Hydration signals from the gut travel via the vagus nerve to activate thirst neurons in the SFO. These neurons signal to cells in the median preoptic nucleus, driving animals to drink and the kidneys to conserve water in the bloodstream.

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·May 29, 2018·5 min read

Oxytocin and Vasopressin Flatten Social Hierarchy and Synchronize Behaviors

A new study of male rhesus macaques reveals exposure to oxytocin and vasopressin 'flattens' group hierarchy, forcing dominant males to become more relaxed and subordinate monkeys to become more confident.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·May 2, 2018·4 min read

Vasopressin a Possible Biomarker for Social Deficits in ASD

A new study that used rhesus macaques with low levels of sociability revealed the animals had reduced levels of vasopressin in their cerebral spinal fluid, as did children diagnosed with ASD.

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·April 11, 2018·5 min read

The Neural Circuitry of Parental Behavior

Researchers have identified neural circuits that help govern parenting behaviors in mice.

Image shows woman holding her head and wearing a mask.

Featured Neurology Psychology

·June 26, 2017·5 min read

Exposure to Light Causes Emotional and Physical Responses in Migraine Sufferers

A new study reveals a connection between light sensitive nerve cells in the eyes and areas of the brain that regulate mood. The findings may help explain how light can induce some of the negative emotions that often accompany migraines.

Image shows a diagram of the SCN in action.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 18, 2017·3 min read

Cells in the Retina Light the Way to Treating Jet Lag

Researchers have discovered a group of neurons in the retina that affect circadian rhythm by sending signals to the SCN.

Image shows a dad and toddler looking at the sea.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 17, 2017·5 min read

How Dads Bond With Toddlers

According to a new study, fathers given a boost of oxytocin expressed increased activity in brain areas associated with empathy and reward when viewing photos of their small children.