Note to users. If you're seeing this message, it means that your browser cannot find this page's style/presentation instructions -- or possibly that you are using a browser that does not support current Web standards. Find out more about why this message is appearing, and what you can do to make your experience of our site the best it can be.

Science 7 November 2008:
Vol. 322. no. 5903, pp. 900 - 904
DOI: 10.1126/science.1158668
Prev | Table of Contents | Next

Review

Oxytocin, Vasopressin, and the Neurogenetics of Sociality

Zoe R. Donaldson1 and Larry J. Young1,2*

There is growing evidence that the neuropeptides oxytocin and vasopressin modulate complex social behavior and social cognition. These ancient neuropeptides display a marked conservation in gene structure and expression, yet diversity in the genetic regulation of their receptors seems to underlie natural variation in social behavior, both between and within species. Human studies are beginning to explore the roles of these neuropeptides in social cognition and behavior and suggest that variation in the genes encoding their receptors may contribute to variation in human social behavior by altering brain function. Understanding the neurobiology and neurogenetics of social cognition and behavior has important implications, both clinically and for society.

1 Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Yerkes Regional Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
2 Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.

* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: lyoun03{at}emory.edu

Read the Full Text


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
Anterior hypothalamic vasopressin regulates pair-bonding and drug-induced aggression in a monogamous rodent.
K. L. Gobrogge, Y. Liu, L. J. Young, and Z. Wang (2009)
PNAS 106, 19144-19149
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Sexually Dimorphic Effects of Alcohol Exposure during Development on the Processing of Social Cues.
S. J. Kelly, D. C. Leggett, and K. Cronise (2009)
Alcohol Alcohol. 44, 555-560
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Mesotocin and Nonapeptide Receptors Promote Estrildid Flocking Behavior.
J. L. Goodson, S. E. Schrock, J. D. Klatt, D. Kabelik, and M. A. Kingsbury (2009)
Science 325, 862-866
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Supply and demand determine the market value of food providers in wild vervet monkeys.
C. Fruteau, B. Voelkl, E. van Damme, and R. Noe (2009)
PNAS 106, 12007-12012
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
The Happenstance Learning Theory.
J. D. Krumboltz (2009)
Journal of Career Assessment 17, 135-154
   Abstract »    PDF »
NGFFFamide and echinotocin: structurally unrelated myoactive neuropeptides derived from neurophysin-containing precursors in sea urchins.
M. R. Elphick and M. L. Rowe (2009)
J. Exp. Biol. 212, 1067-1077
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Genes and Social Behavior.
G. E. Robinson, R. D. Fernald, and D. F. Clayton (2008)
Science 322, 896-900
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »


To Advertise     Find Products

Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)