Oxytocin facilitates social behavior of female rats via selective modulation of interneurons in the medial prefrontal cortex - PubMed
a day ago
- #social behavior
- #oxytocin
- #neuroscience
- Oxytocin promotes social behavior in female rats by modulating interneurons in the medial prefrontal cortex.
- Oxytocin neurons project directly to the medial prefrontal cortex, facilitating social behaviors.
- Oxytocin receptor-expressing (OTR+) cells in the cortex are mainly interneurons, and their activation enhances social interaction.
- The prosocial effect of oxytocin persists even under physiological challenges like hunger, indicating a dedicated circuit.
- Activation of OTR+ interneurons inhibits principal cells projecting to the basolateral amygdala, suggesting a selective mechanism for oxytocin's action.