Child Maltreatment Is Associated with a Reduction of the Oxytocin Receptor in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

Abstract

Background: Child maltreatment (CM) and attachment experiences are closely linked to alterations in the human oxytocin (OXT) system. However, human data about oxytocin receptor (OXTR) protein levels are lacking. Therefore, we investigated oxytocin receptor (OXTR) protein levels in circulating immune cells and related them to circulating levels of OXT in peripheral blood. We hypothesized reduced OXTR protein levels, associated with both, experiences of CM and an insecure attachment representation.Methods: OXTR protein expressions were analyzed by western blot analyses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and plasma OXT levels were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA) in 49 mothers. We used the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) to assess adverse childhood experiences. Attachment representations (secure vs. insecure) were classified using the Adult Attachment Projective Picture System (AAP) and levels of anxiety and depression were assessed with the German version of the Hospital Depression and Anxiety scale (HADS-D).Results: CM-affected women showed significantly lower OXTR protein expression with significantly negative correlations between the OXTR protein expression and the CTQ sum score, whereas plasma OXT levels showed no significant differences in association with CM. Lower OXTR protein expression in PBMC were particularly pronounced in the group of insecurely attached mothers compared to the securely attached group. Anxiety levels were significantly higher in CM-affected women.Conclusion: This study demonstrated a significant association between CM and an alteration of OXTR protein expression in human blood cells as a sign for chronic, long-lasting alterations in this attachment-related neurobiological system.

Maternal Separation Induces Long-Term Alterations in the Cardiac Oxytocin Receptor and Cystathionine γ-Lyase Expression in Mice

“…Due to its short circulating half-life [37], basal Oxt plasma levels might have normalized in adulthood after ELS exposure. In fact, our finding is in good agreement with our previous study in women with CM experiences, whose basal Oxt plasma levels were unchanged in adulthood [38], and another study also showing that Oxt plasma levels are independent of the dose of maltreatment [39]. Nevertheless, this does not exclude that ELS may exert a "programming" effect on acute Oxt release during stress challenges at later life periods.…”

Active Learning Norwegian Preschool(er)s (ACTNOW) – Design of a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of Staff Professional Development to Promote Physical Activity, Motor Skills, and Cognition in Preschoolers

“…This is consistent with results from a large Norwegian study in preschoolers, which extends these results by showing that the association pattern between PA and motor competence is characterized particularly by vigorous intensities (Nilsen et al, 2019a). Importantly, motor competence will likely not be optimally stimulated through naturally occurring behaviors and thus needs to be taught (Stodden et al, 2008;Robinson et al, 2016). Furthermore, to optimally promote motor competence, it is important to provide challenging activities that keep the children on a positive trajectory of learning and maximize motivation and engagement (Robinson et al, 2015).…”

How do hypothalamic nonapeptides shape youth’s sociality? A systematic review on oxytocin, vasopressin and human socio-emotional development

“…Consistent with these findings, another recent study reported a decrease in the expression of OT receptor in peripheral blood cells of mothers maltreated during childhood, although no differences could be identified in baseline plasmatic OT between maltreated and non-maltreated individuals (95). For maltreated mothers, expression of OT receptors correlated negatively with Childhood Trauma scores (95). Dynamic changes in OT receptor methylation in response to psychosocial stress have been reported as well (96,97).…”

“…Indeed, recent work has demonstrated that low maternal care is associated with increased OT receptor promoter methylation levels, a process which typically represses gene expression (94). Consistent with these findings, another recent study reported a decrease in the expression of OT receptor in peripheral blood cells of mothers maltreated during childhood, although no differences could be identified in baseline plasmatic OT between maltreated and non-maltreated individuals (95). For maltreated mothers, expression of OT receptors correlated negatively with Childhood Trauma scores (95).…”