The early development of the autonomic nervous system provides a neural platform for social behaviour: a polyvagal perspective

Abstract

We present a biobehavioral model that explains the neurobiological mechanisms through which measures of vagal regulation of the heart (e.g., respiratory sinus arrhythmia) are related to infant self-regulatory and social engagement skills. The model describes the sequential development of the neural structures that provide a newborn infant with the ability to regulate physiological state in response to a dynamically changing postpartum environment. Initially, the newborn uses primitive brainstem-visceral circuits via ingestive behaviors as the primary mechanism to regulate physiological state. However, as cortical regulation of the brainstem improves during the first year of life, reciprocal social behavior displaces feeding as the primary regulator of physiological state. The model emphasizes two sequential phases in neurophysiological development as the fetus transitions to postpartum biological and social challenges: 1) the development of the myelinated vagal system during the last trimester, and 2) the development of cortical regulation of the brainstem areas regulating the vagus during the first year postpartum.Keywords social behavior; infancy; polyvagal theory; heart rate variability; respiratory sinus arrhythmia During the last trimester and continuing through the first year postpartum, the autonomic nervous system is rapidly changing. These changes insure that the infant can breathe, obtain food, and maintain body temperature. Coupled with the development of these abilities to obtain basic biological needs is a progressive change in the infant's ability to regulate physiological and behavioral state through interactions with another person (e.g., mother). We propose that the developmental changes in the neural pathways that regulate autonomic state provide a neural platform to support the expanding abilities of the infant to engage objects and people in a dynamically changing environment Thus, the emerging behavioral repertoire and social-interactive needs of the rapidly developing young infant should be studied within the context of the maturational changes in the autonomic nervous system. Contrary to the hypothesized dependence of social behavior on the autonomic nervous system, the autonomic nervous system has played a limited role within predominant theories in developmental psychology. Similarly, given the critical role that the autonomic nervous system plays in the infant's survival during the transition from prenatal to postnatal environments, it is surprising that an understanding of the central mechanisms mediating the autonomic nervous system has been tangential to pediatric medicine. In general, measures of

The Use of Oxytocin to Improve Feeding and Social Skills in Infants With Prader–Willi Syndrome

“…It is likely that OXT improves oral motor function of the face and head, including the larynx and pharynx. Interestingly, these structures and the nerves that innervate them were described as part of a system (polyvagal theory) 19 that permits social engagement and communication. 1 In addition, we observed a significant increase in circulating AG, which is called "the hunger hormone, " after OXT treatment that may counterbalance the excess of UAG, which possibly drives anorexia, as discussed in our recent publication.…”

The Effects of Music Therapy on Vital Signs, Feeding, and Sleep in Premature Infants

“…6 Endurance of the traumatic effects of premature birth and subsequent NICU admission 7,8 expends vital energy for the premature infant and can complicate or impair development. [9][10][11] An infant' s capacity to recognize his or her mother' s voice indicates that attention to this function may be valuable if integrated with NICU care practices. 12 Vocal familiarity within the infant' s sound environment may provide an essential domain of consistency, security, and comfort that even the most modern NICUs cannot replicate.…”

Attachment Figure's Regulation of Infant Brain and Behavior

“…Subtler "hidden regulation" of the infant occurs during caregiving when the physical stimulation provided by the caretaker regulates the infant's physiological function. For example, hidden regulation occurs as the pattern and intensity of a mother's touch regulates the infant's level of growth hormone, body warmth increases the neurotransmitter norephinephrine (NE), and maternal odor increases behavioral activity and decreases stress hormones (Blaze & Roth, 2013;Feldman, Singer, & Zagoory, 2010;Hofer, 1994Hofer, , 2006Hofer & Sullivan, 2008;Hostinar & Gunnar, 2013;McKenna & McDade, 2005;Porges & Furman, 2011;Sanchez, McCormack, & Howell, 2015;Schanberg, Evoniuk, & Kuhn, 1984;Walker, 2010;Weller & Feldman, 2003). Experimental removal of just one of these sensory stimuli or removal of the mother and replacement of specific sensory stimuli have shown a causal relationship between specific maternal sensory stimulation and the immediate physiological and behavioral response of the rat pup.…”