The role of oxytocin in shaping complex social behaviours: possible interactions with other neuromodulators

Abstract

This review explores the role of oxytocin in the mediation of select social behaviours, with particular emphasis on female rodents. These behaviours include social recognition, social learning, pathogen detection and avoidance, and maternal care. Specific brain regions where oxytocin has been shown to directly mediate various aspects of these social behaviours, as well as other proposed regions, are discussed. Possible interactions between oxytocin and other regulatory systems, in particular that of oestrogens and dopamine, in the modulation of social behaviour are considered. Similarities and differences between males and females are highlighted. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Interplays between oxytocin and other neuromodulators in shaping complex social behaviours’.

Romantic love evolved by co-opting mother-infant bonding

“…This is certainly the case with the oxytocin system. Recent reviews have outlined its interaction with the opioid system in regulating social behavior ( Putnam and Chang, 2022 ), dopamine and serotonin systems in regulating different components of motherhood ( Grieb and Lonstein, 2022 ), and a range of neuromodulators in a number of complex social behaviors such as social learning and maternal behavior ( Paletta et al, 2022 ). These are all relevant to the theory of co-opting mother infant bonding in the evolutionary history of romantic love.…”

Neurobiology of Pathogen Avoidance and Mate Choice: Current and Future Directions

“…Also, whether these modulatory roles arise from the effects of oxytocin on other neurotransmitter/neuromodulatory pathways remains to be determined. In this regard, oxytocin has interactions with estrogens and dopamine, and likely immune components, in the regulation of social behaviours [177]. Both dopaminergic and estrogenic systems are implicated in the regulation of female mate choice and, as such, pathogen avoidance.…”

Oxytocin does not stand alone

“…Similarly, Paletta et al . [ 63 ] review how interactions between oxytocin and other regulatory systems mediate social behaviours, with a particular emphasis on the female sex hormone oestrogen, importantly highlighting a link between oxytocin and the oestrogen receptors in shaping behaviour.…”