Neurobiological Aspects of Face Recognition: The Role of Oxytocin

Abstract

Face recognition is an important index in the formation of social cognition and neurodevelopment in humans. Changes in face perception and memory are connected with altered sociability, which is a symptom of numerous brain conditions including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Various brain regions and neuropeptides are implicated in face processing. The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) plays an important role in various social behaviors, including face and emotion recognition. Nasal OT administration is a promising new therapy that can address social cognition deficits in individuals with ASD. New instrumental neurotechnologies enable the assessment of brain region activation during specific social tasks and therapies, and can characterize the involvement of genes and peptides in impaired neurodevelopment. The present review sought to discuss some of the mechanisms of the face distinguishing process, the ability of OT to modulate social cognition, as well as new perspectives and technologies for research and rehabilitation of face recognition.

Keywords: autism spectrum disorders; face recognition; neurotechnologies; oxytocin; social stimuli.

FIGURE 1

Cognition and memory of social interactions. Cognition and memory of social interactions are controlled by different brain regions and mediated by various neurotransmitters (glutamate, GABA, acetylcholine, dopamine, steroids, endocannabinoids, etc.) and neuropeptides (oxytocin, arginine-vasopressin) in mammalians. Red color indicates the items that are in the review’s focus.

FIGURE 2

Exogenous oxytocin (OT) facilities face recognition in humans. Intranasal OT administration has been found to improve perception of facial expressions and affect trust in human participants. OT administration has been found to improve inter-individual interactions and communication in individuals with social behavior deficits. OXTR, oxytocin receptor.

FIGURE 3

New neurotechnology for rehabilitation of face recognition. Rehabilitation of face recognition includes compensatory and remedial training, the administration of pharmacotherapeutic substances, classic and modern non-invasive brain stimulations, and interaction with robots. The application of more than one technique simultaneously may bring about larger and longer-term benefits. tDCS, transcranial direct current stimulation; tRNS, transcranial random noise stimulation; GVS, galvanic vestibular stimulation; VAR, virtual/adapted reality; BCI, brain–computer interface; OT, oxytocin.