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'.

Keywords: dopamine; maternal care; oestrogens; social learning; social recognition.

Figure 1.

Brain regions where oxytocin acts to mediate social recognition. The brain regions shown are where oxytocin or the OTR acts to mediate social recognition. Blue circles represent regions in females where oxytocin mediates social recognition, and red triangles represent regions in males where oxytocin mediates social recognition. MOB, main olfactory bulb; AOB, accessory olfactory bulb; mPFC, medial prefrontal cortex; LS, lateral septum; pBNST, posterior bed nucleus of the stria terminus; MPOA; medial preoptic area; DH, dorsal hippocampus; MeA, medial amygdala. (Online version in colour.)

Figure 2.

Brain regions where oxytocin acts to mediate maternal care. The brain regions shown are where oxytocin or the OTR acts to mediate maternal care. Blue circles represent regions in females where oxytocin mediates maternal care. MOB, main olfactory bulb; AOB, accessory olfactory bulb; mPFC, medial prefrontal cortex: MPOA, medial preoptic area; PVN, paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus; MeA, mdial amygdala; lAC, left auditory cortex. (Online version in colour.)