The Challenge of Translation in Social Neuroscience: A Review of Oxytocin, Vasopressin, and Affiliative Behavior

By Thomas R. Insel. Neuron, 2010

1,006 citations recorded by the source corpus.

Social neuroscience is rapidly exploring the complex territory between perception and action where recognition, value, and meaning are instantiated. This review follows the trail of research on oxytocin and vasopressin as an exemplar of one path for exploring the “dark matter” of social neuroscience. Studies across vertebrate species suggest that these neuropeptides are important for social cognition, with gender and steroid-dependent effects. Comparative research in voles yields a model based on inter-species and intra-species variation of the geography of oxytocin receptors and vasopressin V1a receptors in the forebrain. Highly affiliative species have receptors in brain circuits related to reward or reinforcement. The neuroanatomical distribution of these receptors may be guided by variations in the regulatory regions of their respective genes. This review describes the promises and problems of extrapolating these findings to human social cognition, with specific reference to the social deficits of autism.

Subfields: Developmental and Educational Psychology, Pharmacy, Social Psychology

View Paper: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/4a755d586d3d686bd0f60c7cd14833a66abc90e1

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Citations in the corpus

Oxytocin and social affiliation in humans. (2012, background): “…distribution of OT receptors in the brain and the links between maternal behaviors and OT expression show substantial between-species variations (Insel, 2010; Ross et al., 2009), it is critical that the specific associations between OT and processes of social bonding should be studied in…”
Possible genetic and epigenetic links between human inner speech, schizophrenia and altruism. (2012, neutral): “…far as the relevant genetic background is concerned, several studies have indicated that genes, such as thosewhich specify the arginine vasopressin receptors and the oxytocin receptor, contribute to social behaviour in a broad range of species, from voles to man (Ebstein et al., 2010; Insel, 2010).”
Prediction-error in the context of real social relationships modulates reward system activity (2012, background): “Nonetheless, there is reason to believe such links do exist (see Amodio and Frith, 2006; Vrticka et al., 2008; Insel, 2010).”
An Evolutionary Approach to Emotion in Mental Health With a Focus on Affiliative Emotions (2015, background): “Considerable research now points to important hormones such as oxytocin, playing crucial roles in the soothing qualities of social relationships (Insel, 2010; Uvnäs Moberg, 2013).”
Social Cognitive Neuroscience of Empathy: Concepts, Circuits, and Genes (2012, background): “Two prime examples of target molecules in social neurogenetics are the evolutionary old neuropeptides, oxytocin and vasopressin (Donaldson & Young, 2008; Insel, 2010).”
Theories and possible processes of action in animal assisted interventions (2017, background): “stroking, and, in general, pleasant physical contact and touch (for an overview see Beetz et al., 2012; Carter & Porges, 2016; Insel, 2010; Uvnäs-Moberg, 2003).”
Psychosocial and Psychophysiological Effects of Human-Animal Interactions: The Possible Role of Oxytocin (2012, neutral): “…in response to sensory stimulation via a network of OT-containing nerves (Landgraf and Neumann, 2004; Ross et al., 2009), e.g., during breastfeeding, labor, sex, but also touch, warmth, and stroking, usually in the context of trusting relationships (for reviews see Uvnäs-Moberg, 2003; Insel, 2010).”
Synchrony as an Adaptive Mechanism for Large-Scale Human Social Bonding (2016, neutral): “Over the past fifteen years, there has been a surge in interest in the neurobiological underpinnings of social bonding, across mammal species including humans (Young & Wang 2004; Lim & Young 2006; e.g. Insel 2010).”
How to learn about teaching: An evolutionary framework for the study of teaching behavior in humans and other animals. (2014, background): “These hormones also regulate and are influenced by trust, prosociality, empathy (empathic concern, perspective taking), reward sensitivity, and status seeking (Bos et al. 2012; Crockford et al. 2014; Heinrichs et al. 2009; Insel 2010; Mehta & Josephs 2012; van Anders et al. 2011).”
Effects of isotocin on social responses in a cooperatively breeding fish (2012, background): “…homologues; e.g. isotocin in teleost fish, mesotocin in birds and reptiles) represents a promising candidate system for the modulation of social behaviour (for recent reviews see: Donaldson & Young 2008; Goodson 2008; Lee et al. 2009; Ross & Young 2009; Goodson & Thompson 2010; Insel 2010).”
Understanding Others: Brain Mechanisms of Theory of Mind and Empathy (2008, background): “Recent advances have also been made concerning the effects of neuroendocrinology (e.g., stereoid hormones or neuropeptides such as oxytocin and vasopressin) on social cognition and behavior (for reviews, see Bos et al., 2012; Insel, 2010; Meyer-Lindenberg et al., 2011).”
The origins and nature of compassion focused therapy. (2014, background): “For example, oxytocin andvasopressinplay important roles in attachment and thedegree towhichpeople try tobehelpful toothers andareopen tocare, for example, are trusting (Carter, 1998; Insel, 2010).”