Sex differences in oxytocin and vasopressin: implications for autism spectrum disorders?

TitleSex differences in oxytocin and vasopressin: implications for autism spectrum disorders?
Publication TypeJournal Article
AuthorsCarter, C. S.
PubMed ID17000015
Grant ListHD 38490 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
MH 072935 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
MH 073022 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are male-biased and characterized by deficits in social behavior and social communication, excessive anxiety or hyperreactivity to stressful experiences, and a tendency toward repetitiveness. The purpose of this review is to consider evidence for a role for two sexually dimorphic neuropeptides, oxytocin (OT) and arginine vasopressin (VP), in these features of ASD. Both VP and OT play a role in normal development. VP is androgen-dependent and of particular importance to male behavior. Excess VP or disruptions in the VP system could contribute to the male vulnerability to ASD. Alternatively, protective processes mediated via OT or the OT receptor might help to explain the relatively rare occurrence of ASD in females. Disruptions in either OT or VP or their receptors could result from genetic variation or epigenetic modifications of gene expression, especially during early development. Deficits in other developmental growth factors, such as reelin, which may in turn regulate or be regulated by OT or VP, are additional candidates for a role in ASD.

Title Sex differences in oxytocin and vasopressin: implications for autism spectrum disorders?
Publication Title Behav Brain Res
Publication Type Journal Article
Published Year 2007
Authors C.S. Carter
ISSN Number 0166-4328
PubMed ID 17000015
Grant List
HD 38490 HD NICHD NIH HHS United States
MH 072935 MH NIMH NIH HHS United States
MH 073022 MH NIMH NIH HHS United States

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