Oxytocin pathway gene networks in the human brain

• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-08503-8
• Publication Date: 2019-02-08T13:55:25Z
• Authors: Daniel S. Quintana; Jaroslav Rokicki; Dennis van der Meer; Dag Alnæs; Tobias Kaufmann; Aldo Córdova-Palo...; Ingrid Dieset; Ole A. Andreassen; Lars T. Westlye
• Keywords: Oxytocin receptor; Dopaminergic pathways

Abstract Oxytocin is a neuropeptide involved in animal and human reproductive social behavior. Three oxytocin signaling genes have been frequently implicated behavior: OXT (structural gene for oxytocin), OXTR (oxytocin receptor), CD38 secretion). Here, we characterized the distribution of , mRNA across brain by creating voxel-by-voxel volumetric expression maps, identified putative pathway interactions comparing patterns 20,737 genes. Expression three selected was enriched subcortical olfactory regions there high co-expression with several dopaminergic muscarinic acetylcholine genes, reflecting an anatomical basis critical interactions. fMRI meta-analysis revealed that maps correspond processing anticipatory, appetitive, aversive cognitive states. The system may interact to modulate state processes complex behaviors.