Expansion of Vasopressin⧸Oxytocin Memory Research I: Peripheral Administration

Abstract

This chapter discusses the expansion of vasopressin/oxytocin (VP/OT) memory research I. The effects of VP and/or OT in laboratory rats and mice, as well as in young mentally healthy human subjects are investigated. In all instances these neurohypophysial hormones are peripherally administered and comprised either the parent peptide or their behaviorally active and highly potent metabolic fragments. The tasks are designed to assess one or more phases of long-term memory, and in some cases short-term memory. The animal studies presented in the chapter examine the roles of the neurohypophysial hormones in learning and memory, tested in a variety of aversive and apptitive tasks that, in turn, form the basis of the section's organization. These studies emphasize the role of OT in cognitive processing, and thereby complement the focus on VP, which characterized the human research.