Abstract
The study of the neurohormonal and behavioral processes and neural mechanisms involved in the development of attachment between the infant and the mother has received increased attention over the last years. Oxytocin has been shown to play a central role in the regulation of affiliate social behavior, including sexual behavior, mother infant bonding and social memory and recognition. Following normal physiological vaginal birth highest levels plasmatic endogenous oxytocin are achieved, which has been related to the presence of a sensitive period which seems to facilitate bonding and initial mother and newborn attachment. Perinatal manipulation of peptidic hormones like oxytocin can have life long lasting effects on social and sexual behaviors in animal models. Disregulation of oxytocinergic system has been observed in individuals with autistic disorders. A review of the possible effects of oxytocinergic perinatal manipulation in human newborns is discussed in the present review article. The hypothesis of the possible effect of perinatal oxytocin manipulation on the ethiology of autism is discussed.
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