Abstract
Neuropeptides are small molecules that act as messengers between different brain regions. There are roughly 100 neuropeptides that are important for various functions, including hunger, memory, and learning. Oxytocin is a neuropeptide that plays a crucial role in childbirth and breastfeeding. More recently, oxytocin has been shown to be essential for our social behaviors. When given to people in the form of a nasal spray, oxytocin can change key aspects of social behavior, such as how easily we can recognize emotions in others. People with autism often have difficulties in understanding and using social information, and scientists have been testing oxytocin nasal spray as a potential treatment. But how does oxytocin nasal spray travel from the nose to the brain, and how does it change how we behave socially?
Highlights
A small molecule naturally produced in the body that acts a messenger to trigger responses in our body, such as the feeling of hunger
Neuropeptides are small molecules that act as messengers between different brain regions
Oxytocin is a neuropeptide that plays a crucial role in childbirth and breastfeeding
Summary
Oxytocin is naturally produced in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus and distributed both within the brain and to the rest of the body by way of the pituitary gland. Edu/NIMH_Pictures.html or forming romantic relationships) have lower levels of oxytocin in their blood compared with people without these conditions Based on these results and the earlier animal research, scientists began to examine the effect of giving oxytocin to humans as a nasal spray. Edu/NIMH_Pictures.html special cameras called eyetrackers that record exactly where people are looking (Figure 4), researchers tested which areas of the face people looked at the most after taking oxytocin [4] They found that oxytocin increases the amount of time people spend looking at the eye region of these faces and decreases the time spent looking other regions of the face. The second is by increasing our desire to approach and interact with other people
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
