Effects of activation of oxytocin receptor in neonatal brain on the development of mother-infant attachment.

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Maternal separation induced the activation of oxytocin-producing neurons in the supraoptic nucleus of mouse pups. Injection of oxytocin receptor antagonist in the neonatal period modulated anxiety-related and social behaviors in adulthood. On the other hand, to examine effects of increased oxytocin release at parturition upon fetal brain, we investigated the behavior of mice delivered by Cesarean section. Mice delivered by Cesarean section and then injected with oxytocin exhibited increased anxiety-related behavior as compared to mice delivered naturally. These results suggest that the activation of oxytocin receptor in neonatal brain during mother-infant interaction or parturition affects emotional and social behaviors in adulthood.