Oxytocin signaling in the ventral tegmental area mediates social isolation-induced craving for social interaction.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Social interaction is crucial for mental health across animal species. Social experiences, especially in early-life stages, strongly influence brain function and social behavior later in life. Acute social isolation (SI) increases motivation to seek social interaction, but little is known about its underlying neuronal and circuitry mechanisms. Here, we focus on oxytocin signaling in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), a vital node of the brain's reward network, as a potential mechanism for SI-induced craving for social interaction.

Methods

Adolescent (4-week-old) or adult (14-week-old) male C57BL/6J mice underwent a 1-week SI. Free interaction, object exploration, three-chamber social approach, and habituation tests were used to assess social and non-social behavior

SUBMITTER: Chang HT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11912778 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature