Genetic imaging of the association of oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) polymorphisms with positive maternal parenting.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Well-validated models of maternal behavior in small-brain mammals posit a central role of oxytocin in parenting, by reducing stress and enhancing the reward value of social interactions with offspring. In contrast, human studies are only beginning to gain insights into how oxytocin modulates maternal behavior and affiliation.

Methods

To explore associations between oxytocin receptor genes and maternal parenting behavior in humans, we conducted a genetic imaging study of women selected to exhibit a wide range of observed parenting when their children were 4-6 years old.

Results

In response to child stimuli during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), hemodynamic responses in brain regions that mediate affect, reward, and social behavior were signific

SUBMITTER: Michalska KJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3909919 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature