Oxytocin receptor gene polymorphism modulates the effects of social support on heart rate variability.

ABSTRACT: A large body of empirical research has demonstrated stress-buffering effects of social support. However, recent studies suggest that genetic variation of the oxytocin system (specifically, a common single nucleotide polymorphism, rs53576, of the oxytocin receptor gene) modulates the efficacy of social support. The timing and neurobiological basis of this genetic modulation were investigated using a standardized, laboratory-based psychological stress procedure (Trier Social Stress Test for Groups, TSST-G). To index potential stress buffering effects of social support mediated by the oxytocin system, heart rate variability (HRV) was obtained before and during the TSST-G from 40 healthy participants. Results indicate that social support is associated with higher HRV only in G allele carriers.

SUBMITTER: Kanthak MK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5317103 | biostudies-literature | 2016 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature