Positive Social Interactions in a Lifespan Perspective with a Focus on Opioidergic and Oxytocinergic Systems: Implications for Neuroprotection.

ABSTRACT: In recent years, a growing interest has emerged in the beneficial effects of positive social interactions on health. The present work aims to review animal and human studies linking social interactions and health throughout the lifespan, with a focus on current knowledge of the possible mediating role of opioids and oxytocin. During the prenatal period, a positive social environment contributes to regulating maternal stress response and protecting the fetus from exposure to maternal active glucocorticoids. Throughout development, positive social contact with the caregiver acts as a "hidden regulator" and promotes infant neuroaffective development. Postnatal social neuroprotection interventions involving caregiver-infant physical contact seem to be crucial for rescuing preterm infants at ri

SUBMITTER: Colonnello V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5543675 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature