Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology
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Neuropsychopharmacology · Oct 2013
Acute prosocial effects of oxytocin and vasopressin when given alone or in combination with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine in rats: involvement of the V1A receptor.
The neuropeptides oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) are recognized for their modulation of social processes in humans when delivered peripherally. However, there is surprisingly little evidence for acute social effects of peripherally administered OT or AVP in animal models. On the other hand, the party drug 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 'Ecstasy') has powerful prosocial effects in rats that appear to occur through stimulation of central OT release. ⋯ C25 did not inhibit adjacent lying induced by OT, whereas SR49059 inhibited adjacent lying induced by MDMA (5 mg/kg), OT (0.5 mg/kg), and AVP (0.01 mg/kg). Interestingly, when ineffective doses of OT and MDMA, or AVP and MDMA, were combined, a robust increase in adjacent lying was observed. These results show for the first time acute prosocial effects of peripherally injected OT and AVP in laboratory rats, and suggest a commonality of action of OT, AVP, and MDMA in stimulating social behavior that involves V1ARs.