Faculty, Staff and Student Publications
Publication Date
11-1-2022
Journal
Psychoneuroendocrinology
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is essential for successful reproduction, particularly during parturition and lactation. During the postpartum period, OT also influences maternal behavior to promote bonding between mothers and their newborns, and increases stress resilience. However, the mechanism by which stress influences OT neuron activity and OT release has remained unclear. Here, we provide evidence that a subpopulation of OT neurons initiate expression of the receptor for the stress neuropeptide Corticotropin Releasing Factor (CRF), CRFR1, in reproductive females. OT neuron expression of CRFR1 begins at the first parturition and increases during the postpartum period until weaning. The percentage of OT neurons that express CRFR1 increases with successive breeding cycles until it reaches a plateau of 20-25% of OT neurons. OT neuron expression of CRFR1 in reproductive females is maintained after they are no longer actively breeding. CRFR1 expression leads to activation of OT neurons when animals are stressed. We propose a model in which direct CRF signaling to OT neurons selectively in reproductive females potentiates OT release to promote stress resilience in mothers.
Keywords
Animals, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone, Female, Neurons, Oxytocin, Parturition, Pregnancy, Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone
DOI
10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105918
PMID
36116320
PMCID
PMC9881188
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
11-1-2023
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Author MSS
Published Open-Access
yes
Included in
Biochemical Phenomena, Metabolism, and Nutrition Commons, Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism Commons