How oxytocin affects brain circuits and social behavior
Oxytocin Modulation of Neural Circuit Function and Behavior
Looking at how the hormone oxytocin changes brain wiring and social attention, with relevance to people on the autism spectrum.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11413130 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project follows oxytocin signals from molecules up to whole brain circuits to learn how they change behavior. Researchers combine lab experiments, animal work, brain recordings, and human behavioral and imaging tests to link biology with social attention. The team aims to explain why past oxytocin treatments gave mixed results by studying when, where, and in whom oxytocin alters social responses. Findings will guide who might benefit from oxytocin-related therapies and how those therapies should be given.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults on the autism spectrum, especially those with social attention or social-communication difficulties, would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: People without social symptoms, children under the adult ages targeted here, or individuals whose difficulties are unrelated to oxytocin pathways may not benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could point to better, more targeted ways to improve social attention and interaction for people with autism.
How similar studies have performed: Past trials of oxytocin in humans have shown mixed and inconsistent results, so this project builds on but does not repeat uncertain prior findings.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tsien, Richard W — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Tsien, Richard W
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.