Understanding the effects of oxytocin on brain development after induced birth
Official title: Mapping postnatal oxytocinergic system and offspring neurobehavior after induced birth with oxytocin
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10888789 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using oxytocin to help start labor might affect the brain and behavior of newborns, so we can better understand if it could lead to any developmental issues in children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 22, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $253,066 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD111858-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10888789 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women considering labor induction with oxytocin and their newborns.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been induced with oxytocin or those whose children are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the use of oxytocin during labor induction affects the developing brain and behavior of newborns. By creating a precise animal model that mimics human labor management, the study aims to explore the potential adverse effects of oxytocin on neurodevelopment. Researchers will analyze brain signaling pathways and gene expression related to social behavior in newborns exposed to oxytocin. The findings could provide insights into the relationship between labor induction practices and developmental disorders in children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of the risks associated with oxytocin use during labor, potentially guiding safer practices for mothers and their newborns.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on oxytocin's effects, this research employs a novel animal model to specifically address the mechanistic links to neurodevelopmental outcomes, making it a unique approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Palanisamy, Arvind — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Palanisamy, Arvind
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.