Peptides that stimulate oxytocin release promote social bonding in an animal model relevant to autism
Background]Melanotan I[/b] (MT-I) and Melanotan 2 (MT-II), which act on melanocortin 3/4 receptors, and busprione (BUS), a 5-HT1a receptor agonist, to female prairie voles. We hypothesized that administration of these peptides prior to pairing with a male would accelerate partner preference formation. If our hypothesis is correct, then we predict that a similar pharmacological approach may be useful to enhance social cognition in humans and potentially ameliorate some of the social deficits associated with autism.
Objectives: To determine the effect of supplements known to stimulate OT release on social bonding in prairie voles. Methods: Melanotan I (MTI; 1 and 10 mg/kg), Melanotan II (MTII; 1 and 10 mg/kg), buspirone (BUS; 8 and 30 mg/kg) or vehicle were administered peripherally to female ovariectomized prairie voles. The non-receptive animals were cohabitated with a male partner for a period of time shorter than that typically necessary to stimulate a partner preference. Following the cohabitation, the females were tested for social bonding using the partner preference paradigm. Time spent in side-by-side immobile contact with the partner or a novel stimulus animal was quantified. Results: Females receiving the high dose of MTII and the low dose of BUS formed robust partner preferences. MTI did effect partner preference formation in this paradigm. Discussion: Drugs that targeted both the melanocortin and the serotonin systems via receptors on OT neurons induced partner preference formation under conditions in which bonding does not typically occur. As the receptors targeted by both of these compounds reside on OT neurons, we suggest that the pro-social effects of these drugs may be due to stimulation of endogenous OT release. Thus, targeting these receptor systems provides a potential mechanism to stimulate the OT system, which may have therapeutic value for enhancing social cognitive function in disorders such as autism, circumventing the limitation of peripheral OT administration.
Autism patients vary from highly functioning individuals to low functioning individuals. This means that they can live their lives fully functioning independently or not as well as others. They also are individuals known to be not that social. So these findings are very much relevant for these patients. If OC can help them create social relationships, then that is a great treatment for them. It can help them go beyond their illness, and create relationships that would thereby be impossible. Peptides are not that known to be of help in Autism patients. But this proves otherwise, especially since peptides are the ones responsible for activating OC release.
This is actually a great step for those who are autistic. Yes, there are varying levels of autism, that some are not even aware that they have the condition. There are others who are more autistic than others, and this could be a great treatment for them so they can socialize better.
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