Early nurture epigenetically tunes the oxytocin receptor

Experiences early in life have the potential to alter social behavior and emotion regulation across the lifespan (Levine, 1957; Harlow et al., 1965; Bowlby, 1969). One of the most critical relationships in early life is the parent-offspring dyad, where variation in experience can permanently alter the developmental trajectory of the offspring. Variability in early care may be adaptive, serving to prepare offspring for their likely future environment, and is also a key mechanism allowing for the development of individual differences in behavior (Denenberg et al., 1962; Levine et al., 1967; Francis et al., 1999).

Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology - August 31, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Allison M. Perkeybile, C. Sue Carter, Kelly L. Wroblewski, Meghan H. Puglia, William M. Kenkel, Travis S. Lillard, Themistoclis Karaoli, Simon G. Gregory, Niaz Mohammadi, Larissa Epstein, Karen L. Bales, Jessica J. Connelly Source Type: research