Abstract
Background
Oxytocin has received much attention as a prosocial and anxiolytic neuropeptide. In
human studies, the G-allele of a common variant (rs53576) in the oxytocin receptor
gene (OXTR) has been associated with protective properties such as reduced stress response and
higher receptiveness for social support. In contrast, recent studies suggest a detrimental
role of the rs53576 G-allele in the context of childhood maltreatment. To further
elucidate the role of OXTR, gene by maltreatment interactions on brain structure and function were investigated.
Methods
Three hundred nine healthy participants genotyped for OXTR rs53576 underwent structural as well as functional magnetic resonance imaging during
a common emotional face-matching task. Childhood maltreatment was assessed with the
Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Gray matter volumes were investigated by means
of voxel-based morphometry across the entire brain.
Results
Structural magnetic resonance imaging data revealed a strong interaction of rs53576
genotype and CTQ scores, mapping specifically to the bilateral ventral striatum. GG
homozygotes but not A-allele carriers showed strong gray matter reduction with increasing
CTQ scores. In turn, lower ventral striatum gray matter volumes were associated with
lower reward dependence, a prosocial trait. Furthermore, the G-allele was associated
with increased amygdala responsiveness to emotional facial expressions.
Conclusions
The findings suggest that the G-allele constitutes a vulnerability factor for specific
alterations of limbic brain structure in individuals with adverse childhood experiences,
complemented by increased limbic responsiveness to emotional interpersonal stimuli.
While oxytocinergic signaling facilitates attachment and bonding in supportive social
environments, this attunement for social cues may turn disadvantageous under early
adverse conditions.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 18, 2015
Accepted:
December 10,
2015
Received in revised form:
November 17,
2015
Received:
September 4,
2015
Identification
Copyright
© 2016 Society of Biological Psychiatry.
