Neuromodulation of maternal circuits by oxytocin
Open accessAbstract
Motherhood in mammals involves tremendous changes throughout the body and central nervous system, which support attention and nurturing of infants. Maternal care consists of complex behaviors, such as nursing and protection of the offspring, requiring new mothers to become highly sensitive to infant needs. Long-lasting neural plasticity in various regions of the cerebral cortex may enable the perception and recognition of infant cues, important for appropriate caregiving responses. Recent findings have demonstrated that the neuropeptide oxytocin is involved in a number of physiological processes, including parturition and lactation and dynamically shaping neuronal responses to infant stimuli as well. Here, we review experience-dependent changes within the cortex occurring throughout motherhood, focusing on plasticity of the somatosensory and auditory cortex. We outline the role of oxytocin in gating cortical plasticity and discuss potential mechanisms regulating oxytocin release in response to different sensory stimuli.
AI snapshot
Written from the paper’s full text.
TL;DR
This review synthesizes evidence that motherhood drives experience-dependent plasticity in somatosensory (S1) and auditory (A1) cortex, and argues that the neuropeptide oxytocin acts as a neuromodulator gating these cortical changes to heighten sensitivity to infant cues. It contrasts the transient, nursing-dependent plasticity of S1 with the longer-lasting changes in A1, and proposes that distinct firing patterns of hypothalamic oxytocin neurons may drive peripheral versus central oxytocin release.
Key findings
- In primiparous lactating rats, the S1 representation of the ventrum expands roughly two-fold (nipple/areolae area), an effect absent in postpartum rats whose litters were removed at birth, implying active nursing rather than parturition alone drives the map change (Rosselet et al., 2006; Xerri et al., 1994).
- S1 receptive fields for nipple-bearing skin shrink at one week after nursing onset, return to baseline by three weeks, while map extension appears later (two weeks) and persists until weaning; increased dendritic spine density in layer III/V pyramidal neurons remains up to six weeks after weaning (Chen et al., 2017).
- In A1, pup distress calls are overrepresented in dams versus virgins, with more pup call-responding neurons, a shifted excitation/inhibition balance, and enhanced responses in ultrasound-responding regions; unlike S1, these auditory changes can persist up to several weeks after weaning, though one study reports single-cell responses disappearing at 10 days post-weaning (Tasaka et al., 2018).
- Oxytocin neurons in PVN/SON fire in bursts of 50–100 Hz lasting 1–2 s every 5–10 min during parturition and suckling, but optogenetic studies show lower continuous frequencies (30 Hz; or 5 Hz for 3 min) suffice to trigger central oxytocin release and effects such as reduced inhibitory transmission and increased cortical spiking.
Methods
- Narrative review of the literature on maternal cortical plasticity and oxytocin, focused on somatosensory and auditory cortex; the abstract states it reviews experience-dependent cortical changes across motherhood and discusses mechanisms regulating oxytocin release.
- Synthesizes predominantly rodent (rat and mouse) studies using in vivo recording, imaging, tracing, and optogenetic manipulation, with some human studies on maternal cry reactivity and oxytocin receptor genetics.
- No primary data are collected or analyzed; the paper integrates cited findings and proposes conceptual models (e.g., contrasting bursting versus tonic oxytocin neuron firing).
Limitations
- Stated by the paper: it remains unknown whether oxytocin is important for the onset or maintenance of S1 plasticity; which inputs to PVN oxytocin neurons convey infant-cue information and what firing patterns are sufficient for central release remain unexplored; whether oxytocin is released centrally during the postpartum plasma spike is unknown; and the behavioral/evolutionary advantage of long-lasting auditory changes is unexplored.
- Evident from the text: as a narrative review it presents no new data, and its conclusions rest on synthesis of others' work, much of it in rodents, with the human evidence largely correlational (e.g., oxytocin receptor gene associations, breastfeeding and cry-response studies).
- The paper also notes unresolved debate about the exact nature of cortical oxytocin innervation, since one study found no direct PVN-to-sensory-cortex projections while others demonstrated PVN fibers in A1.
Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.
Integrity signals
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Cites
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Claims the paper makes
0 of 70 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged
- Premisecitation
The emergence of different aspects of maternal behavior relies on experience-dependent changes within the maternal brain that enable the processing of sensory cues from the newborn.
“the emergence of different aspects of maternal behavior relies on experience-dependent changes within the maternal brain that enable the processing of sensory cues from the newborn”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked - Premisenone given
Oxytocin dynamically shapes neuronal responses to infant stimuli.
“dynamically shaping neuronal responses to infant stimuli as well”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisenone given
Oxytocin gates cortical plasticity.
“We outline the role of oxytocin in gating cortical plasticity”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Premisecitation
Long-lasting plasticity in somatosensory and auditory cortex contributes to increased responsiveness to infant cues.
“long-lasting plasticity in somatosensory (Rosselet et al., 2006; Xerri et al., 1994) and auditory (Cohen et al., 2011; Cohen and Mizrahi, 2015; Liu et al., 2006; Liu and Schreiner, 2007; Marlin et al., 2015; Shepard et al., 2016; Tasaka et al., 2018) cortex have recently been shown to contribute to increased responsiveness to infant cues”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked - Premisecitation
The overall tonotopic organization of A1 is not modified by motherhood compared to the S1 representational territory of the ventrum.
“the overall tonotopic organization of A1 is not modified by motherhood compared to S1 representational territory of the ventrum”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Rosselet et al., 2006 source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites Shepard et al., 2016
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationreasoning
The two-fold increase in the area representing the nipples and areolae is likely due to strengthened sensory inputs related to nursing.
“likely due to strengthened sensory inputs related to nursing”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
Increase in dendritic spine density in layer III and V pyramidal neurons of the somatosensory cortex is more prominent in lactating dams after two weeks of lactation onset, compared to pregnant females.
“increase in dendritic spine density in layer III and V pyramidal neurons of the somatosensory cortex is more prominent in lactating dams after two weeks of lactation onset, compared to pregnant females”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Chen et al., 2017 source
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
Receptive fields of S1 neurons representing the nipple-bearing skin of the ventrum in lactating rats are reduced prior to S1 map extension, at one week after nursing onset.
“Receptive fields of S1 neurons representing the nipple-bearing skin of the ventrum in lactating rats are reduced prior to S1 map extension, at one week after nursing onset”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Rosselet et al., 2006 source
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
Increased activation of S1 during suckling can be mimicked by artificial suction or nipple rubbing.
“increased activation of S1 during suckling can also be mimicked by artificial suction or nipple rubbing”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Febo et al., 2008 source
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
In postpartum rodents, the frequency and duration of tactile stimulation from suckling pups is dramatically increased as infants spend around 50% of their awake time nursing.
“in postpartum rodents, the frequency and duration of tactile stimulation from suckling pups is dramatically increased as infants spend around 50% of their awake time nursing”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked - Premisecitation
Pup distress calls reliably drive individual neurons in mouse primary auditory cortex in a temporally precise manner.
“pup distress calls reliably drive individual neurons in mouse primary auditory cortex (A1) in a temporally precise manner”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Marlin et al., 2015 source
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
The expansion of the ventrum representation is displayed by a two-fold increase of the area representing the nipples and areolae.
“This is displayed by a two-fold increase of the area representing the nipples and areolae”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked - Premisecitation
Increased dendritic spine density in layer III and V pyramidal neurons remains up to six weeks after weaning.
“increased dendritic spine density in layer III and V pyramidal neurons remains up to six weeks after weaning”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Chen et al., 2017 source
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
The thickness of the rat somatosensory cortex is increased almost immediately after parturition.
“the thickness of the rat somatosensory cortex is increased almost immediately after parturition”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Hamilton et al., 1977 source
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationcitation
Active nursing is required for S1 map plasticity, rather than parturition alone.
“This implies that active nursing is required for S1 map plasticity, rather than parturition alone.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
Changes in auditory cortex which might enhance the detection of infant vocalizations persist up to several weeks after weaning.
“changes in auditory cortex which might enhance the detection of infant vocalizations have been shown to persist up to several weeks after weaning”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked - Interpretationreasoning
Auditory cortical plasticity appears to endure longer than representational changes to S1.
“Importantly, auditory cortical plasticity appears to endure longer than representational changes to S1.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Premisecitation
Oxytocin can selectively gate cortical responses to infant stimuli to subsequently enable maternal care.
“The neuropeptide oxytocin can selectively gate cortical responses to infant stimuli to subsequently enable maternal care”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked - Premisecitation
The size of receptive fields returns to baseline levels at three weeks after nursing onset, prior to weaning.
“the size of receptive fields return to baseline levels at three weeks after nursing onset, prior to weaning”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Rosselet et al., 2006 source
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
Changes in the S1 representational territory are strongly related to nursing experience as they are absent in postpartum rats whose litters have been removed on the day of birth.
“Changes in the S1 representational territory are strongly related to nursing experience as it is absent in postpartum rats (Fig. 1A, ‘Non-lactating’) whose litters have been removed on the day of birth”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Xerri et al., 1994 source
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
In the primary area of the somatosensory cortex, the representation of the ventrum is expanded in primiparous lactating rats compared to virgins.
“In the primary area of the somatosensory cortex (S1), the representation of the ventrum is expanded in primiparous lactating rats compared to virgins”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked - Interpretationreasoning
Oxytocin priming of cortical circuits in new mothers may allow further experience-dependent reshaping of neural representations of infant cues.
“Thus, oxytocin priming of cortical circuits in new mothers may allow further experience-dependent reshaping of neural representations of infant cues.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
Oxytocin is involved in homeostatic regulation of reflexes such as parturition and lactation.
“Oxytocin is involved not only in homeostatic regulation of reflexes such as parturition and lactation, but it is crucial part of other aspects of motherhood such as care and protection of the offspring (Marlin et al., 2015; Nakajima et al., 2014; Sabihi et al., 2014).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked - Premisecitation
The oxytocin receptor is expressed in several cortical areas, including A1, S1, mPFC, insular cortex, entorhinal cortex and piriform cortex.
“The oxytocin receptor is expressed in several cortical areas, including A1, S1, mPFC, insular cortex, entorhinal cortex and piriform cortex (Knobloch et al., 2012; Mitre et al., 2016; Rogers-Carter et al., 2018; Sabihi et al., 2014).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked - Interpretationcitation
Oxytocin mediates a broad spectrum of prosocial behaviors such as empathy, pair bonding, mating and social reward.
“Oxytocin mediates a broad spectrum of prosocial behaviors such as empathy, pair bonding, mating and social reward (Dölen et al., 2013; L. W. Hung et al., 2017; Insel and Young, 2001; Nakajima et al., 2014; Rogers-Carter et al., 2018).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked - Premisenone given
Behavioral responses of experienced mothers persist throughout life to pup distress calls.
“behavioral responses of experienced mothers persist throughout life to pup distress calls”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Premisecitation
Infant stimuli trigger simultaneous responses in different brain areas of mothers.
“Infant stimuli trigger simultaneous responses in different brain areas of mothers (Febo et al., 2008; Lorberbaum et al., 2002; Sander and Scheich, 2005), but it remains to be explored if oxytocin acts simultaneously in different cortical areas to gate these responses; or, alternatively, if oxytocin signaling is restricted to specific regions.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked - Premisecitation
The latency of the milk ejection reflex in lactating rats decreases at longer postpartum times.
“the latency of the milk ejection reflex in lactating rats decreases at longer postpartum times”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Jans and Woodside, 1987 source
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
Oxytocin signaling in the insular cortex differentially regulates affection towards juveniles or adults.
“Oxytocin signaling in the insular cortex differentially regulates affection towards juveniles or adults (Rogers-Carter et al., 2018).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Rogers-Carter et al., 2018 source
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationcitation
Oxytocin release in central areas may be triggered by firing patterns that differ from the well-known bursting activity important for parturition and lactation.
“these data suggest that oxytocin release in central areas may be triggered by patterns of firing which differ from the well-known bursting activity important for parturition and lactation.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Optogenetic stimulation patterns in ex vivo brain structures reflect the physiological firing patterns that trigger oxytocin release in central areas in vivo.
- Premisecitation
Oxytocin decreases the pup retrieval onset in cohoused virgins.
“decreases the pup retrieval onset in cohoused virgins (Marlin et al., 2015).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Marlin et al., 2015 source
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
In the auditory cortex of lactating, as well as weaned (up to three weeks) dams, an increase in neuronal responses to pup calls in ultrasound-responding regions, while a decrease in responses in areas which respond to low frequency sounds, is observed.
“In the auditory cortex of lactating, as well as weaned (up to three weeks) dams, an increase in the neuronal responses to pup calls in ultrasound-responding regions, while a decrease in responses in areas which respond to low frequency sounds is observed”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Shepard et al., 2016
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
Studies from human mothers show that reactivity to infant auditory cues builds over time.
“Studies from human mothers show that reactivity to infant auditory cues builds over time.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked - Premisecitation
Long-lasting plasticity in the adult cortex requires activation of subcortical modulatory systems that provide behavioral context to incoming sensory signals.
“long-lasting plasticity in the adult cortex requires activation of subcortical modulatory systems that provide behavioral context to incoming sensory signals”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Froemke, 2015 source
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
Oxytocin gates the representation of infant vocalizations in A1.
“Oxytocin gates the representation of infant vocalizations in A1 (Marlin et al., 2015) but it remains unknown whether it is also important for the onset and/or maintenance of plasticity in S1 (Rosselet et al., 2006; Xerri et al., 1994).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Marlin et al., 2015 source
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationcitation
Oxytocin is crucial for other aspects of motherhood such as care and protection of the offspring.
“Oxytocin is involved not only in homeostatic regulation of reflexes such as parturition and lactation, but it is crucial part of other aspects of motherhood such as care and protection of the offspring (Marlin et al., 2015; Nakajima et al., 2014; Sabihi et al., 2014).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
- May combine two claims. 8
- Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 8
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationNew mothers undergo dramatic endocrinological and physiological changes supporting the establishment and maintenance of maternal caregiving, including changes throughout the central nervous system.
“New mothers themselves undergo dramatic endocrinological and physiological changes supporting the establishment and maintenance of maternal caregiving, including changes throughout the central nervous system”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checkedProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Premisenone givenOxytocin is involved in physiological processes including parturition and lactation.
“the neuropeptide oxytocin is involved in a number of physiological processes, including parturition and lactation”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationHealthy maternal sensitivity is characterized by the ability to reliably recognize and respond to infant cues, thus initiating appropriate caregiving responses.
“Healthy maternal sensitivity is characterized by the ability to reliably recognize and respond to infant cues, thus initiating appropriate caregiving responses”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Dulac et al., 2014
Not checked in the free run.
- cites Insel and Young, 2001 source
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).
Premisenone givenEarly mother-infant relationships have long-term effects on the cognitive, behavioral, and emotional development of offspring.
“Early mother-infant relationships have long-term effects on the cognitive, behavioral, and emotional development of offspring.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationMaternal care is critical for child survival and health.
“Maternal care is critical for child survival and health (Rilling and Young, 2014).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Rilling and Young, 2014 source
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
PremisecitationDirect somatic contact with the offspring mainly initiates a nursing response, while other sensory stimuli like cries or odors contribute essentially to arousal and orientation.
“direct somatic contact with the offspring mainly initiates a nursing response, while other sensory stimuli like cries or odors contribute essentially to arousal and orientation”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checkedProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationOxytocin is responsible for various prosocial functions in mammals such as parental care, pair bonding and empathy.
“Oxytocin is responsible for various prosocial functions in mammals such as parental care, pair bonding and empathy”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checkedProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
PremisecitationOxytocin is synthesized in the paraventricular nucleus and supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus and exerts its central actions via the oxytocin receptor.
“Oxytocin is synthesized in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and the supraoptic nucleus (SON) of the hypothalamus (Grinevich, 2017; Ludwig and Leng, 2006) and exerts its central actions via the oxytocin receptor (Ludwig and Leng, 2006).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Grinevich, 2017
Not checked in the free run.
- cites Ludwig and Leng, 2006 source
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationPup distress calls are overrepresented in dams compared to virgins, leading to a stronger activation of the deep layers and increased noise correlation in layer II/III of auditory cortex in lactating females.
“Pup distress calls are overrepresented in dams compared to virgins, leading to a stronger activation of the deep layers and increased noise correlation in layer II/III of auditory cortex in lactating females”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checkedMay combine two claims.
PremisecitationNeural representations of pup vocalizations in the auditory cortex undergo experience-dependent plasticity with the transition to motherhood, thus enhancing auditory responses to pup calls.
“Neural representations of pup vocalizations in the auditory cortex also undergo experience-dependent plasticity with the transition to motherhood (Fig. 1B-D), thus enhancing auditory responses to pup calls”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checkedMay combine two claims.
PremisecitationMap extension appears much later, at two weeks after nursing onset, but is maintained until weaning.
“map extension appears much later (at two weeks after nursing onset) but it is maintained until weaning”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Rosselet et al., 2006 source
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationOptogenetic oxytocin release from axons can be induced at much lower stimulation frequency (5 Hz for 3 min) in A1, piriform cortex, and PVN ex vivo, resulting in decreased inhibitory transmission and increased spiking output.
“optogenetic oxytocin release from axons can be induced at much lower stimulation frequency at increased duration of 5 Hz during 3 min in different brain structures ex vivo as A1, piriform cortex, and PVN itself, resulting in a decrease of inhibitory transmission and increased spiking output (Mitre et al., 2016).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Mitre et al., 2016 source
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).
Interpretationnone givenIn the case of maternal behavior, oxytocin is a main candidate for hormonal regulation and neural circuit modulation relevant for parenting.
“In the case of maternal behavior, oxytocin is a main candidate for hormonal regulation and neural circuit modulation relevant for parenting.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
PremisecitationThe sound of a baby cry activates the hypothalamus and triggers oxytocin plasma elevations in human mothers.
“the sound of a baby cry activates the hypothalamus (Lorberbaum et al., 2002) and triggers oxytocin plasma elevations in human mothers (McNeilly et al., 1983)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
The paper relies on this without support.
Optogenetic stimulation patterns in ex vivo brain structures reflect the physiological firing patterns that trigger oxytocin release in central areas in vivo.
“Although optogenetic stimulation might produce artificially-synchronous activity across oxytocin neurons or oxytocin axons, these data suggest that oxytocin release in central areas may be triggered by patterns of firing which differ from the well-known bursting activity important for parturition and lactation.”
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
Oxytocin is well known for its influence on social bonding and maternal behavior, and its role in parental behavior highlights the putative function of oxytocin as an attentional modulator.
“OXT is well known for its influence on social bonding and maternal behavior (9,18), and its role in parental behavior highlights the putative function of OXT as an attentional modulator (122).”
From Oxytocin, Vasopressin, and Social Behavior: From Neural Circuits to Clinical Opportunities (2022) · cites this paper as [122]
Oxytocin is important for maternal physiology and childcare, including parturition and milk ejection during nursing.
“Oxytocin is a neuropeptide that is important for maternal physiology and childcare, including parturition and milk ejection during nursing1–6.”
From Neural circuitry for maternal oxytocin release induced by infant cries (2023) · cites this paper as [3]
Suckling triggers the release of oxytocin.
“Suckling triggers the release of oxytocin, but other sensory cues—specifically, infant cries—can increase the levels of oxytocin in new human mothers7”
From Neural circuitry for maternal oxytocin release induced by infant cries (2023) · cites this paper as [3]
PVN oxytocin cells receive projections from many areas of the brain.
“PVN oxytocin cells receive projections from many areas of the brain”
From Neural circuitry for maternal oxytocin release induced by infant cries (2023) · cites this paper as [3]
Oxytocin is produced mainly in the paraventricular nucleus and supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus.
“oxytocin, a nine-amino-acid peptide that is produced mainly in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus1–4”
From Neural circuitry for maternal oxytocin release induced by infant cries (2023) · cites this paper as [3]
The citation lists haven’t been fetched yet
References 146 · Cited by 54
Research works printed but not linked: 1
- Blass EM, Teicher MH (1980) Suckling. Science 210(4465):15–22. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6997992 . Accessed 11 May 2018
- Authors
- Valtcheva, S., & Froemke, R. C.
- Affiliations
- NYU Langone Health (US)
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute (US)
- Corresponding author
- Froemke, Robert C.
- Venue
- Cell and Tissue Research
- Published
- 2018-07-30
- Volume
- 375
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 57-68
- ISSN
- 0302-766X (ISSN-L)
- 1432-0878
- PMC
- PMC6336509
- OpenAlex
- W2887650927
- Semantic Scholar
- 3cecbd9605bee034dcae178f0849e034e1fa3933
- Cited by
- 54
- References
- 146
- Citations by year
- 2026: 2 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 12 · 2023: 6 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 12 · 2020: 8 · 2019: 4 · 2018: 1
- FWCI
- 0.94
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- green
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Locations
- Cell and Tissue Research (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (acceptedVersion)
- PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
- Funders
- Leon Levy Foundation
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (HD088411)
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Developmental Neuroscience › Neurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanisms
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Tactile and Sensory Interactions
- Keywords
- oxytocin, maternal behavior, neuroplasticity, somatosensory cortex, auditory cortex, infant cues, experience-dependent plasticity, oxytocin release, childbirth, lactation, maternal care
- MeSH terms
- Animals, Nerve Net, Neuronal Plasticity, Oxytocin, Somatosensory Cortex, Signal Transduction, Neurotransmitter Agents
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