Role of oxytocin in the ventral tegmental area in social reinforcement

Social reward is a critical element in the development, expression, and maintenance of social behaviors and relationships (Suomi et al., 1971, Krach et al., 2010, Trezza et al., 2011). Despite the importance of social reward in adaptive and maladaptive behaviors, much remains to be learned about the reinforcing properties of social interaction and the neurobiological mechanisms underlying its rewarding properties. Various types of social interactions can serve as behavioral reinforcers (Everitt et al., 1987, Lee et al., 2000, Matthews et al., 2005, Trezza et al., 2011).

Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology - May 21, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Johnathan M. Borland, Kymberly N. Grantham, Lauren M. Aiani, Kyle J. Frantz, H. Elliott Albers Source Type: research