Lateralized vagal oxytocin receptor signaling separately controls feeding and socioemotional functions via hypothalamic oxytocin neurons.

Experimental study using pharmacological and chemogenetic manipulation in mice

“Here, we activated vagal Oxtr-expressing neurons in male mice using a single intraperitoneal (IP) Oxt injection or chemogenetics.”

Male C57BL/6J mice, including wild-type, Oxt-ires-Cre, and Oxtr-iCre strains

“To examine the effects of peripherally administered Oxt on anxiety- and social-related behaviors, normal C57BL/6J male mice received a single intraperitoneal (IP) injection of Oxt...”

Variable group sizes ranging from 4 to 12 mice per experimental condition

“n = 10. ∗p < 0.05 by unpaired t test (B).”

Acute interventions with behavioral assessments conducted 1 hour post-injection and food intake monitored for up to 6 hours

“Oxt (400 nmol/kg) significantly increased the time spent in the open arms, an index of anxiolytic behavior, in the EPM (Figures 1A and 1B; p = 0.0383).”

Intraperitoneal oxytocin reduced anxiety-like behavior and enhanced social interaction via peripheral oxytocin receptors

“IP Oxt reduced anxiety-like behavior, enhanced social interaction, and suppressed feeding while activating both vagal sensory neurons and PVHOxt neurons.”

Left-sided vagal afferents mediate feeding suppression while right-sided afferents mediate anxiolytic and prosocial effects

“Subdiaphragmatic vagotomy revealed lateralized functions: right-side vagotomy eliminated anxiolytic and prosocial effects, whereas left-side vagotomy blocked feeding suppression.”

Activation of paraventricular hypothalamic oxytocin neurons is required for oxytocin-induced behavioral effects

“These effects were abolished by chemogenetic inhibition of PVHOxt neurons or central Oxtr blockade.”

Study performed only in male mice, focused on acute activation, and did not assess chronic effects or disease models

“The study was performed only in male mice, and potential sex differences remain to be addressed.”