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Common oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) polymorphism and social support interact to reduce stress in humans
Chen, Frances S. Kumsta, Robert von Dawans, Bernadette Monakhov, Mikhail Ebstein, Richard P. Heinrichs, Markus
Chen, Frances S.
Kumsta, Robert
von Dawans, Bernadette
Monakhov, Mikhail
Ebstein, Richard P.
Heinrichs, Markus
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin has played an essential role in the regulation of social behavior and attachment throughout mammalian evolution. Because recent studies in humans have shown that oxytocin administration reduces stress responses and increases prosocial behavior, we investigated whether a common single nucleotide polymorphism (rs53576) in the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) might interact with stress-protective effects of social support. Salivary cortisol samples and subjective stress ratings were obtained from 194 healthy male participants before, during, and after a standardized psychosocial laboratory stress procedure. Participants were randomly assigned either to prepare alone or to receive social support from their female partner or close female friend while preparing for the stressful task. Differential stress responses between the genotype groups were observed depending on the presence or absence of social support. Only individuals with one or two copies of the G allele of rs53576 showed lower cortisol responses to stress after social support, compared with individuals with the same genotype receiving no social support. These results indicate that genetic variation of the oxytocin system modulates the effectiveness of positive social interaction as a protective buffer against a stressful experience.
Keywords
Date
2011
Type
Journal article
Journal
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Book
Volume
108
Issue
50
Page Range
19937-19942
Article Number
ACU Department
School of Behavioural and Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
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Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
File Access
Controlled