Uncovering Oxytocin And Vasopressin Release And Functions With Novel Optical Tools
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,634.00
Summary
Oytocin and vasopressin are peptides in the brain that act as releasable neuromodulators and the balance of these peptides is implicated in the control of social behaviour and anxiety. We aim to investigate the release and function of these neuropeptides with 3 novel protein-based tools in a stressful learning paradigm and anxious behaviour. The understanding of their function will have important implications in the development of therapeutics for neurological conditions and drug addictions.
The Effect Of Oxytocin On The Formation, Expression And Inhibition Of Fear Memories
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$390,243.00
Summary
Oxytocin is a hormone peptide which reduces amygdala activation to threatening stimuli and reduces anxiety in people and laboratory rodents. These results suggest that oxytocin could be a valuable pharmacological adjunct to exposure-based therapy for anxiety disorders. However, several questions must be answered before its therapeutic potential can be determined. As such, this project examines the effects of oxytocin on fear-related behaviours in rats, and neural fear circuits in the amygdala.
A Randomized Controlled Trial Of Oxytocin Nasal Spray For Alcohol Dependence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$673,035.00
Summary
Alcohol use disorders account for 5% of the worlds burden of disease. Current treatments are very limited. While there is existing animal research, this study determines the benefits of a novel treatment, oxytocin nasal spray, to reduce cravings and drinking levels in dependent populations. Outcomes could establish a new, effective and safe treatment to manage alcohol dependence in the community.
Neural Circuits Which Limit Alcohol And Soft Drink Intake
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$523,949.00
Summary
Alcohol and soft drinks are ubiquitous, and often harmful, particularly in excess. This project will examine the specific roles of fluid and food satiation neural circuits in suppressing intake, to determine whether either or both could be therapeutic targets for alcohol/soft drink overconsumption, especially as cessation aids for binge-drinking behaviour.
Autism is characterised by deficits in social behaviour and communication, and is a cause of major lifelong disability. A novel intervention, oxytocin nasal spray, enhances social cognition and behaviour in humans, including in those with autism spectrum disorders. This project will determine whether oxytocin, taken twice daily over 8 weeks, improves social communication and interaction skills in toddlers with autism. This project represents a crucial step in developing an early intervention tre ....Autism is characterised by deficits in social behaviour and communication, and is a cause of major lifelong disability. A novel intervention, oxytocin nasal spray, enhances social cognition and behaviour in humans, including in those with autism spectrum disorders. This project will determine whether oxytocin, taken twice daily over 8 weeks, improves social communication and interaction skills in toddlers with autism. This project represents a crucial step in developing an early intervention treatment for autism.Read moreRead less
Oxytocin Receptor Agonists For Treatment Of Social Anxiety
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$459,844.00
Summary
At any one time, about 3% of the population suffers from crippling social anxiety disorder, characterized by excessive fear of exposure to situations that involve potential scrutiny by others. Current medications for treating social anxiety are of limited use. This project will develop new drug like molecules that could provide breakthroughs in the effective treatment of social anxiety.
Novel Therapeutics For The Remediation Of Social Deficits In Psychiatric Illness
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$597,719.00
Summary
Many psychiatric disorders feature a disruption of social behaviour as a central feature of the illness. Examples includes autism, social anxiety disorder, schizophrenia and the addictions. Existing therapies for these disorders rarely improve these core social deficits. We have recently discovered a new molecule (called SOC-1) that stimulates social behaviour in animals. The current project will study how SOC-1 produces these effects and will develop it as a medication for human use.