Oxytocin treatment at birth accelerates an epigenetic shift in the oxytocin receptor gene in the maternal brain
Findings show epigenetic control of Oxtr is dynamic across pregnancy and birth and is sensitive to exogenous oxytocin. Results indicate a need to better understand how common birth interventions impact Oxtr regulation in the maternal brain.
Authors
- William M. Kenkel (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0271-1071)
- Rebecca E. Waugh (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1108-3609)
- Travis S. Lillard
- Jason R. Yee (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2334-8304)
- Jessica J. Connelly (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0443-0924)
- C. Sue Carter
- Craig F. Ferris (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9744-5214)
- Allison M. Perkeybile
Institutions
- Northeastern University (US)
- University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (AT)
- University of Virginia (US)
- University of Delaware (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
- Published
- 2025-07-19
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-025-07868-7
- Primary Topic
- Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- National Institutes of Health
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development