Oxytocin and vasopressin as candidate genes for psychiatric disorders: Lessons from animal models

Multiple approaches should be taken to investigate the genetic bases of psy chiatric disorders, including the consideration of candidate genes. Studies in animal models suggest that the genes encoding oxytocin, vasopressin, an d their respective receptors should be considered in a candidate gene appro ach for psychiatric disorders involving social deficits, such as autism or social phobias. These neuropeptide hormones may mediate the rewarding natur e of social interactions and have been implicated in social attachment and social recognition in several animal models. Mutations in genes unrelated t o oxytocin and vasopressin have been shown to have secondary effects on neu ropeptide function and subsequent behavioral phenotypes, Genetic analysis o f polymorphisms and expression analysis of candidate genes implicated in an imal models may prove useful for determining the molecular mechanisms under lying psychiatric disorders, particularly in cases where other techniques p roven difficult. Am. J, Med, Genet, (Neuropsychiatr. Genet,) 105: 53-54, 20 01, (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.