The Role of Oxytocin in Modulation of Autistic-Related Factors in Primary Cells of the Hippocampal Neurons

Objective: We investigated the oxytocin (OXT) effect on autistic-related factors, including oxidative stress and apoptosis in primary cells (mHippoE-2) of the hippocampal neurons. Background: Although the cellular and molecular changes in the brain of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) subjects are unclear, neuropathological abnormalities have been identified in the hippocampal brain region. Accumulating evidence links ASD to the abnormality of cellular growth. It has also been shown that the induction of oxidative stress contributes to the risk of developing ASD because of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and apoptosis induction. Therefore, agents that can improve cellular growth, regulate apoptosis, and inhibit oxidative stress, like neuropeptide OXT, are promising strategies for preventing ASD. Methods: To test our hypothesis, we conducted several techniques, including MTT assay for cell growth, DCFDA for ROS, western blotting for proteins analysis. Results: Our study showed that 1000 nM OXT protected cells against H2O2-induced cytotoxicity through modulation of the p53-signaling pathway. We also found that 1000 nM OXT decreased ROS production. Moreover, we found that those effects are mediated through oxytocin receptor Conclusion: Our findings provide knowledge about the role of OXT in cellular growth, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in primary cells (mHippoE-2) of the hippocampal neurons. These findings will bring attention to clinical and research settings, which may improve therapeutic and preventive strategies against ASD.