dc.rights.license | CC-BY-NC-ND | |
dc.contributor.advisor | Externe beoordelaar - External assesor, | |
dc.contributor.author | Gun, Luna van der | |
dc.date.accessioned | 2023-05-26T00:00:55Z | |
dc.date.available | 2023-05-26T00:00:55Z | |
dc.date.issued | 2023 | |
dc.identifier.uri | https://studenttheses.uu.nl/handle/20.500.12932/43937 | |
dc.description.abstract | Autism spectrum disorders (ASD), a range of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction, are particularly prevalent in boys, a phenomenon that has given rise to the notion of a sex-differential liability for ASD. A better understanding of what mechanism is at heart of the sex-differential liability for ASD appears crucial for the understanding of ASD etiology and may aid the development of novel treatment approaches. Here, literature is summarized that suggests the amygdala plays a central role in the mechanism underlying the sex-differential liability for ASD. Hypothalamic neuropeptides oxytocin (OXT) and vasopressin (VP) affect amygdala function and have sexually dimorphic roles in social behavior. Furthermore, ASD-associated OXT and VP system aberrances appear to affect amygdala function, in part in a sex-dependent manner. Together, these findings support the hypothesis that OXT and VP signaling in the amygdala are key factors underlying the sex-differential liability for ASD. Further research into the relation between OXT and VP aberrances, amygdala function, sex and social deficits in ASD is however warranted. | |
dc.description.sponsorship | Utrecht University | |
dc.language.iso | EN | |
dc.subject | Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are particularly prevalent in boys. A mechanism involving the action of hypothalamic neuropeptides oxytocin and vasopressin in the amygdala may potentially play a role in the sex-differential liability for ASD and is in this literature review explored. | |
dc.title | Oxytocin and vasopressin in the amygdala: key factors underlying the sex-differential liability for autism spectrum disorders? | |
dc.type.content | Master Thesis | |
dc.rights.accessrights | Open Access | |
dc.subject.keywords | autism spectrum disorder; sex bias; amygdala; oxytocin; vasopressin | |
dc.subject.courseuu | Neuroscience and Cognition | |
dc.thesis.id | 16963 | |