Specific programme: Brain and Behavior Research Foundation (NARSAD Young Investigator grants)
UPV/EHU Partner Status:  Host Centre
UPV/EHU Supervisor: Olga Peñagarikano

Project start: 15/01/2016
Project end:   14/01/2018

Brief description: 
Effective treatments for social deficits in ASD are needed. Targeting the central OXT system has considerable therapeutic potential for ameliorating the social deficits of not only ASD but also a number of psychiatric diseases characterized by social impairments. This project will provide insight into how OXT dysfunction affects other neurotransmitters in known interacting circuitries as it relates to social behavior, with the goal of identifying other targetable systems. In addition, the study of the interaction of early postnatal development with environmental factors may shed light on novel therapeutic strategies (e.g. early sensory stimulation) to improve social function.