Program & Abstract Book - EPFL Latsis Symposium 2009

EPFL Latsis Symposium 2009: Understanding Violence
S-5
30
February 11-13 2009
a r o l e f o r a r g i n i n e v a s o p r e s s i n a n D
o X y t o c i n in s h a p i n g h u m a n s o c i a l b e h a v i o r
Ebstein, Richard
Psychology Department Hebrew University and Herzog Hospital
Jerusalem Israel
Increasing evidence suggests that two nonapeptides, arginine vasopressin
and oxytocin, shape human social behavior in both nonclinical and clinical
subjects. We will discuss evidence that in autism spectrum disorders genetic
polymorphisms in the arginine vasopressin receptor 1a (AVPR1a), the oxytocin
receptor (OXTR), CD38 and neurophysin I & II contribute to deficits
in socialization skills in this group of patients. Additionally, we will present
molecular genetic evidence that in nonclinical subjects both the AVPR1a and
OXTR receptors contribute to prosocial or altruistic behavior inventoried by
two experimental paradigms, the Dictator Game and Social Values Orientation.
We will further discuss the strategy of employing experimental economic
games combined with molecular genetics towards understanding the
social brain. Finally, we will present evidence that intranasal administration
of vasopressin increases social stress using the Trier Social Stress Test.