Oxytocin reverses amyloid-β-induced impairments in the mouse hippocampus

A team of scientists led by Akiyoshi Saitoh (Tokyo University of Science, Japan) has investigated the effect of oxytocin – a hormone that is well known for inducing the feelings of love and wellbeing – on the amyloid-β (Aβ)-induced impairment of synaptic plasticity in mice. The investigators hope that this research could translate into a new therapeutic option for cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. “Oxytocin was recently found to be involved in regulating learning and memory performance, but so far, no previous study deals with the effect of oxytocin on Aβ-induced cognitive impairment,” explained Saitoh. Within their study, which...