An oxytocin receptor polymorphism predicts amygdala reactivity and antisocial behavior in men

Rebecca Waller, Nadia S. Corral-Frías, Bianca Vannucci, Ryan Bogdan, Annchen R. Knodt, Ahmad R. Hariri, Luke W. Hyde

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

39 Scopus citations

Abstract

Variability in oxytocin (OXT) signaling is associated with individual differences in sex-specific social behavior across species. The effects of OXT signaling on social behavior are, in part, mediated through its modulation of amygdala function. Here, we use imaging genetics to examine sex-specific effects of three single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the human oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR; rs1042778, rs53576 and rs2254298) on threat-related amygdala reactivity and social behavior in 406 Caucasians. Analyses revealed that among men but not women, OXTR rs1042778 TT genotype was associated with increased right amygdala reactivity to angry facial expressions, which was uniquely related to higher levels of antisocial behavior among men. Moderated meditation analysis suggested a trending indirect effect of OXTR rs1042778 TT genotype on higher antisocial behavior via increased right amygdala reactivity to angry facial expressions in men. Our results provide evidence linking genetic variation in OXT signaling to individual differences in amygdala function. The results further suggest that these pathways may be uniquely important in shaping antisocial behavior in men.
Original languageAmerican English
Pages (from-to)1218-1226
Number of pages9
JournalSocial cognitive and affective neuroscience
Volume11
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Aggression
  • Amygdala
  • Neuroimaging
  • Neuroscience
  • OXTR
  • Oxytocin
  • Psychopathology
  • rs1042778
  • Violence

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