This research focuses on the hormone vasopressin—a substance that not only regulates fluid balance and but also plays a crucial role in recognizing social signals.
Genetic Mutation and Its Consequences
During a study involving mice with mutations in the Shank3 gene, which is already known for its connection to , researchers observed that the brains of these animals produced less vasopressin. This reduction led to decreased social activity and even difficulties in basic interactions.
When the researchers began to manipulate various vasopressin receptor pathways individually, they were able to enhance the mice’s sociability without provoking aggression, as reported by Daily Mail.
What This Means for People
Experts believe that this approach could lay the groundwork for developing new medications that help individuals with autism interact more easily with their surroundings. Scientists also suggest that this particular function of the may partially explain why autism is diagnosed more frequently in boys than in girls.
“We were able to improve sociability without increasing aggression—and this is a fundamental step when considering future treatments,” said Dr. Felix Leroy, one of the study’s authors.
A Step Toward the Future
While this research currently involves only animal experiments, it opens a new avenue in the search for therapies for individuals with autism. The next phase will involve developing drugs that can selectively activate the necessary receptors, thereby reducing social deficits without unwanted side effects.
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