About this Research Topic
This Research Topic is focused to illuminate the role of oxytocin as an analgesic and anxiolytic (and, at times, anxiogenic). Pre-clinical studies have documented mechanisms of action for oxytocin as it relates uniquely to stress and pain, including neurocircuitry and cellular and molecular mechanisms. In addition, clinical studies have been exploring the indication of oxytocin for mood, affective, and pain disorders.
We bring together, in this Research Topic, investigators from neuroscience, psychology, and clinical practice to provide a deeper understanding of the biological basis and clinical use of oxytocin action during stress and pain states. Therefore, this Research Topic will accept manuscripts in the form of Original Research, Systematic Review, Review, Mini-Review, and Clinical Trial articles.
Themes (but not limited to) to be addressed:
· Processing of stressful or fear-inducing information by oxytocin-sensitive systems.
· Neural circuitry and mechanisms underlying oxytocin as a modulator of stress and pain states.
· Pharmacological evidence of oxytocin regulation of stress or pain responses.
· Clinical use of oxytocin for treatment of mood, affective, and pain disorders.
Keywords: Oxytocin, Neuropeptides, Social Cues, Clinical Applications of Oxytocin, Neuroendocrinology
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.