Oxytocin and opioid antagonists: A dual approach to improving social behavior

Abstract

Social behavior is a cornerstone of mental health and well-being, shaped by complex neuromodulatory processes. Pharmacological interventions targeting social deficits have largely centered around oxytocin (OT). While some clinical trials have shown promising results for OT in addressing social impairments, others have reported inconsistent outcomes, with concerns about its weak and variable effects. The central OT system is exceptionally complex, given its interactions with several neuromodulatory systems. This review explores the dynamic relationship between the OT and opioid systems in regulating social behavior and their potential therapeutic applications. Despite the known physiological relationship between the opioid and OT systems, many questions about the effects of their interaction on social behavior remain unanswered. Recent research investigating the combined effects of OT and opioid antagonists has reported promising results in improving social functioning. Here, we highlight key challenges in this area, including how to manipulate the OT and opioid systems without disrupting their natural balance, understanding their role in real-world social contexts, and achieving precise modulation of their effects. Evaluating these points will require cutting-edge neuroscience techniques, such as optogenetics, CRISPR, and designer ligands, to refine our understanding and pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies to improve social functioning.