Neural circuits regulating prosocial behaviors

Positive, prosocial interactions are essential for survival, development, and well-being. These intricate and complex behaviors are mediated by an amalgamation of neural circuit mechanisms working in concert. Impairments in prosocial behaviors, which occur in a large number of neuropsychiatric disorders, result from disruption of the coordinated activity of these neural circuits. In this review, we focus our discussion on recent findings that utilize modern approaches in rodents to map, monitor, and manipulate neural circuits implicated in a variety of prosocial behaviors. We highlight how modulation by oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission in specific brain regions is critical for regulation of adaptive prosocial interactions. We then describe how recent findings have helped elucidate pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the social deficits that accompany neuropsychiatric disorders. We conclude by discussing approaches for the development of more efficacious and targeted therapeutic interventions to ameliorate aberrant prosocial behaviors.

Automated summary

Positive and prosocial interactions play a crucial role in survival, development, and well-being. These behaviors are regulated by neural circuit mechanisms, and impairments in prosocial behaviors are associated with disruptions in these circuits. Recent studies using rodents have provided insights into the neural circuits involved in prosocial behaviors, especially the modulation of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission by oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine. These findings have also contributed to a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying social deficits in neuropsychiatric disorders, and may guide the development of targeted therapeutic interventions.