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Targeting selectively oxytocin receptor signalling efficiently improves social interaction in Fmr1 KO mice
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  • Caroline Gora,
  • Nicolas AZZOPARDI,
  • Lucile Drobecq,
  • Emmanuel Pecnard,
  • Patrick Schnider,
  • Pascale David-Pierson,
  • Romain Yvinec,
  • Christophe Grundschober,
  • Lucie P. Pellissier
Caroline Gora
Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements
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Nicolas AZZOPARDI
Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements
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Lucile Drobecq
Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements
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Emmanuel Pecnard
Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements
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Patrick Schnider
Roche Pharma Research and Early Development
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Pascale David-Pierson
Roche Pharma Research and Early Development
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Romain Yvinec
Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements
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Christophe Grundschober
Roche Pharma Research and Early Development
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Lucie P. Pellissier
Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Abstract

Background and Purpose: No drugs targeting the core social features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been approved. Although clinical trials with oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) have yielded mixed results, targeting their receptors remains the most promising pharmacological strategy for addressing social impairments in ASD. This study aims to identify which receptors and signalling pathways within this family can sustainably improve social impairments. Experimental Approach: We used dose-response and kinetic analyses, along with mathematical modelling, to evaluate OT, AVP, their homologs, and novel synthetic ligands on G protein coupling, β-arrestins recruitment, and internalisation of mouse oxytocin (OTR) and vasopressin (V1A, V1B, V2) receptors in Neuro-2a cells. We tested acute and subchronic administration of OTR agonists and the novel V1A receptor antagonist, alongside OT and AVP, for their effects on social interaction in Fmr1 KO mice, a model exhibiting ASD-like features. Key Results: While OT, AVP and most compounds were non-selective across the four receptors, the OTR agonists TGOT or RO6958375 and the V1A antagonist RO6893074 were selective. TGOT or RO6958375, favouring Gαq signalling, enhanced social interactions in Fmr1 KO mice while showing minimal effects in wild-type mice. In contrast, OT, AVP or RO6893074 exhibited limited efficacy in Fmr1 KO mice. Conclusion and Implications: Selective OTR agonists, unlike OT and AVP, effectively improved social impairments in Fmr1 KO mice after acute and subchronic treatment. These findings highlight the necessity for developing highly selective OTR Gαq-biased agonists to achieve clinical outcomes in ASD.
17 Oct 2024Submitted to British Journal of Pharmacology
17 Oct 2024Submission Checks Completed
17 Oct 2024Assigned to Editor
17 Oct 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
17 Oct 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned