Women's and children's neuropeptide production following physical interactions: The role of biological relatedness.

摘要

The current study examined the production of peripherally produced neuropeptides, oxytocin and vasopressin, among women and children. Each of 42 mothers and children participated in a computer game that promoted physical contact. In one interaction context, women interacted with their own children, and in the other context, women interacted with unfamiliar children. After the activity, urine samples were collected from the women and children, and assayed for oxytocin and vasopressin. Oxytocin levels were higher among women following interactions with unfamiliar children than with their own children. Women's production of vasopressin did not vary significantly in the two interaction contexts. Among children, oxytocin and vasopressin did not significantly differ when children interacted with their own mothers or with unfamiliar adult females. I conclude that oxytocin that is produced when mothers interact with unfamiliar children may point to a species-specific trait related to alloparental behavior.