The Importance of Experimental Investigation of the Peripheral Oxytocin System -- Human Myometrial Contractility Assays -- The Effect of Oxytocin on Intracellular Ca2+ Release in Cardiac Cells -- The Importance of Experimental Investigation of the CNS Oxytocin System -- The Role of Oxytocin in Social Circuits and Social Behavior in Dementia -- Evaluating Methylation of the Oxytocin Receptor Gene and the Oxytocin Intergenic Region -- Using Receptor Autoradiography to Visualize and Quantify Oxytocin and Vasopressin 1a Receptors in the Human and Nonhuman Primate Brain -- Linking Central Gene Expression Patterns and Mental States Using Transcriptomics and Large-Scale Meta-Analysis of fMRI Data: A Tutorial and Example Using the Oxytocin Signaling Pathway -- CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Genetic Engineering to Generate a Disease Model Prairie Vole, Based on the Species-Optimized Assisted Reproductive Technology -- The Current Status of Drug Discovery for the Oxytocin Receptor -- Fmoc Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis of Oxytocin and Analogues -- Employing the Operational Model to Measure System-Independent OTR Efficacy -- Use of BRET to Measure β-Arrestin Recruitment at Oxytocin and Vasopressin Receptors -- Measuring Affinity of Ligands to the Oxytocin Receptor Using Radioligand Binding -- Use of Co-Cultures to Measure the Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability of Oxytocin -- Intracerebral Delivery of an OTR Antagonist and Subsequent Behavioral Testing in Prairie Voles.

This detailed book explores techniques for further elucidating the peripheral and central roles of oxytocin as well as techniques key to oxytocin receptor-related drug discovery. The first set of chapters explore this neuropeptide's peripheral and central effects, such as regulation of myometrial contraction, induction of cardioprotective effects, and the facilitation of pro-social behaviors. The book then continues by delving into a comprehensive pharmacological characterization of oxytocin receptor ligands and ligands of other key receptors such as the vasopressin receptor family. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Oxytocin: Methods and Protocols is an ideal guide for researchers seeking to further our knowledge of the varied and power effects of oxytocin within the central nervous system.