Figure 7.

Effects of in vivo optogenetic activation of OXTR-expressing neurons in the PFC on sociability, social recognition, novel object recognition, and anxiety-like behavior. A, Coronal section through the PFC of an Oxtr-Cre mouse with AAV-eYFP injections and fiber optic implantations bilaterally targeting the PFC. Green represents eYFP. Red represents HuC/D. B, Schematic and results of the three-chambered social test assessing time spent exploring a novel conspecific and an inanimate object. C, Social recognition test evaluating time spent exploring novel and familiar conspecifics. D, Novel object recognition test evaluating preference to explore novel or familiar objects. E–H, Anxiety-like behavior and locomotion indicated by (E) percentage of time spent in open arms, (F) open arm entries, (G) closed arm entries, and (H) total distance traveled in the EPM. Scale bar: A, 500 μm. ***p < 0.001.