Vasopressin
Larry Young built bridges with his social neuroscience research
Known for his work bringing oxytocin studies to the mainstream, Young died unexpectedly last month.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LaryyYoung1200-horizontal-1024x692.webp)
Larry Young built bridges with his social neuroscience research
Known for his work bringing oxytocin studies to the mainstream, Young died unexpectedly last month.
Forging a path for vasopressin drugs for autism: Q&A with Suma Jacob
After the vasopressin antagonist balovaptan flopped in a late-stage clinical trial, Suma Jacob and her colleagues took stock of all the factors that might have complicated the results.
![hand points to pause button shape made from pills](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Balovaptan-clinical-trial-autism-844-v2-copy.jpg)
Forging a path for vasopressin drugs for autism: Q&A with Suma Jacob
After the vasopressin antagonist balovaptan flopped in a late-stage clinical trial, Suma Jacob and her colleagues took stock of all the factors that might have complicated the results.
Hormone level in infants may predict autism diagnosis
Infants with low levels of the hormone vasopressin in their cerebrospinal fluid may be more likely to later be diagnosed with autism.
![baby grasping an adult hand](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/20200504-Vasopressin-844.jpg)
Hormone level in infants may predict autism diagnosis
Infants with low levels of the hormone vasopressin in their cerebrospinal fluid may be more likely to later be diagnosed with autism.
How the social hormone vasopressin might help autistic people
A drug that mimics the hormone vasopressin improves social skills in autistic people — but so does one that blocks vasopressin’s effects. How can seemingly opposing manipulations produce similar results?
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/JH_SPECTRUM_VASOPRESSIN_AA-844.jpg)
How the social hormone vasopressin might help autistic people
A drug that mimics the hormone vasopressin improves social skills in autistic people — but so does one that blocks vasopressin’s effects. How can seemingly opposing manipulations produce similar results?
Ready or not, two drugs for autism edge closer to clinic
Two drugs that alter the activity of the hormone vasopressin seem to improve social communication in autistic people, but some experts question the findings.
![Nasal spray jetting from bottle on a dark background](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190501_breakingVassopressin844.jpg)
Ready or not, two drugs for autism edge closer to clinic
Two drugs that alter the activity of the hormone vasopressin seem to improve social communication in autistic people, but some experts question the findings.
Low brain hormone levels may be reliable marker of autism
Children with autism tend to have low levels of the hormone vasopressin in their brain, according to the largest study yet to look at the levels.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/vasopressin844.jpg)
Low brain hormone levels may be reliable marker of autism
Children with autism tend to have low levels of the hormone vasopressin in their brain, according to the largest study yet to look at the levels.
Oversold diets; big brains explained; tracking CRISPR and more
Benefits of diets for autism features remain unproven, variants of the same DNA region make brains big or small, and STAT announces a new CRISPR tracker.
Oversold diets; big brains explained; tracking CRISPR and more
Benefits of diets for autism features remain unproven, variants of the same DNA region make brains big or small, and STAT announces a new CRISPR tracker.
Monkey study bolsters case for brain hormone’s role in autism
Male monkeys that avoid touching, grooming or playing with others have low brain levels of the hormone vasopressin.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/20180528-Cerebro_vaso844.jpg)
Monkey study bolsters case for brain hormone’s role in autism
Male monkeys that avoid touching, grooming or playing with others have low brain levels of the hormone vasopressin.
Predictive brain waves; spotting liars; pet peeve and more
Brain waves in infancy forecast autism, people with more autism features have trouble detecting lies, and veterinarians battle claims that vaccines cause autism in dogs.
Predictive brain waves; spotting liars; pet peeve and more
Brain waves in infancy forecast autism, people with more autism features have trouble detecting lies, and veterinarians battle claims that vaccines cause autism in dogs.
Optimism, confusion greet federal fast track for autism drug
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted a rare ‘breakthrough therapy’ designation for a drug that may ease some features of autism.
![vasopressin crystal](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/20180214-Balovaptan844.jpg)
Optimism, confusion greet federal fast track for autism drug
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted a rare ‘breakthrough therapy’ designation for a drug that may ease some features of autism.
Explore more from The Transmitter
New connectomes fly beyond the brain
Researchers are mapping the neurons in Drosophila’s ventral nerve cord, where the central nervous system meets the rest of the body.
![Research image of neurons in the fly’s ventral nerve cord.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/lede-motormodules-1200-1024x692.webp)
New connectomes fly beyond the brain
Researchers are mapping the neurons in Drosophila’s ventral nerve cord, where the central nervous system meets the rest of the body.
Building an autism research registry: Q&A with Tony Charman
A purpose-built database of participants who have shared genomic and behavioral data could give clinical trials a boost, Charman says.
![Illustration of researchers talking to laypeople amidst strands of DNA.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1200_Charman-1024x687.webp)
Building an autism research registry: Q&A with Tony Charman
A purpose-built database of participants who have shared genomic and behavioral data could give clinical trials a boost, Charman says.
Cerebellar circuit may convert expected pain relief into real thing
The newly identified circuit taps into the brain’s opioid system to provide a top-down form of pain relief.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/paincircuit-1200-1024x692.webp)
Cerebellar circuit may convert expected pain relief into real thing
The newly identified circuit taps into the brain’s opioid system to provide a top-down form of pain relief.