Role of oxytocin and vasopressin in alcohol use disorder

Published works highlight the role of neuropeptides in both the development and treatment of AUD. Closely related hypothalamic neuropeptides, oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (VP), initially recognized for their physiological hormone effects, are increasingly acknowledged for their behavioral influences. Studies consistently demonstrate that OT and VP impact alcohol consumption and related behaviors, implicating them in the neurobiology of addiction. Moreover, stress is a pivotal risk factor for alcohol use and relapse, with OT and VP playing an integral role in the body's stress response system. While previous work has explored the interaction of OT and VP with other substances of abuse, this review focuses on their roles in alcohol-associated behaviors specifically to better understand the role of OT and VP in AUD. Here we synthesize recent preclinical and clinical literature examining changes in OT and VP protein and receptor expression in response to alcohol, as well as research investigating the effects of modulating these systems on alcohol-related behaviors. This review aims to deepen the understanding of OT and VP in the context of AUD with the goal of facilitating future research and enhancing treatment outcomes.