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7437310 
Journal Article 
Oxytocin and Vasopressin: Genetics and Behavioral Implications 
Caldwell, HK; Young, WS; , 
2006 
Springer US 
Boston, MA 
Handbook of Neurochemistry and Molecular Neurobiology 
573-607 
Oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (VP) can profoundly affect animal physiology and behavior. Over the past 20 years, the genes that encode OT and VP, as well as their respective receptors, have been identified and intensively studied leading to a greater understanding of the hormones’ functions. The use of transgenic animals, including knockout mice, and viral vectors have opened new vistas of research on the behavioral roles of OT and VP. In this chapter, we briefly review the history and the evolutionary origins of OT and VP, as well as their structures, regulation, and neuroanatomy. Finally, we highlight recently explored roles for OT and VP in physiology and behavior.