Intranasal oxytocin administration ameliorates social behavioral deficits in a POGZWT/Q1038R mouse model of autism spectrum disorder

Background: De novo missense mutations in POGZ have been linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A specific mouse model carrying the ASD-associated POGZ^WT/Q1038R^ mutation exhibits social behavioral deficits. Methods: This study evaluated the effects of intranasal oxytocin on social behaviors in Pogz mutant mice. Results: Pogz^WT/Q1038R^ mutant mice displayed impaired social interactions compared to wild-type. Acute intranasal oxytocin administration rescued social novelty preference and improved social interaction behaviors in mutant mice to near wild-type levels. Oxytocin also normalized dysregulated expression of certain synaptic genes in the prefrontal cortex of Pogz mutants. Conclusion: These findings suggest that oxytocin might ameliorate social deficits associated with POGZ mutations. The study provides preclinical evidence supporting oxytocin as a potential therapeutic avenue for ASD caused by POGZ variants.