Freeman W J
Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley 94720, USA.
Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1997 Jan 15;807:501-3. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1997.tb51951.x.
Brains are dynamic systems in which learning tends towards isolation by increasing specialization of cognitive skills. Induction of social skills for cooperative behavior requires "unlearning" in social contexts. A hypothesis is proposed by which oxytocin and related neuropeptides play a key role in meltdown of prior learning in preparation for new learning. This has implications for clinical management of disorders of the socialization processes in children.
