Oxytocin (OXT) and arginine-vasopressin (AVP) are structurally homologous peptide hormones synthesized in the hypothalamus. Nowadays, the role of OXT and AVP in the regulation of social behaviour and emotions is generally known. However, recent researches indicate that peptides also participate in cognitive functioning. This review presents the evidence that the OXT/AVP systems are involved in the formation of social, working, spatial and episodic memory, mediated by such brain structures as the hippocampal CA2 and CA3 regions, amygdala and prefrontal cortex. Some data have demonstrated that the OXT receptor's polymorphisms are associated with impaired memory in humans, and OXT knockout in mice is connected with memory deficit. Additionally, OXT and AVP are involved in mental disorders' progression. Stress-induced imbalance of the OXT/AVP systems leads to an increased risk of various mental disorders, including depression, schizophrenia, and autism. At the same time, cognitive deficits are observed in stress and mental disorders, and perhaps peptide hormones play a part in this. The final part of the review describes possible therapeutic strategies for the use of OXT and AVP for treatment of various mental disorders.

中文翻译：

---

催产素和加压素功能障碍在认知障碍和精神障碍中的作用

催产素 (OXT) 和精氨酸加压素 (AVP) 是在下丘脑合成的结构同源的肽类激素。如今，OXT和AVP在调节社会行为和情绪中的作用已为人们所熟知。然而，最近的研究表明肽也参与认知功能。本综述提供的证据表明，OXT/AVP 系统参与社会、工作、空间和情景记忆的形成，由海马 CA2 和 CA3 区域、杏仁核和前额叶皮层等大脑结构介导。一些数据表明，OXT 受体的多态性与人类的记忆力受损有关，而小鼠中的 OXT 敲除与记忆力缺陷有关。此外，OXT 和 AVP 与精神障碍的进展有关。压力引起的 OXT/AVP 系统失衡会导致各种精神障碍的风险增加，包括抑郁症、精神分裂症和自闭症。同时，在压力和精神障碍中观察到认知缺陷，肽激素可能在其中起作用。综述的最后部分描述了使用 OXT 和 AVP 治疗各种精神障碍的可能治疗策略。