**5. Conclusions**

We have demonstrated that intracellular signaling pathways in particular CNS areas (see **Figure 2**) can be upregulated. Thus, it should facilitate physiologically stimulated release of OT specifically, rather than nonspecific increases (as with OT injections or sprays). Therefore, facilitating physiological neuronal release of OT but not AVP from the HNS via modulation of IP3 vs. ryanodine calcium stores (see **Figure 2**) would specifically facilitate central vs. peripheral OT release in ASD patients. Therapeutically, this would ameliorate social behavioral deficits in such patients.

## **Acknowledgements**

We want to thank our many colleagues who helped with this research and the funding sources NIH 1R01AA027808-01A1 (Velázquez) and NIH R01NS29470 (Lemos).
