Although some studies reported the substantial neurodegeneration of VTA DA neurons, more degeneration of SNc DA neurons was observed in PD.[72] In addition to modulating synaptic transmission, oxytocin signal can play a neuroprotective role in other ways, including suppressing neuronal pyroptosis,[33, 34] so different expression patterns of oxytocin receptors may contribute to the distinct vulnerability of DA neurons in SNc and VTA. This evidence concerns the gene OXT and Parkinson disease.