OXT and hippocampal atrophy: Although previous studies have shown that high levels of glucocorticoids during chronic stress can lead to hippocampal atrophy and neurotoxicity, resulting in behavioral and physiological impairments, we did not directly investigate pathological changes in the hippocampus in the present study, and based on the available studies we hypothesize that the reduction in hippocampal volume due to chronic exposure to high levels of glucocorticoids may be associated with behavioral changes in mice.[31] Furthermore, OT's role in immune modulation during CSS confirms its protective function.