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Goll N, Moszka N, Kantartzis K, Preissl H, Gruber T, Fritsche L, Jumpertz-von Schwarzenberg R, García-Cáceres C, Fritsche A, Hallschmid M. Oxytocin does not acutely improve glucose tolerance in men with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Obes Metab 2024. [PMID: 39118203 DOI: 10.1111/dom.15812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
AIM To assess oxytocin's acute glucoregulatory impact in men with type 2 diabetes in the context of our previous findings that oxytocin improves β-cell responsivity in healthy men. METHODS In a double-blind, crossover comparison, intranasal oxytocin (24 IU) and placebo, respectively, were administered to 25 fasted men with non-insulin-treated type 2 diabetes (age ± standard error of the mean, 63.40 ± 1.36 years; body mass index, 27.77 ± 0.66 kg/m2; HbA1c, 6.86% ± 0.08%; Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR, 3.44 ± 0.39) 60 minutes before an oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT). Key outcomes were compared with previous results in men with normal weight or obesity. RESULTS Oxytocin compared with placebo increased plasma oxytocin concentrations and reduced the heart rate, but did not alter glucose metabolism in the 3 hours after oGTT onset (area under the curve, glucose, 2240 ± 80.5 vs. 2190 ± 69.5 mmol/L × min; insulin, 45 663 ± 4538 vs. 44 343 ± 4269 pmol/L × min; C-peptide, 235 ± 5.1 vs. 231 ± 15.9 nmol/L × min). CONCLUSIONS This outcome contrasts with the oxytocin-induced attenuation of early postprandial glucose excursions in normal-weight individuals, but is in line with the absence of respective effects in men with obesity. We conclude that insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes is associated with decreased sensitivity to the acute glucoregulatory effect of oxytocin in male individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Goll
- Department of Medical Psychology and Behavioural Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Nina Moszka
- Department of Medical Psychology and Behavioural Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Periodontics, Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, Center for Dental and Oral Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Konstantinos Kantartzis
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Tübingen, Germany
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hubert Preissl
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Tübingen, Germany
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tim Gruber
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Tübingen, Germany
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Louise Fritsche
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Tübingen, Germany
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Reiner Jumpertz-von Schwarzenberg
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Tübingen, Germany
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Cristina García-Cáceres
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Tübingen, Germany
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Fritsche
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Tübingen, Germany
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Manfred Hallschmid
- Department of Medical Psychology and Behavioural Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Tübingen, Germany
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Tübingen, Germany
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2
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Tomescu MI, Van der Donck S, Perisanu EM, Berceanu AI, Alaerts K, Boets B, Carcea I. Social functioning predicts individual changes in EEG microstates following intranasal oxytocin administration: A double-blind, cross-over randomized clinical trial. Psychophysiology 2024; 61:e14581. [PMID: 38594888 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) modulates social behaviors. However, the administration of exogenous OXT in humans produces inconsistent behavioral changes, affecting future consideration of OXT as a treatment for autism and other disorders with social symptoms. Inter-individual variability in social functioning traits might play a key role in how OXT changes brain activity and, therefore, behavior. Here, we investigated if inter-individual variability might dictate how single-dose intranasal OXT administration (IN-OXT) changes spontaneous neural activity during the eyes-open resting state. We used a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over design on 30 typically developing young adult men to investigate the dynamics of EEG microstates corresponding to activity in defined neural networks. We confirmed previous reports that, at the group level, IN-OXT increases the representation of the attention and salience microstates. Furthermore, we identified a decreased representation of microstates associated with the default mode network. Using multivariate partial least square statistical analysis, we found that social functioning traits associated with IN-OXT-induced changes in microstate dynamics in specific spectral bands. Correlation analysis further revealed that the higher the social functioning, the more IN-OXT increased the appearance of the visual network-associated microstate, and suppressed the appearance of a default mode network-related microstate. The lower the social functioning, the more IN-OXT increases the appearance of the salience microstate. The effects we report on the salience microstate support the hypothesis that OXT regulates behavior by enhancing social salience. Moreover, our findings indicate that social functioning traits modulate responses to IN-OXT and could partially explain the inconsistent reports on IN-OXT effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miralena I Tomescu
- Faculty of Educational Sciences, Department of Psychology, University "Stefan cel Mare" of Suceava, Bucharest, Romania
- CINETic Center, National University of Theatre and Film "I.L. Caragiale" Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Department of Psychology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Stephanie Van der Donck
- Center for Developmental Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Emanuela M Perisanu
- Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Timisoara, Romania
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Sibiu, Sibiu, Romania
| | - Alexandru I Berceanu
- CINETic Center, National University of Theatre and Film "I.L. Caragiale" Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Kaat Alaerts
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, Research Group for Neurorehabilitation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Boets
- Center for Developmental Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ioana Carcea
- CINETic Center, National University of Theatre and Film "I.L. Caragiale" Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers Brain Health Institute, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, USA
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3
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Zhou H, Zhu R, Xia Y, Zhang X, Wang Z, Lorimer GH, Ghiladi RA, Bayram H, Wang J. Neuropeptides affecting social behavior in mammals: Oxytocin. Peptides 2024; 177:171223. [PMID: 38626843 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT), a neuropeptide consisting of only nine amino acids, is synthesized in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus. Although OXT is best known for its role in lactation and parturition, recent research has shown that it also has a significant impact on social behaviors in mammals. However, a comprehensive review of this topic is still lacking. In this paper, we systematically reviewed the effects of OXT on social behavior in mammals. These effects of OXT from the perspective of five key behavioral dimensions were summarized: parental behavior, anxiety, aggression, attachment, and empathy. To date, researchers have agreed that OXT plays a positive regulatory role in a wide range of social behaviors, but there have been controversially reported results. In this review, we have provided a detailed panorama of the role of OXT in social behavior and, for the first time, delved into the underlying regulatory mechanisms, which may help better understand the multifaceted role of OXT. Levels of OXT in previous human studies were also summarized to provide insights for diagnosis of mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Zhou
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China; International Center for Redox Biology & Precision Medicine of Hubei Province, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China; National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China
| | - Rui Zhu
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China; International Center for Redox Biology & Precision Medicine of Hubei Province, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China; National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China
| | - Yuqing Xia
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China; International Center for Redox Biology & Precision Medicine of Hubei Province, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China; National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China
| | - Xinming Zhang
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China; International Center for Redox Biology & Precision Medicine of Hubei Province, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China; National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China
| | - Zixu Wang
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China
| | | | - Reza A Ghiladi
- Department of Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Hasan Bayram
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Jun Wang
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China; International Center for Redox Biology & Precision Medicine of Hubei Province, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China; National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China.
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Ellenbogen MA, Cardoso C, Serravalle L, Vadaga K, Joober R. The effects of intranasal oxytocin on the efficacy of psychotherapy for major depressive disorder: a pilot randomized controlled trial. Psychol Med 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38445382 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291724000217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although both pharmacotherapy and psychological treatments are considered to be efficacious in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), one third of patients do not respond to treatment and many experience residual symptoms post-treatment. In this double-blind placebo-controlled randomized control trial (RCT), we assessed whether intranasal oxytocin (OT) augments the therapeutic efficacy of psychotherapy for MDD and improves the therapeutic alliance. METHODS Twenty-three volunteers (12 female) with MDD underwent 16 sessions of interpersonal therapy. Prior to each session, volunteers self-administered 24 International Units of intranasal OT (n = 12; Syntocinon) or placebo (n = 11). Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology at pre- and post-treatment, and at a six month follow-up. RESULTS Multilevel modeling found a significant effect of OT on the negative slope of depressive symptoms over time (p < 0.05), with medium-large effect sizes at post-treatment (Cohen's d = 0.75) and follow-up (Cohen's d = 0.82). Drug intervention also predicted the intercept when examining the weekly ratings of the therapeutic alliance (p < 0.05), such that volunteers receiving OT, relative to placebo, reported improved therapeutic alliance at session 1. The agreement of goals between therapists and participants, a facet of the therapeutic alliance, mediated the relationship between drug intervention and clinical outcome. CONCLUSION In this pilot study, the administration of intranasal OT, relative to placebo, improved the therapeutic alliance at the beginning of therapy and therapeutic efficacy of psychotherapy in persons with MDD. Future RCTs should attempt to replicate these findings in larger samples with different therapeutic modalities (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02405715).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Ellenbogen
- Centre for Research in Human Development, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Christopher Cardoso
- Centre for Research in Human Development, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Lisa Serravalle
- Centre for Research in Human Development, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Kiran Vadaga
- Centre for Research in Human Development, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Ridha Joober
- The Douglas Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
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Maoz H, Grossman-Giron A, Sedoff O, Nitzan U, Kashua H, Yarmishin M, Arad O, Tzur Bitan D. Intranasal oxytocin as an adjunct treatment among patients with severe major depression with and without comorbid borderline personality disorder. J Affect Disord 2024; 347:39-44. [PMID: 37992767 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.11.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Results of studies concerning a possible beneficial effect of Intranasal-Oxytocin (IN-OT) as an add-on treatment for patients with major depression (MDD) have been inconsistent. One possible explanation to account for the difference in the effect of IN-OT is comorbid borderline personality disorder (BPD). This randomized controlled study was aimed to explore the differential effect of IN-OT administration among depressive patients with or without comorbid borderline personality disorder. METHODS A secondary analysis was conducted on a specific subset of patients who participated in an RCT evaluating the impact of IN-OT as add-on treatment for patients with severe mental illness. Patients treated in inpatient settings (N = 58) were randomized and double-blindly allocated to receive twice daily IN-OT (32 IU) or placebo for a period of four weeks. The effect of IN-OT on therapy process and outcome was examined among patients with (n = 35) and without (n = 23) comorbid BPD. RESULTS An interaction effect between diagnosis and group was observed on the Outcome Questionnaire-45 (B = 8.93, p = .007). Further analysis revealed that patients without BPD demonstrated significantly greater improvements following OT administration (B = -8.32, p = .001), whereas patients with BPD did not show significant improvement (B = 0.61, p = .76). The interactive pattern was also observed in the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (B = 0.25, p = .02), where patients without BPD demonstrated significantly larger improvements following OT administration (B = -0.29, p = .0009) as compared to placebo, while patients with BPD demonstrated no significant improvement (B = -0.04, p = .55). We did not find a harmful effect of IN-OT administration among patients with MDD and comorbid BPD. CONCLUSIONS Patients with MDD and comorbid BPD benefit less from IN-OT administration as compared to depressed patients without BPD. Future studies should aim to identify patients who are more likely to benefit from IN-OT administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagai Maoz
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, Affiliated with the School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv-Jaffa, Israel; School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv-Jaffa, Israel.
| | - Ariella Grossman-Giron
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, Affiliated with the School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv-Jaffa, Israel; Department of Behavioral Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Omer Sedoff
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, Affiliated with the School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv-Jaffa, Israel; Department of Community Mental Health, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Uri Nitzan
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, Affiliated with the School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv-Jaffa, Israel; School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv-Jaffa, Israel
| | - Halil Kashua
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, Affiliated with the School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv-Jaffa, Israel
| | - Maya Yarmishin
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, Affiliated with the School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv-Jaffa, Israel
| | - Olga Arad
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, Affiliated with the School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv-Jaffa, Israel
| | - Dana Tzur Bitan
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, Affiliated with the School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv-Jaffa, Israel; Department of Community Mental Health, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Cuyvers B, van IJzendoorn M, Bakermans-Kranenburg M, Verhaeghe J, Molenberghs G, Lafit G, Houbrechts M, Bosmans G. Oxytocin and state attachment responses to secure base support after stress in middle childhood. Attach Hum Dev 2024; 26:1-21. [PMID: 38240065 DOI: 10.1080/14616734.2024.2304874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/24/2024]
Abstract
We tried to replicate the finding that receiving care increases children's oxytocin and secure state attachment levels, and tested whether secure trait attachment moderates the oxytocin and state attachment response to care. 109 children (9-11 years old; M = 9.59; SD = 0.63; 34.9% boys) participated in a within-subject experiment. After stress induction (Trier Social Stress Test), children first remained alone and then received maternal secure base support. Salivary oxytocin was measured eight times. Secure trait and state attachment were measured with questionnaires, and Secure Base Script knowledge was assessed. Oxytocin levels increased after receiving secure base support from mother after having been alone. Secure state attachment changed less. Trait attachment and Secure Base Script knowledge did not moderate oxytocin or state attachment responses to support. This might mean that, regardless of the attachment history, in-the-moment positive attachment experiences might have a beneficial effect on trait attachment development in middle childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bien Cuyvers
- Clinical Psychology Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Child & Youth Institute, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Marian Bakermans-Kranenburg
- William James Center for Research, ISPA - Instituto Universitário, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Psychology, Personality, Social and Developmental Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Verhaeghe
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Ginette Lafit
- Methodology of Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Melisse Houbrechts
- Clinical Psychology Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Child & Youth Institute, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Guy Bosmans
- Clinical Psychology Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Child & Youth Institute, KU Leuven, Belgium
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Varian BJ, Weber KT, Erdman SE. Oxytocin and the microbiome. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2023; 16:100205. [PMID: 38108027 PMCID: PMC10724733 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2023.100205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian host microbiome affects many targets throughout the body, at least in part through an integrated gut-brain-immune axis and neuropeptide hormone oxytocin. It was discovered in animal models that microbial symbionts, such as Lactobacillus reuteri, leverage perinatal niches to promote multigenerational good health and reproductive fitness. While roles for oxytocin were once limited to women, such as giving birth and nurturing offspring, oxytocin is now also proposed to have important roles linking microbial symbionts with overall host fitness and survival throughout the evolutionary journey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard J. Varian
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Katherine T. Weber
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Susan E. Erdman
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
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Wright KA, Polk R, Lin T, Feifel D, Ebner NC. Four-week intranasal oxytocin administration reduces attachment avoidance in older women. Horm Behav 2023; 155:105413. [PMID: 37659357 PMCID: PMC10961710 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) serves as a critical modulator of social cognition and social behavior. Adult attachment is an affiliative process crucial for social interaction across adulthood. Insecure adult attachment comprises two broad dimensions, attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance. Both these dimensions of attachment are currently understudied regarding OT modulation, and especially in older adults. The present study determined the effects of chronic intranasal OT administration on adult attachment in generally healthy older women and men (aged 55-95 years). Embedded in a larger project, participants were randomly assigned to self-administer 24 international units of either OT or a placebo (P) intranasally twice daily for four weeks. The Experiences in Close Relationships Scale assessed adult attachment (anxiety and avoidance) pre- and post-treatment. There was no significant pre- to post-treatment change in attachment avoidance overall, but the treatment x timepoint x sex interaction was significant, in that women (but not men) in the OT (vs. P) group reported decreased attachment avoidance. No comparable effects were observed for attachment anxiety. Results suggest that older women may benefit from chronic intranasal OT treatment by experiencing less attachment avoidance in their adult relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie A Wright
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America.
| | - Rebecca Polk
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Tian Lin
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - David Feifel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States of America
| | - Natalie C Ebner
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America; Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America; Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America.
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9
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Portnova GV, Proskurnina EV, Skorokhodov IV, Sokolova SV, Semirechenko AN, Varlamov AA. Salivary Oxytocin and Antioxidative Response to Robotic Touch in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12322. [PMID: 37569698 PMCID: PMC10419114 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with ASD are known to have a tendency to have tactile sensory processing issues that could be associated with their impairment as regards social communication. The alterations in tactile processing in autistic subjects are usually accompanied by hypersensitivity and other unpleasant emotions induced by tactile contact. In our study, we investigated the impact of the velocity and the force of a tactile stroke received impersonally by a custom-built robotic device. A total of 21 adults with ASD and 22 adults from a control group participated in our study. The participants' responses were assessed according to subjective scales, EEG changes, and the dynamics of saliva antioxidants and oxytocin. It was found that the oxytocin level was significantly lower in subjects with ASD but increased after tactile stimulation. However, contrary to expectations, the increase in the oxytocin level in the target group negatively correlated with the subjective pleasantness of tactile stimulation and was probably associated with a stress-induced effect. The basic levels of antioxidants did not differ between the TD and ASD groups; however, these had significantly increased in individuals with ASD by the end of the study. The EEG findings, which revealed enhanced antioxidant levels, contributed to the relief of the cognitive control during the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina V. Portnova
- Laboratory of Human Higher Nervous Activity, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 5A Butlerova Str., 117485 Moscow, Russia
- Tactile Communication Research Laboratory, Pushkin State Russian Language Institute, 6 Volgina Str., 117485 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena V. Proskurnina
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Centre for Medical Genetics, 1 Moskvorechye Str., 115522 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Ivan V. Skorokhodov
- Tactile Communication Research Laboratory, Pushkin State Russian Language Institute, 6 Volgina Str., 117485 Moscow, Russia
- Autonomous Non-Profit Organization “Our Sunny World”, 98 Nizhegorodskaya Str., 109052 Moscow, Russia
| | - Svetlana V. Sokolova
- Medical Scientific and Educational Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lomonosovsky Prosp. 27-10, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey N. Semirechenko
- Tactile Communication Research Laboratory, Pushkin State Russian Language Institute, 6 Volgina Str., 117485 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anton A. Varlamov
- Autonomous Non-Profit Organization “Our Sunny World”, 98 Nizhegorodskaya Str., 109052 Moscow, Russia
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Michaelian JC, McCade D, Hoyos CM, Brodaty H, Harrison F, Henry JD, Guastella AJ, Naismith SL. Pilot Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial Evaluating the Feasibility of an Intranasal Oxytocin in Improving Social Cognition in Individuals Living with Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2023; 7:715-729. [PMID: 37483320 PMCID: PMC10357119 DOI: 10.3233/adr-230013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Individuals living with Alzheimer's disease (AD) demonstrate extensive deficits in social cognition. To date, no studies have investigated the feasibility of an intranasal oxytocin (INOT) treatment to improve social cognition in individuals living with AD. Objective We conducted a pilot trial to determine recruitment feasibility, enrolment acceptability, and adherence to an INOT treatment to inform on the subsequent design of a future randomized controlled trial (RCT). We also estimated the effect sizes of potential social cognitive function outcome measures related to participants and their caregivers. Methods Four individuals with AD were enrolled in a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial involving a one-week treatment period with both INOT (72 IU twice daily) and placebo. Results All participants reported no treatment-causative or serious adverse events following repeated INOT administration. While enrolment acceptability (100%) and INOT adherence (placebo, 95%; INOT, 98%) were excellent, feasibility of recruitment was not acceptable (i.e., n = 4/58 individuals screened met inclusion criteria). However, positive/large effects were associated with secondary outcomes of self-reported health and wellbeing, caregiver 'burden', intimacy and interpersonal-bonding, following repeated INOT administration. No positive effects were associated with participant outcomes of social cognition. Conclusion This pilot RCT provides first evidence that INOT administration in individuals living with AD is safe and well-tolerated. Despite limitations in sample size, moderate-to-large effect size improvements were identified in participant health outcomes as well as core social cognitive functions and 'burden' as reported by a caregiver. This suggests potential broad-ranging beneficial effects of INOT which should be assessed in future RCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes C. Michaelian
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Healthy Brain Ageing Program, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Donna McCade
- Healthy Brain Ageing Program, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Camilla M. Hoyos
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Healthy Brain Ageing Program, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Henry Brodaty
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Fleur Harrison
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Adam J. Guastella
- Brain and Mind Centre, Children’s Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sharon L. Naismith
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Healthy Brain Ageing Program, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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11
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Orihashi R, Imamura Y, Yamada S, Monji A, Mizoguchi Y. Association between serum oxytocin levels and depressive state in community-dwelling older adults: A cross-sectional study. PCN REPORTS : PSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES 2023; 2:e97. [PMID: 38868149 PMCID: PMC11114300 DOI: 10.1002/pcn5.97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Aim Identifying peripheral biomarkers related to the prevention or modification of unhealthy mental conditions in older adults would be extremely beneficial. This study aimed to evaluate serum oxytocin levels in older adults living in a rural community and their association with cognitive function, anxiety, depressive state, and well-being. Methods This survey was conducted between November 2016 and September 2017 in Kurokawa-cho, Imari, Saga Prefecture, Japan, among people aged ≥65 years. Blood samples were collected from the participants for serum oxytocin level analysis, which was performed using peptide enzyme immunoassay. Participants underwent neuropsychological assessments, including the Mini-Mental State Examination, Clinical Dementia Rating, Frontal Assessment Battery, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale, and 17-item Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale. We examined the association between serum oxytocin levels and neuropsychological assessment results. Results Out of 94 participants, 25 were men and 69 were women, with mean ages of 78.24 ± 3.85 years and 78.10 ± 5.43 years, respectively. Serum oxytocin levels were negatively associated with 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale scores. Additionally, nondepressive state/depressive state was classified by the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (cut-off 5/6). Logistic regression analysis showed that higher serum oxytocin levels tended to be associated with a less depressive state at that time. Conclusions Serum oxytocin levels may be associated with depressive state in adults aged ≥65 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuzo Orihashi
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Oita UniversityOitaJapan
- Department of PsychiatryFaculty of Medicine, Saga UniversitySagaJapan
| | - Yoshiomi Imamura
- Department of PsychiatryFaculty of Medicine, Saga UniversitySagaJapan
- Institute of Comparative Studies of International Cultures and Societies, Kurume UniversityKurumeJapan
| | | | - Akira Monji
- Department of PsychiatryFaculty of Medicine, Saga UniversitySagaJapan
| | - Yoshito Mizoguchi
- Department of PsychiatryFaculty of Medicine, Saga UniversitySagaJapan
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12
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A double-edged hormone: The moderating role of personality and attachment on oxytocin's treatment facilitation effect. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 151:106074. [PMID: 36905736 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies exploring the potential augmenting effect of oxytocin for patients with mental disorders have thus far reported mixed effects. However, oxytocin's effect may differ across patients with different interpersonal characteristics. This study aimed to examine the moderating role of attachment and personality traits on the effect of oxytocin administration on the therapeutic working alliance and symptomatic change, among hospitalized patients with severe mental illness. METHODS Patients (N = 87) were randomly assigned to receive oxytocin or placebo, as an add-on to psychotherapy for a period of four weeks, in two inpatient units. Therapeutic alliance and symptomatic change were measured weekly, and personality and attachment were assessed at pre- and post-intervention. RESULTS Oxytocin administration was significantly associated with improvement of depression (B=2.12, SE=0.82, t = 2.56, p = .012), and suicidal ideation (B=0.03, SE=0.01, t = 2.44, p = .016) for patients low in openness and extraversion, respectively. Nonetheless, oxytocin administration was also significantly associated with a deterioration in the working alliance for patients high in extraversion (B=-0.11, SE=0.04, t = -2.73, p = .007), low in neuroticism (B=0.08, SE=0.03, t = 2.01, p = .047) and low in agreeableness (B=0.11, SE=0.04, t = 2.76, p = .007). CONCLUSIONS Oxytocin may act as a double-edged sword when it comes to its effect on treatment process and outcome. Future studies should focus on routes to characterize patients who might benefit the most from such augmentation. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Pre-registration in clinicaltrials.com: NCT03566069; Israel Ministry of Health: MOH_2017-12-05_002003.
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13
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Kucerova B, Levit-Binnun N, Gordon I, Golland Y. From Oxytocin to Compassion: The Saliency of Distress. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020183. [PMID: 36829462 PMCID: PMC9953150 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Compassion is a warm response of care and concern for those who are suffering, which drives individuals to devote their resources for the sake of others. A prominent neuroevolutionary framework grounds compassion in the neurobiology of the mammalian caregiving system. Accordingly, it has been suggested that the oxytocinergic system, which plays a central role in parental caregiving and bonding, provides the neurobiological foundation for compassion towards strangers. Yet, the specific role of oxytocin in compassion is far from clear. The current paper aims to target this gap and offer a theoretical framework that integrates the state-of-the-art literature on oxytocin with research on compassion. We suggest that oxytocin mediates compassion by enhancing the saliency of cues of pain and distress and discuss the plausible underlying neurobiological substrates. We further demonstrate how the proposed framework can account for individual differences in compassion, focusing on the effects of attachment on caregiving and support. The proposed framework integrates the current scientific understanding of oxytocin function with compassion-related processes. It thus highlights the largely ignored attentional processes in compassion and taps into the vast variability of responses in social contexts involving pain and suffering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Kucerova
- Psychology Department, Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Nava Levit-Binnun
- Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Reichman University, Herzliya 4610101, Israel
| | - Ilanit Gordon
- Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Yulia Golland
- Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Reichman University, Herzliya 4610101, Israel
- Correspondence:
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14
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Zhao F, Zhang H, Wang P, Cui W, Xu K, Chen D, Hu M, Li Z, Geng X, Wei S. Oxytocin and serotonin in the modulation of neural function: Neurobiological underpinnings of autism-related behavior. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:919890. [PMID: 35937893 PMCID: PMC9354980 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.919890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a group of generalized neurodevelopmental disorders. Its main clinical features are social communication disorder and repetitive stereotyped behavioral interest. The abnormal structure and function of brain network is the basis of social dysfunction and stereotyped performance in patients with autism spectrum disorder. The number of patients diagnosed with ASD has increased year by year, but there is a lack of effective intervention and treatment. Oxytocin has been revealed to effectively improve social cognitive function and significantly improve the social information processing ability, empathy ability and social communication ability of ASD patients. The change of serotonin level also been reported affecting the development of brain and causes ASD-like behavioral abnormalities, such as anxiety, depression like behavior, stereotyped behavior. Present review will focus on the research progress of serotonin and oxytocin in the pathogenesis, brain circuit changes and treatment of autism. Revealing the regulatory effect and neural mechanism of serotonin and oxytocin on patients with ASD is not only conducive to a deeper comprehension of the pathogenesis of ASD, but also has vital clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhao
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- TAIYUE Postdoctoral Innovation and Practice Base, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- TAIYUE Postdoctoral Innovation and Practice Base, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Peng Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjie Cui
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kaiyong Xu
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Dan Chen
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Minghui Hu
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- TAIYUE Postdoctoral Innovation and Practice Base, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Zifa Li
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- TAIYUE Postdoctoral Innovation and Practice Base, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Zifa Li,
| | - Xiwen Geng
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- TAIYUE Postdoctoral Innovation and Practice Base, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Xiwen Geng,
| | - Sheng Wei
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- TAIYUE Postdoctoral Innovation and Practice Base, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Sheng Wei,
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15
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Chukwunyere U, Mercan M, Sehirli AO, Abacioglu N. Possible cytoprotective mechanisms of oxytocin against 5-fluorouracil-induced gastrointestinal mucositis. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:4055-4059. [PMID: 35474056 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07384-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal mucositis is a common and dose-limiting side effect characterized by ulcerative lesions in the mucosa of the digestive tract in patients receiving anticancer drugs such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a potent antineoplastic drug. Several protocols have reported the efficacy of therapeutic interventions to prevent this side effect, although complete success has not yet been achieved and mucositis remains one of the most serious complications associated with 5-FU therapy. Oxytocin, a well-known antistress agent, has been reported to have comparable effects to ranitidine. Previous studies have shown that oxytocin inhibits gastric acid secretion and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in rats. If oxytocin can reduce stress-induced ulcers via antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory pathways, then it may have a dose-dependent effect on gastrointestinal mucositis caused by 5-FU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugochukwu Chukwunyere
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Near East University, 99138, Lefkosa, TRNC, Turkey.
| | - Merve Mercan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Near East University, 99138, Lefkosa, TRNC, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Ozer Sehirli
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Dentistry, Near East University, Lefkosa, TRNC, Turkey
| | - Nurettin Abacioglu
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Near East University, 99138, Lefkosa, TRNC, Turkey
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16
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Faraji J, Lotfi H, Moharrerie A, Jafari SY, Soltanpour N, Tamannaiee R, Marjani K, Roudaki S, Naseri F, Moeeini R, Metz GAS. Regional Differences in BDNF Expression and Behavior as a Function of Sex and Enrichment Type: Oxytocin Matters. Cereb Cortex 2022; 32:2985-2999. [DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The early environment is critical to brain development, but the relative contribution of physical versus social stimulation is unclear. Here, we investigated in male and female rats the response to early physical and social environmental enrichment in relation to oxytocin (OT) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression. The findings show that males and females respond differently to prolonged sensorimotor stimulation from postnatal days 21–110 in terms of functional, structural, and molecular changes in the hippocampus versus medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Physical enrichment promoted motor and cognitive functions and hippocampal BDNF mRNA and protein expression in both sexes. Combined physical and social enrichment, however, promoted functional and structural gain in females. These changes were accompanied by elevated plasma oxytocin (OT) levels and BDNF mRNA expression in the mPFC, while the hippocampus was not affected. Administration of an OT antagonist in females blocked the beneficial effects of enrichment and led to reduced cortical BDNF signaling. These findings suggest that an OT-based mechanism selectively stimulates a region-specific BDNF response which is dependent on the type of experience.
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17
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Gryksa K, Neumann ID. Consequences of pandemic-associated social restrictions: Role of social support and the oxytocin system. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 135:105601. [PMID: 34837776 PMCID: PMC8605825 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
During pandemics, governments take drastic actions to prevent the spreading of the disease, as seen during the present COVID-19 crisis. Sanctions of lockdown, social distancing and quarantine urge people to exclusively work and teach at home and to restrict social contacts to a minimum; lonely people get into further isolation, while families` nerves are strained to the extreme. Overall, this results in a dramatic and chronic increase in the level of psychosocial stress over several months mainly caused by i) social isolation and ii) psychosocial stress associated with overcrowding, social tension in families, and domestic violence. Moreover, pandemic-associated social restrictions are accompanied by loss of an essential stress buffer and important parameter for general mental and physical health: social support. Chronic psychosocial stress and, in particular, social isolation and lack of social support affect not only mental health, but also the brain oxytocin system and the immune system. Hence, pandemic-associated social restrictions are expected to increase the risk of developing psychopathologies, such as depression, anxiety-related and posttraumatic stress disorders, on the one hand, but also to induce a general inflammatory state and to impair the course of infectious disorders on the other. Due to its pro-social and stress-buffering effects, resulting in an anti-inflammatory state in case of disease, the role of the neuropeptide oxytocin will be discussed and critically considered as an emerging treatment option in cases of pandemic-induced psychosocial stress, viral infection and during recovery. In this review, we aim to critically focus on possible short- and long-term consequences of social restrictions on mental health and the immune system, while discussion oxytocin as a possible treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Gryksa
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Inga D Neumann
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
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18
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Zhang K, Fan Y, Yu R, Tian Y, Liu J, Gong P. Intranasal oxytocin administration but not peripheral oxytocin regulates behaviors of attachment insecurity: A meta-analysis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 132:105369. [PMID: 34340132 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In light of the roles of oxytocin (OT) in social bonding and interpersonal relationship, studies have examined the roles of OT in human attachment, but by and large previous findings are inconsistent. Here, we conducted - meta-analyses to estimate the associations between peripheral OT level (e.g., blood and salivary OT) and attachment (i.e., attachment dimensions and behaviors of attachment insecurity) and examine the effects of intranasal OT administration on behaviors of attachment insecurity. The analyses indicated that: (1) Peripheral OT level was not significantly associated with attachment dimensions (e.g., attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance) and behaviors of attachment insecurity; (2) intranasal OT administration significantly reduced behaviors of attachment insecurity of neutral contexts, particularly behaviors of attachment avoidance. The findings suggest that intranasal OT administration is an available approach for reducing behaviors of attachment insecurity of interpersonal situations with ambiguous social cues, which implicates suggestions for therapeutic treatments of attachment-related dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kejin Zhang
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China; College of Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China; Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Yuhe Fan
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Rongjun Yu
- Department of Management, School of Business, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yajie Tian
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Jinting Liu
- Research Center of Brain Function and Psychological Science, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Pingyuan Gong
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China; College of Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China; Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China.
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19
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Palmieri A, Pick E, Grossman-Giron A, Tzur Bitan D. Oxytocin as the Neurobiological Basis of Synchronization: A Research Proposal in Psychotherapy Settings. Front Psychol 2021; 12:628011. [PMID: 34305705 PMCID: PMC8298891 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.628011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Palmieri
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.,Padova Neuroscience Centre, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Emanuele Pick
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Ariella Grossman-Giron
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel.,Shalvata Mental Health Center, Affiliated With the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dana Tzur Bitan
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel.,Shalvata Mental Health Center, Affiliated With the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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20
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Grahn P, Ottosson J, Uvnäs-Moberg K. The Oxytocinergic System as a Mediator of Anti-stress and Instorative Effects Induced by Nature: The Calm and Connection Theory. Front Psychol 2021; 12:617814. [PMID: 34290636 PMCID: PMC8286993 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.617814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Ever more research results demonstrate that human health and wellbeing are positively affected by stays in and/or exposure to natural areas, which leads, among other things, to a reduction in high stress levels. However, according to the studies, these natural areas must meet certain qualities. The qualities that are considered to be most health promoting are those that humans perceive in a positive way. Theories about how natural areas can reduce people's stress levels and improve their coping skills have mainly focused on how certain natural areas that are perceived as safe reduce the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and consequent reduction of cortisol levels. This article discusses studies containing descriptions of how participants in rehabilitation perceive and react to natural phenomena. The common core variable in the analyzed studies was the experience of calm and connection, and this experience was associated with a reduction in stress levels and with being able to develop health and coping skills. We suggest that this experience provides a possible role for the oxytocinergic system to act as a physiological mediator for the positive and health-promoting effects in humans caused by nature. The theory is mainly based on analogies framed by theories and data from the fields of environmental psychology, horticulture, landscape architecture, medicine, and neuroscience. Oxytocin promotes different kinds of social interaction and bonding and exerts stress-reducing and healing effects. We propose that oxytocin is released by certain natural phenomena experienced as positive to decrease the levels of fear and stress, increase levels of trust and wellbeing, and possibly develop attachment or bonding to nature. By these effects, oxytocin will induce health-promoting effects. In situations characterized by low levels of fear and stress in response to release of oxytocin, the capacity for "growth" or psychological development might also be promoted. Such an instorative effect of nature, i.e., the capacity of nature to promote reorientation and the creation of new coping strategies, might hence represent an additional aspect of the oxytocin-linked effect profile, triggered in connection with certain nature phenomena. We conclude by proposing that the stress-relieving, health-promoting, restorative, and instorative effects of nature may involve activation of the oxytocinergic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Grahn
- Department of People and Society, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Johan Ottosson
- Department of People and Society, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Kerstin Uvnäs-Moberg
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Section of Anthrozoology and Applied Ethology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skara, Sweden
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21
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Marazziti D, Avella MT, Ivaldi T, Palermo S, Massa L, Vecchia AD, Basile L, Mucci F. Neuroenhancement: State of the Art and Future Perspectives. CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHIATRY 2021; 18:137-169. [PMID: 34909030 PMCID: PMC8629054 DOI: 10.36131/cnfioritieditore20210303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Pharmacological neuroenhancement refers to the non-medical use of prescription drugs, alcohol, illegal drugs, or the so-called soft enhancers for the purpose of improving cognition, mood, pro-social behavior, or work and academic performance. This phenomenon is undoubtedly more frequent than previously supposed especially amongst university students. The aim of the present paper was to carefully review and comment on the available literature on neuroenhancement, according to Prisma guidelines. The results showed a great use of all prescribed drugs (benzodiazepines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, nootropic compounds, and especially stimulants) as neuroenhancers amongst healthy subjects, although probably the real prevalence is underestimated. The use of illicit drugs and soft enhancers is similarly quite common. Data on the improvement of cognition by other compounds, such as oxytocin and pheromones, or non-pharmacological techniques, specifically deep brain stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation, are still limited. In any case, if it is true that human beings are embedded by the desire to overcome the limits of their intrinsic nature, neuroenhancement practices put into question the concept of authenticity. Therefore, the problem appears quite complex and requires to be deepened and analyzed with no prejudice, although within an ethical conceptual frame.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Marazziti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy
- Unicamillus-Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Avella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Tea Ivaldi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefania Palermo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Lucia Massa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Della Vecchia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Lucia Basile
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Federico Mucci
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Italy
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Oxytocin ameliorates impaired social behavior in a Chd8 haploinsufficiency mouse model of autism. BMC Neurosci 2021; 22:32. [PMID: 33933000 PMCID: PMC8088024 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-021-00631-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by the core symptoms of impaired social interactions. Increasing evidence suggests that ASD has a strong genetic link with mutations in chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 8 (CHD8), a gene encoding a chromatin remodeler. It has previously been shown that Chd8 haplodeficient male mice manifest ASD-like behavioral characteristics such as anxiety and altered social behavior. Along with that, oxytocin (OT) is one of the main neuropeptides involved in social behavior. Administration of OT has shown improvement of social behavior in genetic animal models of ASD. The present study was undertaken to further explore behavioral abnormalities of Chd8 haplodeficient mice of both sexes, their link with OT, and possible effects of OT administration. First, we performed a battery of behavioral tests on wild-type and Chd8+/∆SL female and male mice. Next, we measured plasma OT levels and finally studied the effects of intraperitoneal OT injection on observed behavioral deficits. Results We showed general anxiety phenotype in Chd8+/∆SL mice regardless of sex, the depressive phenotype in Chd8+/∆SL female mice only and bidirectional social deficit in female and male mice. We observed decreased level of OT in Chd+/∆SL mice, possibly driven by males. Mice injected by OT demonstrated recovery of social behavior, while reduced anxiety was observed only in male mice. Conclusions Here, we demonstrated that abnormal social behaviors were observed in both male and female Chd8+/∆SL mice. The ability of peripheral OT administration to affect such behaviors along with altered plasma OT levels indicated a possible link between Chd8 + /∆SL and OT in the pathogenesis of ASD as well as the possible usefulness of OT as a therapeutic tool for ASD patients with CHD8 mutations. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12868-021-00631-6.
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Zheng X, Kendrick KM. Neural and Molecular Contributions to Pathological Jealousy and a Potential Therapeutic Role for Intranasal Oxytocin. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:652473. [PMID: 33959017 PMCID: PMC8094533 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.652473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Romantic jealousy, especially in its pathological form, is a significant contributor to both domestic abuse, including partner sexual coercion and even murder, although relatively little research has been conducted on it. Both obsessive and delusional forms have been identified although only the latter is currently recognized as a pathological disorder. Studies in both clinical and healthy populations have identified altered fronto-striatal responsivity as being associated primarily with romantic jealousy and to date drug based treatments have targeted both dopaminergic and serotonergic systems. However, there is increasing interest in a potential role for the neuropeptide oxytocin, which can also modulate dopaminergic and serotonin systems in the brain and has been shown to altered in other psychotic conditions, such as schizophrenia and obsessive compulsive disorder. Recent studies in healthy populations have reported that when oxytocin is administered intranasally it can influence the brain to promote strengthening of romantic bonds and reduce romantic jealousy in both men and women evoked in either imagined or real contexts. These findings indicate a possible therapeutic use of intranasal oxytocin administration in pathological jealousy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Keith M. Kendrick
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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Patterson DK, Pollock D, Carter CS, Chambers JE. Treating Opioid Use Disorder in Peripartum Mothers: A Look at the Psychodynamics, Neurobiology, and Potential Role of Oxytocin. Psychodyn Psychiatry 2021; 49:48-72. [PMID: 33635103 DOI: 10.1521/pdps.2021.49.1.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The peripartum period (pregnancy and postpartum) is a unique time filled with psychodynamic and biological changes that are critical in affecting the lives of mother and baby. Attachment, the biologically based emotional connection between a caregiver and infant, is critical to the development of the child. The early interactions in an infant's life shape their reward neuro-circuitry and the development of their internal working models and styles of attachment. Opioid use disorders in the mother affect the psychodynamics and neurobiology of attachment. There is significant overlap between the neurobiology of attachment and that of opioid use disorders. In this article, we hope to describe how opioid use disorders affect mother-infant attachment and how psychodynamic psychotherapy that is informed by attachment theory may be a potential treatment for mothers with opioid use disorders. Further, oxytocin plays a role in the attachment process and may function abnormally in mothers with opioid use disorders. As oxytocin affects attachment, administration of oxytocin during postpartum mother-infant interactions in the setting of psychotherapy may facilitate bonding and promote recovery from opioid use disorders in the peripartum population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle K Patterson
- Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | | | - C Sue Carter
- Distinguished University Research Scientist, Executive Director, Emerita, The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
| | - Joanna E Chambers
- Associate Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and OB/GYN, Indiana University School of Medicine
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Oxytocin in Schizophrenia: Pathophysiology and Implications for Future Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22042146. [PMID: 33670047 PMCID: PMC7926349 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a form of mental disorder that is behaviorally characterized by abnormal behavior, such as social function deficits or other behaviors that are disconnected from reality. Dysregulation of oxytocin may play a role in regulating the expression of schizophrenia. Given oxytocin’s role in social cognition and behavior, a variety of studies have examined the potential clinical benefits of oxytocin in improving the psychopathology of patients with schizophrenia. In this review, we highlight the evidence for the role of endogenous oxytocin in schizophrenia, from animal models to human studies. We further discuss the potential of oxytocin as a therapeutic agent for schizophrenia and its implication in future treatment.
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26
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Carter CS, Kenkel WM, MacLean EL, Wilson SR, Perkeybile AM, Yee JR, Ferris CF, Nazarloo HP, Porges SW, Davis JM, Connelly JJ, Kingsbury MA. Is Oxytocin "Nature's Medicine"? Pharmacol Rev 2021; 72:829-861. [PMID: 32912963 PMCID: PMC7495339 DOI: 10.1124/pr.120.019398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin is a pleiotropic, peptide hormone with broad implications for general health, adaptation, development, reproduction, and social behavior. Endogenous oxytocin and stimulation of the oxytocin receptor support patterns of growth, resilience, and healing. Oxytocin can function as a stress-coping molecule, an anti-inflammatory, and an antioxidant, with protective effects especially in the face of adversity or trauma. Oxytocin influences the autonomic nervous system and the immune system. These properties of oxytocin may help explain the benefits of positive social experiences and have drawn attention to this molecule as a possible therapeutic in a host of disorders. However, as detailed here, the unique chemical properties of oxytocin, including active disulfide bonds, and its capacity to shift chemical forms and bind to other molecules make this molecule difficult to work with and to measure. The effects of oxytocin also are context-dependent, sexually dimorphic, and altered by experience. In part, this is because many of the actions of oxytocin rely on its capacity to interact with the more ancient peptide molecule, vasopressin, and the vasopressin receptors. In addition, oxytocin receptor(s) are epigenetically tuned by experience, especially in early life. Stimulation of G-protein–coupled receptors triggers subcellular cascades allowing these neuropeptides to have multiple functions. The adaptive properties of oxytocin make this ancient molecule of special importance to human evolution as well as modern medicine and health; these same characteristics also present challenges to the use of oxytocin-like molecules as drugs that are only now being recognized.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sue Carter
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - William M Kenkel
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - Evan L MacLean
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - Steven R Wilson
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - Allison M Perkeybile
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - Jason R Yee
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - Craig F Ferris
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - Hossein P Nazarloo
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - Stephen W Porges
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - John M Davis
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - Jessica J Connelly
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - Marcy A Kingsbury
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
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Intranasal oxytocin and the stress-buffering effects of social support during experimentally induced pain: The role of attachment security. J Affect Disord 2021; 278:149-156. [PMID: 32961410 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.09.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examined whether intranasal oxytocin enhances the stress-buffering effects of social support during experimentally induced pain, taking into account the role of individual differences in attachment security. METHODS Female participants (N = 193) were randomly assigned to oxytocin (24 IU intranasal) or placebo and to receive support or no support from a friend (2 × 2 factorial design with repeated measures)). Participants underwent the Cold Pressor Task (CPT) and were monitored for heart rate variability (HRV: RMSSD) and heart rate and reported pain levels. The Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire was used to measure attachment. RESULTS Oxytocin reduced RMSSD (p = 0.003, partial ɳ2 = 0.03) and increased heart rate (p = 0.039, partial ɳ2 = 0.03) in individuals who received support, possibly reflecting an enhanced attentional state. Oxytocin did not enhance beneficial effects of social support on perceived pain, but increased pain intensity in avoidantly attached individuals who were supported by a friend (p = 0.009, partial ɳ2 = 0.06). LIMITATIONS Only female participants were examined. Future studies are needed to determine sex differences in how oxytocin shapes stress-buffering effects of support. CONCLUSIONS Oxytocin may enhance the salience of social proximity and may be a mechanism underlying previously reported social influences on cardiovascular and mental health. However, oxytocin effects depend on interpersonal insecurities and may trigger discomfort in avoidantly attached individuals. Caution about oxytocin's therapeutic promise is warranted.
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Daniels N, Prinsen J, Soriano JR, Alaerts K. Oxytocin enhances the recovery of eye-contact induced autonomic arousal: A treatment mechanism study with placebo-controlled design. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2020; 39:87-98. [PMID: 32868176 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) is suggested to exert a pivotal role in a variety of complex human behaviors, including trust, attachment, social perception and fear regulation. Previous studies have demonstrated that intranasal administration of OT reduces subjective and neuroendocrine stress responses and dampens amygdala reactivity. OT has also been proposed to modulate activity of the autonomic nervous system. Here, a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study (with parallel design) was conducted with 56 healthy adult men to investigate whether a single-dose of OT (24 IU) modulates sympathetic autonomic arousal upon live dyadic gaze interactions. To do so, electrodermal recordings of skin conductance were performed during the engagement of eye contact with a live model in a two-person social context. In accordance to prior research, direct eye gaze elicited a significant enhancement in skin conductance responses, but OT did not specifically enhance or dampen the overall magnitude (amplitude) of the skin conductance response. Administration of OT did facilitate the recovery of skin conductance responses back to baseline (reduced recovery time), indicating a role of OT in restoring homeostatic balance. Notably, the treatment-effect on autonomic recovery was most prominent in participants with low self-reported social responsiveness, indicating that person-dependent factors play an important role in determining OT treatment-responses. Exploratory, it was shown that OT also significantly reduced self-reported feelings of tension and (at trend-level) worrying about how one presents oneself. Together, these observations add further evidence to a role of OT in modulating activity of the autonomic nervous system, primarily by facilitating a restoration of homeostatic balance after stimulus-induced increases in sympathetically-driven autonomic arousal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicky Daniels
- KU Leuven, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Research Group for Neuromotor Rehabilitation, Tervuursevest 101 box 1501, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jellina Prinsen
- KU Leuven, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Research Group for Neuromotor Rehabilitation, Tervuursevest 101 box 1501, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Javier R Soriano
- KU Leuven, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Research Group for Neuromotor Rehabilitation, Tervuursevest 101 box 1501, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kaat Alaerts
- KU Leuven, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Research Group for Neuromotor Rehabilitation, Tervuursevest 101 box 1501, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
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Wang T, Tang Q, Wu X, Chen X. Attachment anxiety moderates the effect of oxytocin on negative emotion recognition: Evidence from eye-movement data. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2020; 198:173015. [PMID: 32835786 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2020.173015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Valence-specific effects of oxytocin have been revealed in a selection of preceding studies, while others report that oxytocin could improve facial recognition, regardless of emotion valence. The reported effect was mediated by increased eye gaze during face processing, and attachment style proved to moderate the effect of oxytocin administration on social behavior and cognition. In this study, we used eye tracking to test whether attachment style moderates the effect of oxytocin on negative emotion recognition, which is crucial for social cognition. We employed a placebo-controlled, double-blind, within-participants design. The participants were 73 healthy individuals (41 men) who received a single dose of intranasal oxytocin (24 IU) on one occasion and a placebo dose on another occasion. Visual attention to the eye region was assessed on both occasions, through the completion of an emotion recognition task. Our results showed that oxytocin increased participants' eye gaze towards facial expressions. Among participants who received oxytocin, as opposed to a placebo, only individuals with high attachment anxiety displayed more eye gaze and less mouth gaze towards facial expression, regardless of emotion valence. Our findings confirmed that oxytocin increases gaze to the eye region, thus improving facial recognition, regardless of emotion valence, this relationship was moderated by attachment anxiety. Further, our results highlighted the importance of considering individual differences when evaluating the effects of oxytocin on emotion recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Wang
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400175, China
| | - Qingting Tang
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400175, China
| | - Xin Wu
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400175, China
| | - Xu Chen
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400175, China.
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30
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Orihashi R, Mizoguchi Y, Imamura Y, Yamada S, Ueno T, Monji A. Oxytocin and elderly MRI-based hippocampus and amygdala volume: a 7-year follow-up study. Brain Commun 2020; 2:fcaa081. [PMID: 32954331 PMCID: PMC7472904 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcaa081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin is deeply involved in human relations. In recent years, it is becoming clear that oxytocin is also involved in social cognition and social behaviour. Oxytocin receptors are also thought to be present in the hippocampus and amygdala, and the relationship between oxytocin and the structure and function of the hippocampus and amygdala has been reported. However, a few studies have investigated oxytocin and its relationship to hippocampus and amygdala volume in elderly people. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between serum oxytocin levels and hippocampus and amygdala volume in elderly people. The survey was conducted twice in Kurokawa-cho, Imari, Saga Prefecture, Japan, among people aged 65 years and older. We collected data from 596 residents. Serum oxytocin level measurements, brain MRI, Mini–Mental State Examination and Clinical Dementia Rating were performed in Time 1 (2009–11). Follow-up brain MRI, Mini–Mental State Examination and Clinical Dementia Rating were performed in Time 2 (2016–17). The interval between Time 1 and Time 2 was about 7 years. Fifty-eight participants (14 men, mean age 72.36 ± 3.41 years, oxytocin 0.042 ± 0.052 ng/ml; 44 women, mean age 73.07 ± 4.38 years, oxytocin 0.123 ± 0.130 ng/ml) completed this study. We analysed the correlation between serum oxytocin levels (Time 1) and brain volume (Time 1, Time 2 and Times 1–2 difference) using voxel-based morphometry implemented with Statistical Parametric Mapping. Analysis at the cluster level (family-wise error; P < 0.05) showed a positive correlation between serum oxytocin levels (Time 1) and brain volume of the region containing the left hippocampus and amygdala (Time 2). This result suggests that oxytocin in people aged 65 years and older may be associated with aging-related changes in hippocampus and amygdala volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuzo Orihashi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga 849-8501, Japan
| | - Yoshito Mizoguchi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga 849-8501, Japan
| | - Yoshiomi Imamura
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga 849-8501, Japan
| | | | - Takefumi Ueno
- Division of Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization, Hizen Psychiatric Center, Kanzaki, Saga 842-0192, Japan
| | - Akira Monji
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga 849-8501, Japan
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Verhees MWFT, van IJzendoorn MH, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ, Ceulemans E, de Winter S, Santens T, Alaerts K, Casteels K, Salemink E, Verhaeghe J, Bosmans G. Combining oxytocin and cognitive bias modification training in a randomized controlled trial: Effects on trust in maternal support. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2020; 66:101514. [PMID: 31610435 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2019.101514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Research on the social effects of intranasal oxytocin in children is scarce. Oxytocin has been proposed to have clearer beneficial effects when added to social learning paradigms. The current study tested this proposition in middle childhood by assessing effects of cognitive bias modification (CBM) training and oxytocin on trust in maternal support. METHODS Children (N = 100, 8-12 years) were randomly assigned to one of two training conditions: CBM training aimed at increasing trust or neutral placebo training. Within each training condition, half the participants received oxytocin and half a placebo. Main and interaction effects were assessed on measures of trust-related interpretation bias and trust. We explored whether child characteristics moderated intervention effects. RESULTS Children in the CBM training were faster to interpret maternal behaviour securely versus insecurely. Effects did not generalize to interpretation bias measures or trust. There were no main or interaction effects of oxytocin. Exploratory moderation analyses indicated that combining CBM training with oxytocin had less positive effects on trust for children with more internalizing problems. LIMITATIONS As this was the first study combining CBM and oxytocin, replication of the results is needed. CONCLUSIONS This study combined a social learning paradigm with oxytocin in children. CBM training was effective at an automatic level of processing. Oxytocin did not enhance CBM effects or independently exert effects. Research in larger samples specifying when oxytocin might have beneficial effects is necessary before oxytocin can be used as intervention option in children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marinus H van IJzendoorn
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Primary Care Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Eva Ceulemans
- Quantitative Psychology and Individual Differences Research Unit, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Simon de Winter
- Parenting and Special Education Research Unit, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tara Santens
- Parenting and Special Education Research Unit, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kaat Alaerts
- Research Group for Neuromotor Rehabilitation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kristina Casteels
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elske Salemink
- Department of Developmental Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Johan Verhaeghe
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Guy Bosmans
- Parenting and Special Education Research Unit, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Clinical Psychology Research Unit, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Bernaerts S, Boets B, Bosmans G, Steyaert J, Alaerts K. Behavioral effects of multiple-dose oxytocin treatment in autism: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial with long-term follow-up. Mol Autism 2020; 11:6. [PMID: 31969977 PMCID: PMC6964112 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-020-0313-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intranasal administration of the "prosocial" neuropeptide oxytocin is increasingly explored as a potential treatment for targeting the core characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, long-term follow-up studies, evaluating the possibility of long-lasting retention effects, are currently lacking. Methods Using a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel design, this pilot clinical trial explored the possibility of long-lasting behavioral effects of 4 weeks of intranasal oxytocin treatment (24 International Units once daily in the morning) in 40 adult men with ASD. To do so, self-report and informant-based questionnaires assessing core autism symptoms and characterizations of attachment were administered at baseline, immediately after 4 weeks of treatment (approximately 24 h after the last nasal spray administration), and at two follow-up sessions, 4 weeks and 1 year post-treatment. Results No treatment-specific effects were identified in the primary outcome assessing social symptoms (Social Responsiveness Scale, self- and informant-rated). In particular, with respect to self-reported social responsiveness, improvements were evident both in the oxytocin and in the placebo group, yielding no significant between-group difference (p = .37). Also informant-rated improvements in social responsiveness were not significantly larger in the oxytocin, compared to the placebo group (between-group difference: p = .19). Among the secondary outcome measures, treatment-specific improvements were identified in the Repetitive Behavior Scale and State Adult Attachment Measure, indicating reductions in self-reported repetitive behaviors (p = .04) and reduced feelings of avoidance toward others (p = .03) in the oxytocin group compared to the placebo group, up to 1 month and even 1 year post-treatment. Treatment-specific effects were also revealed in screenings of mood states (Profile of Mood States), indicating higher reports of "vigor" (feeling energetic, active, lively) in the oxytocin, compared to the placebo group (p = .03). Conclusions While no treatment-specific improvements were evident in terms of core social symptoms, the current observations of long-term beneficial effects on repetitive behaviors and feelings of avoidance are promising and suggestive of a therapeutic potential of oxytocin treatment for ASD. However, given the exploratory nature of this pilot study, future studies are warranted to evaluate the long-term effects of OT administration further. Trial registration The trial was registered with the European Clinical Trial Registry (Eudract 2014-000586-45) on January 22, 2014 (https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2014-000586-45/BE).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Bernaerts
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Research Group for Neurorehabilitation, KU Leuven, Tervuursevest 101 box 1501, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Autism Research consortium, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Boets
- Leuven Autism Research consortium, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurosciences, Center for Developmental Psychiatry, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 7 blok h - box 7001, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Guy Bosmans
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Parenting and Special Education Research Group, KU Leuven, Leopold Vanderkelenstraat 32 box 3765, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jean Steyaert
- Leuven Autism Research consortium, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurosciences, Center for Developmental Psychiatry, KU Leuven, O&N II Herestraat 49 box 7003, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kaat Alaerts
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Research Group for Neurorehabilitation, KU Leuven, Tervuursevest 101 box 1501, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Autism Research consortium, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Horta M, Kaylor K, Feifel D, Ebner NC. Chronic oxytocin administration as a tool for investigation and treatment: A cross-disciplinary systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 108:1-23. [PMID: 31647964 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) subserves various physiological, behavioral, and cognitive processes. This paired with the ability to administer OT with minimal and inconsistent side effects has spurred research to explore its therapeutic potential. Findings from single-dose studies indicate that OT administration may be beneficial, at least under certain circumstances. The state of the field, however, is less clear regarding effects from chronic OT administration, which more closely resembles long-term treatment. To address this gap, this review synthesizes existing findings on the use of chronic OT administration in animal and human work. In addition to detailing the effects of chronic OT administration across different functional domains, this review highlights factors that have contributed to mixed findings. Based on this review, a basic framework of interrelated regulatory functions sensitive to chronic OT administration is offered. The paper also identifies future research directions across different contexts, populations, and outcomes, specifically calling for more systematic and standardized research on chronic OT administration in humans to supplement and expand what is currently known from preclinical work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn Horta
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Kathryn Kaylor
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - David Feifel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Natalie C Ebner
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Institute on Aging, Department of Aging & Geriatric Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Alteration in oxytocin levels induced by early social environment affects maternal behavior and estrogen receptor alpha in mandarin voles (Microtus mandarinus). Behav Brain Res 2019; 365:36-47. [PMID: 30802533 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.02.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have shown that the early social environment exerts long-term effects on the brain and also the parental behavior of adults. Oxytocin (OXT) is one of the most important neurotransmitters that regulate social behavior; howerve, whether the early social environment affects parental behavior via OXT remains unclear. Using socially monogamous adult mandarin voles (Microtus mandarinus), the present study found that 1) both paternal deprivation and early social deprivation significantly decreased OXT expression in both the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN) and the supraoptic nucleus (SON) of F2 generation offspring; 2) systemic neonatal OXT injection in naïve animals promoted maternal but not paternal behavior in adult F2 offspring; 3) systemic neonatal OXT injection significantly increased ERα expression in both the medial preoptic area (MPOA) and the ventro medial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH) in female but not in male mandarin voles; 4) systemic neonatal administration of an OXT antagonist significantly reduced ERα expression in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), VMH, and the arcuate hypothalamic nucleus (Arc) in females and in all examined brain regions in males. In summary, the obtained data demonstrate that the early social environment could affect OXT level, which in turn leads to long-term effects on ERα expression in relevant brain regions, consequently affecting maternal behavior but not paternal behavior.
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Cadet JL, Patel R, Jayanthi S. Compulsive methamphetamine taking and abstinence in the presence of adverse consequences: Epigenetic and transcriptional consequences in the rat brain. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2019; 179:98-108. [PMID: 30797763 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2019.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Methamphetamine addiction is characterized by compulsive binges of drug intake despite adverse life consequences. A model of methamphetamine self-administration that includes contingent footshocks to constitute adverse consequences has helped to segregate rats that reduce or stop lever pressing for methamphetamine (sensitive) from those that continue to lever press for the drug (resistant) in the presence of negative outcomes. We have observed differential DNA hydroxymethylation and increased expression of potassium channel mRNAs in the nucleus accumbens of sensitive compared to resistant rats, suggesting a role of these channels in suppressing methamphetamine intake. There were also significant increases in nerve growth factor (NGF) expression and activation of its downstream signaling pathway (NGF-TrkA and p75NTR/MAPK signaling) in only the dorsal striatum of sensitive rats after a month of abstinence. In contrast, oxytocin mRNA expression was increased in only the nucleus accumbens of resistant rats compared to sensitive rats euthanized after that time. These results indicate that footshocks can differentiate two behavioral phenotypes with differential biochemical and epigenetic consequences in the ventral and dorsal striatum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Lud Cadet
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Ravish Patel
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Subramaniam Jayanthi
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Alaerts K, Bernaerts S, Vanaudenaerde B, Daniels N, Wenderoth N. Amygdala-Hippocampal Connectivity Is Associated With Endogenous Levels of Oxytocin and Can Be Altered by Exogenously Administered Oxytocin in Adults With Autism. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY: COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2019; 4:655-663. [PMID: 30846366 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2019.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxytocin (OT) plays a pivotal role in interpersonal bonding, affiliation, and trust, and its intranasal administration is increasingly considered as a potential treatment for autism spectrum disorder. METHODS We explored whether variations in endogenous salivary OT concentration are related to interindividual differences in core autism symptoms and expressions of attachment in 38 male adults with autism spectrum disorder. Further, resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was adopted to specifically explore whether interindividual differences are reflected in the intrinsic network organization of key regions of the central oxytocinergic system. RESULTS Positive correlations were identified between peripheral OT and expressions of secure attachment (the State Adult Attachment Measure and the Inventory of Peer Attachment), but no significant relationships were identified with scales assessing core autism symptom domains (the Social Responsiveness Scale and the Repetitive Behavior Scale). At the neural level, higher levels of endogenous OT were associated with lower degrees of interregional functional coupling between the amygdala and hippocampal regions. Interestingly, a single dose of exogenously administered OT induced a further reduction in amygdala-hippocampal connectivity, indicating that a higher availability of OT can alter the degree of amygdala-hippocampal connectivity. CONCLUSIONS The identified associations between the oxytocinergic system, expressions of secure attachment, and amygdala-hippocampal pathways are anticipated to be of relevance for understanding the role of OT in modulating appropriate neural and physiological responses to stress and restoring homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaat Alaerts
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, Neuromotor Rehabilitation Research Group, University of Leuven, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Sylvie Bernaerts
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, Neuromotor Rehabilitation Research Group, University of Leuven, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Vanaudenaerde
- Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, Group Biomedical Sciences, Pneumology Research Group, University of Leuven, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nicky Daniels
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, Neuromotor Rehabilitation Research Group, University of Leuven, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nicole Wenderoth
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Neural Control of Movement Lab, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule, Zurich, Switzerland
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Aydın O, Balıkçı K, Taş C, Ünal-Aydın P, Taneli F, Esen-Danacı A. Assessing the relationship between attachment, parental attitude and plasma oxytocin in schizophrenia patients and their unaffected siblings. Nord J Psychiatry 2019; 73:51-57. [PMID: 30636461 DOI: 10.1080/08039488.2018.1554698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is widely acknowledged that schizophrenia patients tend to have insecure attachment styles and improper parenting. However, the biological processes related to these adversities remain unclear and that the disturbance in oxytocin system is considered as one of the strongest predictors of such adversities. METHODS Thirty-four patients with schizophrenia and their unaffected thirty-four healthy siblings were recruited for the study and they were compared with thirty-one healthy controls. We examined attachment styles via Experience in Close Relationship-Revised Test and perceived parental attitudes with the My Memories of Upbringing-Short Version Test. In addition, we evaluated plasma oxytocin levels across groups. RESULTS The patients with schizophrenia had lower plasma oxytocin levels and obtained higher levels for attachment anxiety and avoidance with more parental rejection and over protection. There was a significantly negative relationship between the levels of plasma oxytocin in blood and parental over protection in the healthy sibling and healthy control groups. In contrast, there was a significantly positive relationship between the levels of plasma oxytocin in blood and parental over protection in the schizophrenia group. Results of the regression analyses revealed that the plasma oxytocin levels and over protection were notable factors in discriminating the groups from each other. CONCLUSION Our findings suggested that disturbance in oxytocin is associated with susceptibility to schizophrenia predisposition. In sum, therapeutic interventions that address oxytocin and over protection may influence the outcomes in this severe mental disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orkun Aydın
- a Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences , International University of Sarajevo , Sarajevo , Bosnia-Herzegovina
| | - Kuzeymen Balıkçı
- b Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine , Near East University , Nicosia , Northern Cyprus Turkish Republic
| | - Cumhur Taş
- c Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences , Uskudar University , Istanbul , Turkey
| | - Pınar Ünal-Aydın
- a Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences , International University of Sarajevo , Sarajevo , Bosnia-Herzegovina
| | - Fatma Taneli
- d Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine , Celal Bayar University , Manisa , Turkey
| | - Ayşen Esen-Danacı
- e Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine , Celal Bayar University , Manisa , Turkey
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Yoshimura Y, Kikuchi M, Hiraishi H, Hasegawa C, Hirosawa T, Takahashi T, Munesue T, Kosaka H, Hiagashida H, Minabe Y. Longitudinal changes in the mismatch field evoked by an empathic voice reflect changes in the empathy quotient in autism spectrum disorder. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2018; 281:117-122. [PMID: 30292077 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2018.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are neurodevelopmental conditions with impairments in social communication and interaction. Empathy is the ability to understand and share another person's inner life, and it is an essential process in social cognition, which is deficient in ASD. The mismatch field (MMF) has been used as a neurophysiological marker for the automatic detection of changes in auditory stimuli. In the present study, we focused on long-term changes in MMF evoked by an empathic voice and changes in the empathy quotient (EQ) in ASD during an 8-week clinical trial using oxytocin (OT). Ten males with ASD without intellectual disability participated in this pilot study. The results demonstrated a significant positive correlation between the change in the MMF amplitude in the auditory cortex (i.e., right banks of the superior sulcus) and the change in the EQ score during the 8-week clinical trial, whereas no significant change was observed in the MMF amplitude or EQ score after the administration period of OT. Although we cannot conclude that the observed relationships were caused by OT's effect or by natural changes, our results suggest that MMF evoked by social voice can be a state-dependent marker of empathic abilities in male adults with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Yoshimura
- Institute of Human and Social Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan; Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, 13-1, Takara-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8640, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Kikuchi
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, 13-1, Takara-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8640, Japan.
| | - Hirotoshi Hiraishi
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, 13-1, Takara-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8640, Japan
| | - Chiaki Hasegawa
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, 13-1, Takara-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8640, Japan
| | - Tetsu Hirosawa
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | | | - Toshio Munesue
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, 13-1, Takara-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8640, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Kosaka
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Japan
| | - Haruhiro Hiagashida
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, 13-1, Takara-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8640, Japan
| | - Yoshio Minabe
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, 13-1, Takara-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8640, Japan; Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
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Faraji J, Karimi M, Soltanpour N, Moharrerie A, Rouhzadeh Z, Lotfi H, Hosseini SA, Jafari SY, Roudaki S, Moeeini R, Metz GA. Oxytocin-mediated social enrichment promotes longer telomeres and novelty seeking. eLife 2018; 7:40262. [PMID: 30422111 PMCID: PMC6277206 DOI: 10.7554/elife.40262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The quality of social relationships is a powerful determinant of lifetime health. Here, we explored the impact of social experiences on circulating oxytocin (OT) concentration, telomere length (TL), and novelty-seeking behaviour in male and female rats. Prolonged social housing raised circulating OT levels in both sexes while elongating TL only in females. Novelty-seeking behaviour in females was more responsive to social housing and increased OT levels than males. The OT antagonist (OT ANT) L-366,509 blocked the benefits of social housing in all conditions along with female-specific TL erosion and novelty-seeking deficit. Thus, females seem more susceptible than males to genetic and behavioural changes when the secretion of endogenous OT in response to social life is interrupted. Social enrichment may, therefore, provide a therapeutic avenue to promote stress resiliency and chances of healthy aging across generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamshid Faraji
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada.,Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Mitra Karimi
- Inclusive-Integrated Education Program for Children with Special Needs, Exceptional Education Organization, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nabiollah Soltanpour
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Alireza Moharrerie
- Department of Anatomy, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Zahra Rouhzadeh
- Department of Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran
| | - Hamid Lotfi
- Department of Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran
| | - S Abedin Hosseini
- Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - S Yaghoob Jafari
- Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Shabnam Roudaki
- Department of Behavioural Studies, Avicenna Institute of Neuroscience, Yazd, Iran
| | - Reza Moeeini
- Department of Behavioural Studies, Avicenna Institute of Neuroscience, Yazd, Iran
| | - Gerlinde As Metz
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada
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Attempted suicide and oxytocin-related gene polymorphisms. J Affect Disord 2018; 238:62-68. [PMID: 29860184 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2018.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxytocin may moderate prosocial behaviors, but has also been implicated in negative mental health outcomes. A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR), rs53576, and a SNP of the CD38 gene, which regulates oxytocin secretion, rs3796863, have been associated with depression and suicidal ideation. METHODS We conducted an exploratory study investigating the relationship of these two SNPs to history of suicide attempt. Secondary analyses explored relationships of genotype with sex, diagnosis, history of abuse, depression, suicidal ideation, and attachment and personality traits. Subjects were depressed adults with DSM-IV major depressive disorder (MDD; n = 161) or bipolar disorder (BD; n = 75). RESULTS The A allele of rs53576 was associated with suicide attempt history. A differential effect of rs3796863 genotype on suicide attempt risk was found by diagnosis. In the BD sample, CC and AC genotypes were associated with higher odds of suicide attempt compared to AA, while in the MDD sample, AC subjects were more likely than CC subjects to have made an attempt. LIMITATIONS Our assessment of social sensitivity was limited to measures of attachment style and abuse history and did not differentiate between types of abuse. Plasma oxytocin was not measured. CONCLUSIONS These findings add to evidence for the involvement of oxytocin in suicide attempts and identify a potential biomarker for differentiating depressed attempters from non-attempters.
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Boll S, Almeida de Minas A, Raftogianni A, Herpertz S, Grinevich V. Oxytocin and Pain Perception: From Animal Models to Human Research. Neuroscience 2018; 387:149-161. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.09.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Prinsen J, Brams S, Alaerts K. To mirror or not to mirror upon mutual gaze, oxytocin can pave the way: A cross-over randomized placebo-controlled trial. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 90:148-156. [PMID: 29494953 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The eyes constitute a highly salient cue to communicate social intent. Previous research showed that direct eye contact between two individuals can readily evoke an increased propensity to 'mirror' other peoples' actions. Considering the implicated role of the prosocial neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) in enhancing the saliency of social cues and modulating approach/avoidance motivational tendencies, the current study adopted the non-invasive brain stimulation technique transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to explore whether a single dose of intranasal OXT (24 IU) modulated (enhanced) a person's propensity to show heightened mirroring or motor resonance upon salient social cues, such as eye contact. The study involved a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial with twenty-seven healthy adult men (19-32 y). By applying single-pulse TMS over the primary motor cortex during movement observation, it was shown that motor resonance was significantly higher when movement observation was accompanied by direct, compared to averted gaze, but that a single dose of OXT did not uniformly enhance this effect. Significant moderations of the treatment effect were noted however, indicating that participants with high self-reports of attachment avoidance displayed a stronger OXT-treatment effect (enhancement of motor resonance upon direct eye contact), compared to participants with low attachment avoidance. Particularly, while participants with high attachment avoidance initially displayed a reduced propensity to increase their motor resonance upon direct eye contact, a single dose of OXT was able to promote an otherwise avoidant individual's propensity to engage in motor resonance upon a salient social cue such as eye contact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jellina Prinsen
- Research Group for Neuromotor Rehabilitation, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Stephanie Brams
- Research Group for Neuromotor Rehabilitation, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Movement Control & Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Kinesiology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kaat Alaerts
- Research Group for Neuromotor Rehabilitation, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Ebner NC, Lin T, Muradoglu M, Weir DH, Plasencia GM, Lillard TS, Pournajafi-Nazarloo H, Cohen RA, Sue Carter C, Connelly JJ. Associations between oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) methylation, plasma oxytocin, and attachment across adulthood. Int J Psychophysiol 2018; 136:22-32. [PMID: 29410310 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2018.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) has been implicated in a wide range of affiliative processes. OT exerts its functions via OT receptors, which are encoded by the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR). Epigenetic modification of OXTR through the process of DNA methylation has been associated with individual differences in behavioral phenotypes. Specifically, lower levels of OXTR methylation have been linked to better social and affective functioning. However, research on epigenetic mechanisms of OXTR is scarce in non-clinical populations, and even less is known about epigenetic variability across adulthood. The present study assessed methylation levels at OXTR CpG site -934 and plasma OT levels in 22 young (20-31 years, M = 23.6) and 34 older (63-80 years, M = 71.4) participants. Lower levels of OXTR methylation and higher plasma OT levels were associated with less self-reported attachment anxiety in young but not older participants, with largely independent contributions of OXTR methylation and plasma OT levels. In contrast, in the overall sample, lower levels of OXTR methylation were associated with higher self-reported attachment avoidance. Age analysis suggested that these results were largely driven by young adults. Plasma OT levels were unrelated to attachment avoidance. Taken together, these findings support the emerging notion in the literature that epigenetic properties of OXTR, in addition to endogenous OT levels, are related to adult attachment. Further, the age effects observed in the associations between OXTR methylation, plasma OT, and adult attachment emphasize the importance of adopting a developmental perspective when studying properties of the OT system and their relation to affiliative processes. Findings contribute to growing evidence suggesting that epigenetic modification of genes regulating OT pathways and endogenous OT levels are associated with the way people form and maintain intimate social relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie C Ebner
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Tian Lin
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Melis Muradoglu
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Devon H Weir
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Gabriela M Plasencia
- Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University of Chicago, 2160 S 1st Ave, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Travis S Lillard
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | | | - Ronald A Cohen
- Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - C Sue Carter
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Jessica J Connelly
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Compulsive methamphetamine taking in the presence of punishment is associated with increased oxytocin expression in the nucleus accumbens of rats. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8331. [PMID: 28827541 PMCID: PMC5566486 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08898-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Methamphetamine addiction is mimicked in rats that self-administer the drug. However, these self-administration (SA) models do not include adverse consequences that are necessary to reach a diagnosis of addiction in humans. Herein, we measured genome-wide transcriptional consequences of methamphetamine SA and footshocks in the rat brain. We trained rats to self-administer methamphetamine for 20 days. Thereafter, lever-presses for methamphetamine were punished by mild footshocks for 5 days. Response-contingent punishment significantly reduced methamphetamine taking in some rats (shock-sensitive, SS) but not in others (shock-resistant, SR). Rats also underwent extinction test at one day and 30 days after the last shock session. Rats were euthanized one day after the second extinction test and the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and dorsal striatum were collected to measure gene expression with microarray analysis. In the NAc, there were changes in the expression of 13 genes in the SRvsControl and 9 genes in the SRvsSS comparison. In the striatum, there were 9 (6 up, 3 down) affected genes in the SRvsSS comparison. Among the upregulated genes was oxytocin in the NAc and CARTpt in the striatum of SR rats. These observations support a regional role of neuropeptides in the brain after a long withdrawal interval when animals show incubation of methamphetamine craving.
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Carter CS. The Oxytocin-Vasopressin Pathway in the Context of Love and Fear. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:356. [PMID: 29312146 PMCID: PMC5743651 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Vasopressin (VP) and oxytocin (OT) are distinct molecules; these peptides and their receptors [OT receptor (OTR) and V1a receptor (V1aR)] also are evolved components of an integrated and adaptive system, here described as the OT-VP pathway. The more ancient peptide, VP, and the V1aRs support individual survival and play a role in defensive behaviors, including mobilization and aggression. OT and OTRs have been associated with positive social behaviors and may function as a biological metaphor for social attachment or "love." However, complex behavioral functions, including selective sexual behaviors, social bonds, and parenting require combined activities of OT and VP. The behavioral effects of OT and VP vary depending on perceived emotional context and the history of the individual. Paradoxical or contextual actions of OT also may reflect differential interactions with the OTR and V1aR. Adding to the complexity of this pathway is the fact that OT and VP receptors are variable, across species, individuals, and brain region, and these receptors are capable of being epigenetically tuned. This variation may help to explain experience-related individual and sex differences in behaviors that are regulated by these peptides, including the capacity to form social attachments and the emotional consequences of these attachments.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Sue Carter
- Kinsey Institute and Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
- *Correspondence: C. Sue Carter,
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Abstract
Selective relationships and attachments are central to human health and well-being, both in current societies and during the course of evolution. The presence or absence of social bonds has consequences across the lifespan. The neurobiology of attachment is grounded in neuroendocrine substrates that are shared with reproduction and survival. Experimental studies of species, such as sheep or prairie voles, capable of showing selective social behaviors toward offspring or partners, have provided empirical evidence for the role of oxytocin and vasopressin in the formation of selective attachments. Developmental exposure to social experiences and to peptides, including oxytocin and vasopressin, also can "retune" the nervous system, altering thresholds for sociality, emotion regulation, and aggression. Without oxytocin and without the ability to form attachments the human brain as we know it could not exist. Knowledge of the neurobiology of attachment, and especially the role of oxytocin, also has implications for understanding both healthy behavior and treating mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sue Carter
- Director, Kinsey Institute, Rudy Professor of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington
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Abstract
Social dysfunction is a core symptom of many psychiatric disorders and current medications have little or no remedial effects on this. Following on from extensive studies on animal models demonstrating that the neuropeptide oxytocin plays an important role in social recognition and bonding, human-based research has explored its therapeutic potential for social dysfunction in psychiatric disorders. Here we outline the historical background of this human-based research and some of the current methodological challenges it is facing. To date, research has primarily attempted to establish functional effects through measuring altered endogenous concentrations, observing effects of exogenous administration and by investigating the effects of polymorphisms and epigenetic modifications of the oxytocin receptor gene. We summarize some of the key findings on behavioral and neural effects that have been reported in healthy subjects in the context of social cognition which have provided encouragement that oxytocin could represent a promising therapeutic target. At the same time, we have identified a number of key areas where we urgently need further information about optimal dosing strategies and interactions with other peptide and transmitter systems. Finally, we have summarized current translational findings, particularly in the context of therapeutic outcomes of intranasal oxytocin administration in autism and schizophrenia. These clinical findings while somewhat varied in outcome do offer increasing cause for optimism that targeting the oxytocin system may provide a successful therapeutic approach for social dysfunction. However, future research needs to focus on the most effective treatment strategy and which types of individuals are likely to benefit most.
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