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Kawasaki M, Sakai A, Ueta Y. Pain modulation by oxytocin. Peptides 2024; 179:171263. [PMID: 38897354 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171263] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) was discovered in 1906 as a substance that promotes the pregnancy and childbirth. It affects uterine contraction and lactation. Furthermore, as one of its physiological properties, it exerts analgesic effects. The living body has an ascending pathway that transmits pain stimuli from the periphery to the center and a descending pathway that regulates the dorsal horn neurons from the upper center downward. OXT is involved in the pain-inhibitory descending pathway and generally assumed to exert analgesic effects. In this article, we describe the pain-suppressive effects of OXT, among its many physiological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Kawasaki
- Center for Joint Arthroplasty, Hospital of University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka 807-8555, Japan.
| | - Akinori Sakai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka 807-8555, Japan
| | - Yoichi Ueta
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka 807-8555, Japan
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Usami N, Maegawa H, Hayashi M, Kudo C, Niwa H. Changes in the analgesic mechanism of oxytocin can contribute to hyperalgesia in Parkinson's disease model rats. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300081. [PMID: 39163355 PMCID: PMC11335116 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Pain is a major non-motor symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD). Alterations in the descending pain inhibitory system (DPIS) have been reported to trigger hyperalgesia in PD patients. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the current study, dopaminergic nigrostriatal lesions were induced in rats by injecting 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into their medial forebrain bundle. The neural mechanisms underlying changes in nociception in the orofacial region of 6-OHDA-lesioned rats was examined by injecting formalin into the vibrissa pad. The 6-OHDA-lesioned rats were seen to exhibit increased frequency of face-rubbing and more c-Fos immunoreactive (c-Fos-IR) cells in the trigeminal spinal subnucleus caudalis (Vc), confirming hyperalgesia. Examination of the number of c-Fos-IR cells in the DPIS nuclei [including the midbrain ventrolateral periaqueductal gray, the locus coeruleus, the nucleus raphe magnus, and paraventricular nucleus (PVN)] showed that 6-OHDA-lesioned rats exhibited a significantly lower number of c-Fos-IR cells in the magnocellular division of the PVN (mPVN) after formalin injection compared to sham-operated rats. Moreover, the 6-OHDA-lesioned rats also exhibited significantly lower plasma oxytocin (OT) concentration and percentage of oxytocin-immunoreactive (OT-IR) neurons expressing c-Fos protein in the mPVN and dorsal parvocellular division of the PVN (dpPVN), which secrete the analgesic hormone OT upon activation by nociceptive stimuli, when compared to the sham-operated rats. The effect of OT on hyperalgesia in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats was examined by injecting formalin into the vibrissa pad after intracisternal administration of OT, and the findings showed a decrease in the frequency of face rubbing and the number of c-Fos-IR cells in the Vc. In conclusion, these findings confirm presence of hyperalgesia in PD rats, potentially due to suppression of the analgesic effects of OT originating from the PVN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayuka Usami
- Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroharu Maegawa
- Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Hayashi
- Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Chiho Kudo
- Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Niwa
- Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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Li CN, Keay KA, Henderson LA, Mychasiuk R. Re-examining the Mysterious Role of the Cerebellum in Pain. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1538232024. [PMID: 38658164 PMCID: PMC11044115 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1538-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Pain is considered a multidimensional experience that embodies not merely sensation, but also emotion and perception. As is appropriate for this complexity, pain is represented and processed by an extensive matrix of cortical and subcortical structures. Of these structures, the cerebellum is gaining increasing attention. Although association between the cerebellum and both acute and chronic pain have been extensively detailed in electrophysiological and neuroimaging studies, a deep understanding of what functions are mediated by these associations is lacking. Nevertheless, the available evidence implies that lobules IV-VI and Crus I are especially pertinent to pain processing, and anatomical studies reveal that these regions connect with higher-order structures of sensorimotor, emotional, and cognitive function. Therefore, we speculate that the cerebellum exerts a modulatory role in pain via its communication with sites of sensorimotor, executive, reward, and limbic function. On this basis, in this review, we propose numerous ways in which the cerebellum might contribute to both acute and chronic pain, drawing particular attention to emotional and cognitive elements of pain. In addition, we emphasise the importance of advancing our knowledge about the relationship between the cerebellum and pain by discussing novel therapeutic opportunities that capitalize on this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal N Li
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Translational Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Kevin A Keay
- School of Medical Sciences (Neuroscience) and Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Luke A Henderson
- School of Medical Sciences (Neuroscience) and Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Translational Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
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Horn-Hofmann C, Jablonowski L, Madden M, Kunz M, Lautenbacher S. Is conditioned pain modulation (CPM) affected by negative emotional state? Eur J Pain 2024; 28:421-433. [PMID: 37837611 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.2192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conditioned pain modulation (CPM) is an experimental paradigm, which describes the inhibition of responses to a noxious or strong-innocuous stimulus, the test stimulus (TS), by the additional application of a second noxious or strong-innocuous stimulus, the conditioning stimulus (CS). As inadequate CPM efficiency has been assumed to be predisposing for clinical pain, the search for moderating factors explaining inter-individual variations in CPM is ongoing. Psychological factors have received credits in this context. However, research concerning associations between CPM and trait factors relating to negative emotions has yielded disappointing results. Yet, the influence of anxious or fearful states on CPM has not attracted much interest despite ample evidence that negative affective states enhance pain. Our study aimed at investigating the effect of fear induction by symbolic threat on CPM. METHODS Thirty-seven healthy participants completed two experimental blocks: one presenting aversive pictures showing burn wounds (high-threat block) and one presenting neutral pictures (low-threat block). Both blocks contained a CPM paradigm with contact heat as TS and hot water as CS; subjective numerical ratings as well as contact-heat evoked potentials (CHEPs) were assessed. RESULTS We detected an overall inhibitory CPM effect for CHEPs amplitudes but not for pain ratings. However, we found no evidence for a modulation of CPM by threat despite threat ratings indicating that our manipulation was successful. DISCUSSION These results suggest that heat/thermal CPM is resistant to this specific type of symbolic threat induction and further research is necessary to examine whether it is resistant to fearful states in general. SIGNIFICANCE The attempt of modulating heat conditioned pain modulation (CPM) by emotional threat (fear/anxiety state) failed. Thus, heat CPM inhibition again appeared resistant to emotional influences. Pain-related brain potentials proved to be more sensitive for CPM effects than subjective ratings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lena Jablonowski
- Department of Physiological Psychology, University of Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany
| | - Melanie Madden
- Department of Physiological Psychology, University of Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany
| | - Miriam Kunz
- Medical Psychology and Sociology, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Lautenbacher
- Department of Physiological Psychology, University of Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany
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Stankewitz A, Mayr A, Irving S, Witkovsky V, Schulz E. Pain and the emotional brain: pain-related cortical processes are better reflected by affective evaluation than by cognitive evaluation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8273. [PMID: 37217563 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35294-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The experience of pain has been dissociated into two interwoven aspects: a sensory-discriminative aspect and an affective-motivational aspect. We aimed to explore which of the pain descriptors is more deeply rooted in the human brain. Participants were asked to evaluate applied cold pain. The majority of the trials showed distinct ratings: some were rated higher for unpleasantness and others for intensity. We compared the relationship between functional data recorded from 7 T MRI with unpleasantness and intensity ratings and revealed a stronger relationship between cortical data and unpleasantness ratings. The present study underlines the importance of the emotional-affective aspects of pain-related cortical processes in the brain. The findings corroborate previous studies showing a higher sensitivity to pain unpleasantness compared to ratings of pain intensity. For the processing of pain in healthy subjects, this effect may reflect the more direct and intuitive evaluation of emotional aspects of the pain system, which is to prevent harm and to preserve the physical integrity of the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Stankewitz
- Department of Neuroradiology, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Astrid Mayr
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, A: Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, München, Germany
| | - Stephanie Irving
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Viktor Witkovsky
- Department of Theoretical Methods, Institute of Measurement Science, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Enrico Schulz
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, A: Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, München, Germany.
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Department of Medical Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany.
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Mekhael AA, Bent JE, Fawcett JM, Campbell TS, Aguirre-Camacho A, Farrell A, Rash JA. Evaluating the efficacy of oxytocin for pain management: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials and observational studies. Can J Pain 2023; 7:2191114. [PMID: 37205278 PMCID: PMC10187080 DOI: 10.1080/24740527.2023.2191114] [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: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Background There is a need for novel analgesics with favorable risk to benefit profiles. Oxytocin has recently gained attention for its potential analgesic properties. Aim The aim of this study was to perform an updated systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effect of oxytocin for pain management. Method Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Clinicaltrials.gov were searched for articles reporting on associations between oxytocin and chronic pain management from January 2012 to February 2022. Studies published before 2012 that were identified in our previous systematic review were also eligible. Risk of bias of included studies was assessed. Synthesis of results was performed using meta-analysis and narrative synthesis. Results Searches returned 2087 unique citations. In total, 14 articles were included that reported on 1504 people living with pain. Results from meta-analysis and narrative review were mixed. Meta-analysis of three studies indicated that exogenous oxytocin administration did not result in a significant reduction in pain intensity relative to placebo (N = 3; n = 95; g = 0.31; 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.10, 0.73). Narrative review provided encouraging evidence that exogenous oxytocin administration reduced pain sensitivity among individuals with back pain, abdominal pain, and migraines. Results suggested that individual difference factors (e.g., sex and chronic pain condition) may influence oxytocin-induced nociception, but the heterogeneity and limited number of studies identified precluded further investigation. Discussion There is equipoise for the benefit of oxytocin for pain management. Future studies are imperative and should undertake more precise exploration of potential confounds and mechanisms of analgesic action to clarify inconsistency in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia A. Mekhael
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Jennifer E. Bent
- Division of Community Health and Humanities, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Jonathan M. Fawcett
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Tavis S. Campbell
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Aldo Aguirre-Camacho
- School of Biomedical Sciences, European University of Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychology, Cardenal Cisneros University College, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alison Farrell
- Memorial University Libraries, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Joshua A. Rash
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada
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Behavioral and receptor expression studies on the primary somatosensory cortex and anterior cingulate cortex oxytocin involvement in modulation of sensory and affective dimensions of neuropathic pain induced by partial sciatic nerve ligation in rats. Physiol Behav 2022; 251:113818. [PMID: 35443199 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113818] [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: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain cortical areas are involved in processing of sensory, affective and cognitive aspects of pain. In the present study, microinjection effects of oxytocin and L-368,899 (an oxytocin receptor antagonist) into the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) were investigated on sensory and affective aspects of neuropathic pain. METHODS Neuropathic pain was induced by partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL). Seven days later, right and left sides of S1 and ACC were surgically implanted with guide cannulas. Sensory (day 14) and affective (day 17) dimensions were recorded using von Frey filaments and place escape avoidance paradigm, respectively. The S1 and ACC oxytocin receptor protein expression were also determined. RESULTS The S1 and ACC oxytocin suppressed PSNL-induced mechanical allodynia, whereas PSNL-induced aversion was attenuated by ACC oxytocin. In the S1, alone L-368,899 with no effect on aversion increased mechanical allodynia, whereas, in the ACC, this treatment increased both mechanical allodynia and aversion. Pre-treatment with L-368,899 prevented oxytocin-induced anti-allodynia and anti-aversion. Oxytocin and L-368,899 did not alter mechanical allodynia in intact and sham groups. All the above-mentioned treatments did not change crossing number. The density of oxytocin receptors in the S1 and ACC of PSNL group was increased 1.5-2 folds in comparison to intact and sham groups. CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study explained that the ACC and S1 oxytocin ameliorated sensory component of neuropathic pain, whereas affective component was attenuated only by ACC oxytocin. These effects might be related to the PSNL-increased oxytocin receptor expression in the S1 and ACC.
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Zhang X, Li P, Otieno SCSA, Li H, Leppänen PHT. Oxytocin reduces romantic rejection-induced pain in online speed-dating as revealed by decreased frontal-midline theta oscillations. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 133:105411. [PMID: 34537623 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Romantic rejection is an emotionally distressful experience profoundly affecting life, possibly leading to mental illness or suicide. Oxytocin (OT) is a neuropeptide widely implicated in reducing physical pain and negative emotions; however, whether OT has an effect on reducing intense social pain (e.g., romantic rejection) remains unknown. Here, we tested the effect of OT on social pain and investigated its role in the outcome evaluation phase of social decision-making. METHODS Electroencephalographic recordings were obtained between August 2nd and October 20th, 2020 in Shenzhen University from 61 healthy participants in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study with a between-subject design. We defined frontal-midline theta oscillation as a neural signature of social pain and assessed self-reported pleasantness ratings for four possible romantic outcomes in an online speed-dating task. RESULTS In the placebo group, greater theta power was induced by romantic rejection, being associated with rejection distress. This pattern was not observed in the OT group, where romantic rejection induced significantly decreased theta power compared to the placebo group; in the OT group, there was no association between theta power and rejection distress. Furthermore, the frontal-midline theta oscillation could be source-localized to brain areas overlapping with the physical-social pain matrix (i.e., somatosensory cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, frontal pole, and supplementary motor area). CONCLUSIONS OT relieves social pain caused by romantic rejection, reflected in decreased frontal-midline theta oscillations and a diminished connection between theta power and rejection distress. These findings can help understand and harness OT's pain-reducing effect on social pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xukai Zhang
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China; Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland; School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China; Institute for Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China
| | - Peng Li
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Affective and Social Cognitive Science, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.
| | | | - Hong Li
- School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China; Institute for Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China; Center for Emotion and Brain, Shenzhen Institute of Neuroscience, Shenzhen, China
| | - Paavo H T Leppänen
- Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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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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Skvortsova A, Veldhuijzen DS, de Rover M, Pacheco-Lopez G, Bakermans-Kranenburg M, van IJzendoorn M, Chavannes NH, van Middendorp H, Evers AWM. Effects of oxytocin administration and conditioned oxytocin on brain activity: An fMRI study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229692. [PMID: 32191722 PMCID: PMC7082015 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been demonstrated that secretion of several hormones can be classically conditioned, however, the underlying brain responses of such conditioning have never been investigated before. In this study we aimed to investigate how oxytocin administration and classically conditioned oxytocin influence brain responses. In total, 88 females were allocated to one of three groups: oxytocin administration, conditioned oxytocin, or placebo, and underwent an experiment consisting of three acquisition and three evocation days. Participants in the conditioned group received 24 IU of oxytocin together with a conditioned stimulus (CS) during three acquisition days and placebo with the CS on three evocation days. The oxytocin administration group received 24 IU of oxytocin and the placebo group received placebo during all days. On the last evocation day, fMRI scanning was performed for all participants during three tasks previously shown to be affected by oxytocin: presentation of emotional faces, crying baby sounds and heat pain. Region of interest analysis revealed that there was significantly lower activation in the right amygdala and in two clusters in the left superior temporal gyrus in the oxytocin administration group compared to the placebo group in response to observing fearful faces. The activation in the conditioned oxytocin group was in between the other two groups for these clusters but did not significantly differ from either group. No group differences were found in the other tasks. Preliminary evidence was found for brain activation of a conditioned oxytocin response; however, despite this trend in the expected direction, the conditioned group did not significantly differ from other groups. Future research should, therefore, investigate the optimal timing of conditioned endocrine responses and study whether the findings generalize to other hormones as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandrina Skvortsova
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Dieuwke S. Veldhuijzen
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Mischa de Rover
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Department of Anesthesiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Gustavo Pacheco-Lopez
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM), Lerma, Edo. Mex., Mexico
| | - Marian Bakermans-Kranenburg
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Clinical Child & Family Studies, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marinus van IJzendoorn
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Primary Care Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, the United Kingdom
| | - Niels H. Chavannes
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Henriët van Middendorp
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Andrea W. M. Evers
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Skvortsova A, Veldhuijzen DS, van Middendorp H, Colloca L, Evers AWM. Effects of Oxytocin on Placebo and Nocebo Effects in a Pain Conditioning Paradigm: A Randomized Controlled Trial. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2020; 21:430-439. [PMID: 31494273 PMCID: PMC7408480 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2019.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin has been shown to increase trust, decrease anxiety, and affect learning as has been observed in conditioning paradigms. Trust, anxiety, and learning are important factors that influence placebo effects. In this study, we investigated whether oxytocin can increase placebo analgesia, decrease nocebo hyperalgesia, and influence extinction processes of both. Eighty male volunteers were assigned to a 40 IU of oxytocin nasal spray group, or to a placebo control group. Placebo analgesia and nocebo hyperalgesia were induced by a conditioning procedure in combination with verbal suggestions. The results demonstrate that the conditioning procedure successfully elicited significant placebo analgesia and nocebo hyperalgesia responses (P < .001). Furthermore, extinction was observed (P < .001), although placebo and nocebo responses did not return to baseline and remained significant. Oxytocin did not influence placebo analgesia or nocebo hyperalgesia and had no effect on extinction. This study provides support against the placebo-boosting effects of oxytocin and was the first one to demonstrate that it also did not influence nocebo effects or extinction processes, however, these results pertain to only a male sample. As managing placebo and nocebo effects has widespread clinical implications, further research should investigate other neurobiological or behavioral pathways to boost placebo and decrease nocebo effects. PERSPECTIVE: The present study demonstrated that placebo analgesia and nocebo hyperalgesia can be successfully induced by conditioning and verbal suggestions. We could not confirm the hypothesis that oxytocin affects either of these phenomena. Other pharmacological agents and behavioral manipulations for increasing placebo and decreasing nocebo effects should be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandrina Skvortsova
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Dieuwke S Veldhuijzen
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Henriët van Middendorp
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Luana Colloca
- Department of Pain Translational Symptoms Science, School of Nursing and Department of Anaesthesiology, Medicine, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Andrea W M Evers
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, The Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Li YX, An H, Wen Z, Tao ZY, Cao DY. Can oxytocin inhibit stress-induced hyperalgesia? Neuropeptides 2020; 79:101996. [PMID: 31776011 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2019.101996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Stress-induced hyperalgesia is a problematic condition that lacks an effective therapeutic measure, and hence impairs health-related quality of life. The regulation of stress by oxytocin (OT) has overlapping effects on pain. OT can alleviate pain directly mainly at the spinal level and the peripheral tissues. Additionally, OT plays an analgesic role by dealing with stress and fear learning. When OT relieves stress by targeting the prefrontal brain regions and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the body's sensitivity to pain is attenuated. Meanwhile, OT facilitates fear learning and may, in turn, enhance the anticipatory actions to painful stimulation. The unique therapeutic value of OT in patients suffering from stress and stress-related hyperalgesia conditions is worth considering. We reviewed recent advances in animal and human studies involving the effects of OT on stress and pain, and discussed the possible targets of OT within the descending and ascending pathways in the central nervous system. This review provides an overview of the evidence on the role of OT in alleviating stress-induced hyperalgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Xin Li
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, 98 West 5th Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, PR China; Department of Special Dental Care, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, 98 West 5th Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, PR China
| | - Hong An
- Department of Special Dental Care, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, 98 West 5th Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, PR China.
| | - Zhuo Wen
- Department of Special Dental Care, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, 98 West 5th Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, PR China
| | - Zhuo-Ying Tao
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, 98 West 5th Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, PR China
| | - Dong-Yuan Cao
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, 98 West 5th Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, PR China.
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13
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Lussier D, Cruz-Almeida Y, Ebner NC. Musculoskeletal Pain and Brain Morphology: Oxytocin's Potential as a Treatment for Chronic Pain in Aging. Front Aging Neurosci 2019; 11:338. [PMID: 31920621 PMCID: PMC6923678 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2019.00338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain disproportionately affects older adults, severely impacting quality of life and independent living, with musculoskeletal pain most prevalent. Chronic musculoskeletal pain is associated with specific structural alterations in the brain and interindividual variability in brain structure is likely an important contributor to susceptibility for the development of chronic pain. However, understanding of age-related structural changes in the brain and their associations with chronic musculoskeletal pain is currently limited. Oxytocin (OT), a neuropeptide present in the periphery and central nervous system, has been implicated in pain attenuation. Variation of the endogenous OT system (e.g., OT receptor genotype, blood, saliva, and cerebrospinal fluid OT levels) is associated with morphology in brain regions involved in pain processing and modulation. Intranasal OT administration has been shown to attenuate pain. Yet, studies investigating the efficacy of OT for management of chronic musculoskeletal pain are lacking, including among older individuals who are particularly susceptible to the development of chronic musculoskeletal pain. The goal of this focused narrative review was to synthesize previously parallel lines of work on the relationships between chronic pain, brain morphology, and OT in the context of aging. Based on the existing evidence, we propose that research on the use of intranasal OT administration as an intervention for chronic pain in older adults is needed and constitutes a promising future direction for this field. The paper concludes with suggestions for future research in the emerging field, guided by our proposed Model of Oxytocin’s Anagelsic and Brain Structural Effects in Aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Désirée Lussier
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Yenisel Cruz-Almeida
- Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,Claude D. Pepper Older American Independence Center, Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,Department of Community Dentistry & Behavioral Science, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,Departments of Aging & Geriatric Research, Epidemiology and Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Natalie C Ebner
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,Claude D. Pepper Older American Independence Center, Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,Department of Community Dentistry & Behavioral Science, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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14
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Herpertz SC, Schmitgen MM, Fuchs C, Roth C, Wolf RC, Bertsch K, Flor H, Grinevich V, Boll S. Oxytocin Effects on Pain Perception and Pain Anticipation. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2019; 20:1187-1198. [PMID: 31009765 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
There is an ongoing debate whether the neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) modulates pain processing in humans. This study differentiates behavioral and neuronal OT effects on pain perception and pain anticipation by using a Pavlovian conditioning paradigm. Forty-six males received intranasally administered OT in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled group design. Although OT exerted no direct effect on perceived pain, OT was found to modulate the blood oxygen level-dependent response in the ventral striatum for painful versus warm unconditioned stimuli and to decrease activity in the anterior insula (IS) with repeated thermal pain stimuli. Regarding pain anticipation, OT increased responses to CSpain versus CSminus in the nucleus accumbens. Furthermore, in the OT condition increased correct expectations, particularly for the most certain conditioned stimuli (CS)-unconditioned stimuli associations (CSminus and CSpain) were found, as well as greatest deactivations in the right posterior IS in response to the least certain condition (CSwarm) with posterior IS activity and correct expectancies being positively correlated. In conclusion, OT seems to have both a direct effect on pain processing via the ventral striatum and by inducing habituation in the anterior IS as well as on pain anticipation by boostering associative learning in general and the neuronal conditioned fear of pain response in particular. PERSPECTIVE: The neuropeptide OT has recently raised the hope to offer a novel avenue for modulating pain experience. This study found OT to modulate pain processing and to facilitate the anticipation of pain, inspiring further research on OT effects on the affective dimension of the pain experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine C Herpertz
- Department of General Psychiatry, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Mike M Schmitgen
- Department of General Psychiatry, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christine Fuchs
- Department of General Psychiatry, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Corinna Roth
- Department of General Psychiatry, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Robert Christian Wolf
- Department of General Psychiatry, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katja Bertsch
- Department of General Psychiatry, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Herta Flor
- Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Valery Grinevich
- Schaller Research Group on Neuropeptides, German Cancer Research Center DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabrina Boll
- Department of General Psychiatry, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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15
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Filippa M, Poisbeau P, Mairesse J, Monaci MG, Baud O, Hüppi P, Grandjean D, Kuhn P. Pain, Parental Involvement, and Oxytocin in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Front Psychol 2019; 10:715. [PMID: 31001173 PMCID: PMC6454868 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm infants (PTI) typically experience many painful and stressful procedures or events during their first weeks of life in a neonatal intensive care unit, and these can profoundly impact subsequent brain development and function. Several protective interventions during this sensitive period stimulate the oxytocin system, reduce pain and stress, and improve brain development. This review provides an overview of the environmental risk factors experienced by PTI during hospitalization, with a focus on the effects of pain, and early maternal separation. We also describe the long-term adverse effects of the simultaneous experiences of pain and maternal separation, and the potential beneficial effects of maternal vocalizations, parental contact, and several related processes, which appear to be mediated by the oxytocin system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Filippa
- Division of Development and Growth, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Neuroscience of Emotion and Affective Dynamics Laboratory, Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Social Sciences, University of Valle d'Aosta, Aosta, Italy
| | - Pierrick Poisbeau
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institute for Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jérôme Mairesse
- INSERM U1141 Protect, Paris-Diderot University, Paris, France.,Division of Neonatology and Paediatric Intensive Care, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Universtiy of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Olivier Baud
- INSERM U1141 Protect, Paris-Diderot University, Paris, France.,Division of Neonatology and Paediatric Intensive Care, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Universtiy of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Service de Médecine et Réanimation Néonatale, Hôpital de Hautepierre, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Petra Hüppi
- Division of Development and Growth, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Division of Neonatology and Paediatric Intensive Care, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Universtiy of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Didier Grandjean
- Neuroscience of Emotion and Affective Dynamics Laboratory, Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pierre Kuhn
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institute for Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Service de Médecine et Réanimation Néonatale, Hôpital de Hautepierre, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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16
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Corradi-Dell'Acqua C, Foerster M, Sharvit G, Trueb L, Foucault E, Fournier Y, Vuilleumier P, Hugli O. Pain management decisions in emergency hospitals are predicted by brain activity during empathy and error monitoring. Br J Anaesth 2019; 123:e284-e292. [PMID: 30916038 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2019.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pain undertreatment, or oligoanalgesia, is frequent in the emergency department (ED), with major medical, ethical, and financial implications. Across different hospitals, healthcare providers have been reported to differ considerably in the ways in which they recognise and manage pain, with some prescribing analgesics far less frequently than others. However, factors that could explain this variability remain poorly understood. Here, we used neuroscience approaches for neural signal modelling to investigate whether individual decisions in the ED could be explained in terms of brain patterns related to empathy, risk-taking, and error monitoring. METHODS For 15 months, we monitored the pain management behaviour of 70 ED nurses at triage, and subsequently invited 33 to a neuroimaging study involving three well-established tasks probing relevant cognitive and affective dimensions. Univariate and multivariate regressions were used to predict pain management decisions from neural activity during these tasks. RESULTS We found that the brain signal recorded when empathising with others predicted the frequency with which nurses documented pain in their patients. In addition, neural activity sensitive to errors and negative outcomes predicted the frequency with which nurses denied analgesia by registering potential side-effects. CONCLUSIONS These results highlight the multiple processes underlying pain management, and suggest that the neural representations of others' states and one's errors play a key role in individual treatment decisions. Neuroscience models of social cognition and decision-making are a powerful tool to explain clinical behaviour and might be used to guide future educational programs to improve pain management in ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Corradi-Dell'Acqua
- Theory of Pain Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences (FPSE), Geneva, Switzerland; Geneva Neuroscience Center, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - M Foerster
- Emergency Department, University Hospital of Lausanne (UHL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - G Sharvit
- Geneva Neuroscience Center, Geneva, Switzerland; Laboratory for Behavioural Neurology and Imaging of Cognition, Department of Neuroscience, Geneva, Switzerland; Swiss Centre for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - L Trueb
- Emergency Department, University Hospital of Lausanne (UHL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - E Foucault
- Emergency Department, University Hospital of Lausanne (UHL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Y Fournier
- Emergency Department, Hôpital Intercantonal de la Broye, Payerne, Switzerland
| | - P Vuilleumier
- Geneva Neuroscience Center, Geneva, Switzerland; Laboratory for Behavioural Neurology and Imaging of Cognition, Department of Neuroscience, Geneva, Switzerland; Swiss Centre for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - O Hugli
- Emergency Department, University Hospital of Lausanne (UHL), Lausanne, Switzerland
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17
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Peripheral oxytocin restores light touch and nociceptor sensory afferents towards normal after nerve injury. Pain 2019; 160:1146-1155. [DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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18
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Street LM, Harris L, Curry RS, Eisenach JC. Capsaicin-induced pain and sensitisation in the postpartum period. Br J Anaesth 2018; 122:103-110. [PMID: 30579387 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2018.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recovery from Caesarean delivery in women and surgical nerve injury in animals after delivery is more rapid than expected, an effect reversed in animals by spinal injection of an oxytocin receptor antagonist. We hypothesised that endogenous modulation of acute pain is altered postpartum. METHODS Endogenous inhibition of acute pain in a conditioned pain modulation paradigm or endogenous sensitisation by topical capsaicin was tested in women who were breastfeeding 10-14 days after Caesarean delivery and age-matched controls (n=80 total: 20 per group and 20 per test). The study was powered to detect a difference in area of hyperalgesia after capsaicin of 33%. Capsaicin-evoked pain was recorded in women, and capsaicin-evoked mechanical hypersensitivity was measured in rats 48 h after delivery and in age-matched female and male animals. RESULTS There was no effect of the postpartum period in the endogenous sensitisation assay in women, and the conditioned pain modulation assay failed to produce analgesia in either group. Postpartum women, however, reported less intense pain than controls at the end of topical capsaicin exposure (1.3 [1.4] vs 2.0 [2.0] on 0-10 verbal scale), and acute hypersensitivity after capsaicin was less in postpartum than control rats (withdrawal threshold 25 [15] vs 3.6 [1] g). CONCLUSIONS These results agree with a recent report that oxytocin may desensitise the transient receptor potential for vanilloid-1 channel, although other explanations, including hormone effects, are possible. These results do not, however, support the inhibition of capsaicin-evoked spinal sensitisation in the postpartum period. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT01843517.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Street
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - L Harris
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - R S Curry
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - J C Eisenach
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
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19
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Grace SA, Rossell SL, Heinrichs M, Kordsachia C, Labuschagne I. Oxytocin and brain activity in humans: A systematic review and coordinate-based meta-analysis of functional MRI studies. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 96:6-24. [PMID: 29879563 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) is a neuropeptide which has a critical role in human social behaviour and cognition. Research investigating the role of OXT on functional brain changes in humans has often used task paradigms that probe socioemotional processes. Preliminary evidence suggests a central role of the amygdala in the social cognitive effects of intranasal OXT (IN-OXT), however, inconsistencies in task-design and analysis methods have led to inconclusive findings regarding a cohesive model of the neural mechanisms underlying OXT's actions. The aim of this meta-analysis was to systematically investigate these findings. A systematic search of PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases was conducted for fMRI studies which compared IN-OXT to placebo in humans. First, we systematically reviewed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies of IN-OXT, including studies of healthy humans, those with clinical disorders, and studies examining resting-state fMRI (rsfMRI). Second, we employed a coordinate-based meta-analysis for task-based neuroimaging literature using activation likelihood estimation (ALE), whereby, coordinates were extracted from clusters with significant differences in IN-OXT versus placebo in healthy adults. Data were included for 39 fMRI studies that reported a total of 374 distinct foci. The meta-analysis identified task-related IN-OXT increases in activity within a cluster of the left superior temporal gyrus during tasks of emotion processing. These findings are important as they implicate regions beyond the amygdala in the neural effects of IN-OXT. The outcomes from this meta-analysis can guide a priori predictions for future OXT research, and provide an avenue for targeted treatment interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally A Grace
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Susan L Rossell
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia; Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Psychiatry, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Markus Heinrichs
- School of Psychology, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Psychology, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Freiburg Brain Imaging Center, University Medical Center, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Izelle Labuschagne
- School of Psychology, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
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20
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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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21
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Schuh-Hofer S, Eichhorn N, Grinevich V, Treede RD. Sleep Deprivation Related Changes of Plasma Oxytocin in Males and Female Contraceptive Users Depend on Sex and Correlate Differentially With Anxiety and Pain Hypersensitivity. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:161. [PMID: 30116181 PMCID: PMC6082934 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Disturbed sleep is known to substantially aggravate both the pain condition and the affective state of pain patients. The neurobiological mechanisms underlying these adverse effects are unknown. Oxytocin (OT), being largely involved in social and emotional behavior, is considered to also play a modulatory role in nociception. We hypothesized a pathophysiological role of OT for the hyperalgesic and anxiogenic effects of sleep loss. An established human model of one night of total sleep deprivation (TSD) was used to test this hypothesis. Twenty young healthy students (n = 10 male and n = 10 female) were investigated in a balanced cross-over design, contrasting TSD with a night of habitual sleep (HS). All females took monophasic oral contraceptives (OC) and were investigated during their ‘pill-free’ phase. Plasma OT concentrations were correlated with (1) pain thresholds, (2) descending pain inhibition, and (3) state-anxiety scores. Compared to the HS condition, the plasma OT concentration was significantly increased in sleep deprived females (p = 0.02) but not males (p = 0.69). TSD resulted in pain hypersensitivity to noxious cold (p = 0.05), noxious heat (p = 0.023), and pricking stimuli (p = 0.013) and significantly increased state-anxiety (p = 0.021). While, independent of sex, lower heat pain thresholds correlated with higher plasma OT (p = 0.036), no such associations were found for cold/mechanical pain. In sleep-deprived females, higher plasma OT showed a mild (but insignificant) association with lower pain inhibition (p = 0.093). We found a positive correlation between anxiety-scores and OT (p = 0.021), which was enhanced when respecting “sex” (p = 0.008) and “sleep” (p = 0.001) in a hierarchical regression analysis. Altogether, our study revealed a complex and partially sex-dependent correlation between plasma OT and TSD-induced changes of experimental pain and anxiety. The minor role of OT for TSD-induced changes of evoked pain, and its major involvement in anxiety, argues against a specific role of OT for linking the adverse effects of TSD on pain sensitivity and anxiety with each other. Future investigations are needed in order to dissect out the effect of OC on the sex-dependent effects of TSD observed in our study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigrid Schuh-Hofer
- Department of Neurophysiology, Centre of Biomedicine and Medical Technology Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.,Clinic for Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Nicole Eichhorn
- Department of Neurophysiology, Centre of Biomedicine and Medical Technology Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Valery Grinevich
- Schaller Research Group on Neuropeptides, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg and Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Rolf-Detlef Treede
- Department of Neurophysiology, Centre of Biomedicine and Medical Technology Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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22
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Bathel A, Schweizer L, Stude P, Glaubitz B, Wulms N, Delice S, Schmidt-Wilcke T. Increased thalamic glutamate/glutamine levels in migraineurs. J Headache Pain 2018; 19:55. [PMID: 30019230 PMCID: PMC6049847 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-018-0885-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased cortical excitability has been hypothesized to play a critical role in various neurological disorders, such as restless legs syndrome, epilepsy and migraine. Particularly for migraine, local hyperexcitability has been reported. Levels of regional excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters are related to cortical excitability and hence may play a role in the origin of the disease. Consequently, a mismatch of the excitatory-inhibitory neurotransmitter network might contribute to local hyperexcitability and the onset of migraine attacks. In this study we sought to assess local levels of glutamate / glutamine (GLX) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the occipital cortex and right thalamus of migraineurs and healthy subjects. METHODS We measured interictally local biochemical concentrations in the occipital lobe and the right thalamus in patients with migraine (without aura) and healthy controls (HCs) using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 3 T. GLX levels were acquired using PRESS and GABA levels using the GABA-sensitive editing sequence MEGA-PRESS. Regional GLX and GABA levels were compared between groups. RESULTS Statistical analyses revealed significantly increased GLX levels in both the primary occipital cortex and thalamus. However, we found no group differences in GABA levels for these two regions. Correlation analyses within the migraine group revealed no significant correlations between pain intensity and levels of GLX or GABA in either of the two brain regions. CONCLUSIONS Further research is needed to investigate the role of GABA/GLX ratios in greater depth and to measure changes in neurotransmitter levels over time, i.e. during migraine attacks and interictally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adina Bathel
- Department of Neurology, Berufsgenossenschaftliches Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University-Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Department of Anesthesiology, Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lauren Schweizer
- Department of Neurology, Berufsgenossenschaftliches Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University-Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Philipp Stude
- Department of Neurology, Berufsgenossenschaftliches Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University-Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Benjamin Glaubitz
- Department of Neurology, Berufsgenossenschaftliches Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University-Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Niklas Wulms
- Department of Neurology, St. Mauritius Therapieklinik, Meerbusch, Germany
| | - Sibel Delice
- Department of Neurology, Berufsgenossenschaftliches Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University-Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Tobias Schmidt-Wilcke
- Department of Neurology, St. Mauritius Therapieklinik, Meerbusch, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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23
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Placebo effects relieve various somatic symptoms, but it is unclear how they can be enhanced to maximize positive treatment outcomes. Oxytocin administration may potentially enhance placebo effects, but few studies have been performed, and they have had conflicting findings. The study aim was to investigate the influence of positive verbal suggestions and oxytocin on treatment expectations and placebo effects for pain and itch. METHODS One hundred eight female participants were allocated to one of the following four groups: (1) oxytocin with positive verbal suggestions, (2) placebo with positive verbal suggestions, (3) oxytocin without suggestions, and (4) placebo without suggestions. The administration of 24 IU oxytocin or a placebo spray was preceded by positive verbal suggestions regarding the pain- and itch-relieving properties of the spray or no suggestions, depending on group allocation. Pain was assessed with a cold pressor test, and itch was assessed with histamine iontophoresis. RESULTS Positive verbal suggestions induced expectations of lower pain (F = 4.77, p = .031) and itch (F = 5.38, p = .022). Moreover, positive verbal suggestions elicited placebo analgesia (F = 5.48, p = .021) but did not decrease itch. No effect of oxytocin on the placebo effect or on expectations was found. CONCLUSIONS Positive suggestions induced placebo analgesia but oxytocin did not enhance the placebo effect. Study limitations are that we only included a female sample and a failure to induce placebo effect for itch. Future studies should focus on how oxytocin might influence placebo effects, taken into account the role of sex, dose-dependent effects, and various expectation manipulations. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was registered as a clinical trial on www.trialregister.nl (number 6376).
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Park SH, Kim YJ, Park JC, Han JS, Choi SY. Intranasal Oxytocin following Uncontrollable Stress Blocks Impairments in Hippocampal Plasticity and Recognition Memory in Stressed Rats. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2017; 20:861-866. [PMID: 28977526 PMCID: PMC5632307 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyx061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nasal pretreatment with the neuropeptide oxytocin has been reported to prevent stress-induced impairments in hippocampal synaptic plasticity and spatial memory in rats. However, no study has asked if oxytocin application following a stress experience is effective in rescuing stress-induced impairments. METHODS Synaptic plasticity was measured in hippocampal Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses of rats subjected to uncontrollable stress; their cognitive function was examined using an object recognition task. RESULTS Impaired induction of long-lasting, long-term potentiation by uncontrollable stress was rescued, as demonstrated both in rats and hippocampal slices. Intranasal oxytocin after experiencing uncontrollable stress blocked cognitive impairments in stressed rats and in stressed hippocampal slices treated with a perfused bath solution containing oxytocin. CONCLUSIONS These results indicated that posttreatment with oxytocin after experiencing a stressful event can keep synaptic plasticity and cognition function intact, indicating the therapeutic potential of oxytocin for stress-related disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Hae Park
- Department of Physiology, Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University School of Dentistry, Seoul, Republic of Korea (Dr Park, Ms Kim, and Dr Choi); Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea (Mr Park and Dr Han)
| | - Yoon-Jung Kim
- Department of Physiology, Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University School of Dentistry, Seoul, Republic of Korea (Dr Park, Ms Kim, and Dr Choi); Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea (Mr Park and Dr Han)
| | - Jung-Cheol Park
- Department of Physiology, Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University School of Dentistry, Seoul, Republic of Korea (Dr Park, Ms Kim, and Dr Choi); Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea (Mr Park and Dr Han)
| | - Jung-Soo Han
- Department of Physiology, Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University School of Dentistry, Seoul, Republic of Korea (Dr Park, Ms Kim, and Dr Choi); Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea (Mr Park and Dr Han)
| | - Se-Young Choi
- Department of Physiology, Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University School of Dentistry, Seoul, Republic of Korea (Dr Park, Ms Kim, and Dr Choi); Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea (Mr Park and Dr Han).,Correspondence: Se-Young Choi, PhD, Department of Physiology, Seoul National University School of Dentistry, Seoul 110–749, Republic of Korea ()
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Ide M, Wada M. Salivary Oxytocin Concentration Associates with the Subjective Feeling of Body Ownership during the Rubber Hand Illusion. Front Hum Neurosci 2017; 11:166. [PMID: 28439234 PMCID: PMC5383663 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2017.00166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin is a hormone of the posterior pituitary that promotes lactation, maternal bonding, and birth. Recent studies have shown that oxytocin may modulate social recognition in both sexes, and thus it may be related to empathy. Brain regions that are associated with social recognition and empathy (e.g., the insular cortex) are activated in the rubber hand illusion (RHI), which involves illusory ownership of a rubber hand caused by brush strokes applied synchronously to both a rubber hand and one of the participant's hand, which is hidden from view. It is intriguing to examine whether oxytocin modulates plastic changes in body representation, such as the changes occurring in the RHI. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between salivary oxytocin concentration and the feeling of rubber hand ownership. Brush strokes were applied synchronously or asynchronously to the participant's hand and a rubber hand on different days. Salivary oxytocin was measured before and after the behavioral tasks. We found that participants who had high concentrations of salivary oxytocin tended to feel strong ownership of the rubber hand. We also found that the participants with a high autism spectrum quotient (AQ) score who particularly felt difficulties in social skills and communications tended to feel weak rubber hand ownership. We observed that illusory body ownership was closely linked to social communications and a related neuroendocrine basis. The results of the present study suggest that an individual's salivary oxytocin concentration can predict the extent to which the individual experiences the RHI; furthermore, oxytocin might modulate the sensation of body ownership.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masakazu Ide
- Developmental Disorders Section, Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with DisabilitiesTokorozawa, Japan.,Japan Society for the Promotion of ScienceTokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Wada
- Developmental Disorders Section, Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with DisabilitiesTokorozawa, Japan
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