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Xiao S, Fischer H, Ebner NC, Rukh G, Dang J, Westberg L, Schiöth HB. Oxytocin pathway gene variation and corticostriatal resting-state functional connectivity. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2024; 20:100255. [PMID: 39211730 PMCID: PMC11357861 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2024.100255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic variations in single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within oxytocin pathway genes have been linked to social behavior and neurodevelopmental conditions. However, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these associations remain elusive. In this study, we investigated the relationship between variations of 10 SNPs in oxytocin pathway genes and resting-state functional connectivity among 55 independent components using a large sample from the UK Biobank (N ≈ 30,000). Our findings revealed that individuals with the GG genotype at rs4813627 within the oxytocin structural gene (OXT) exhibited weaker resting-state functional connectivity in the corticostriatal circuit compared to those with the GA/AA genotypes. Empirical evidence has linked the GG genotype at OXT rs4813627 with a behavioral tendency of insensitivity to others. These results inform the neural mechanisms by which oxytocin-related genetic factors can influence social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Xiao
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Campus Albano house 4, Albanovägen, SE-114 19, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, BMC, Husargatan 3, 75124, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Håkan Fischer
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Campus Albano house 4, Albanovägen, SE-114 19, Stockholm, Sweden
- Stockholm University Brain Imaging Centre (SUBIC), SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
- Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Tomtebodavägen 18 A, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Natalie C. Ebner
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 112250, Gainesville, FL, 32611-2250, USA
- Cognitive Aging and Memory Program, Clinical Translational Research Program (CAM-CTRP), University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, 1149 Newell Drive Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Gull Rukh
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, BMC, Husargatan 3, 75124, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Junhua Dang
- Institute of Social Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No.28 Xianning West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, PR China
| | - Lars Westberg
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 431, SE-405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Helgi B. Schiöth
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, BMC, Husargatan 3, 75124, Uppsala, Sweden
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Li Z, Xu M. Oxytocin enhances group-based guilt in high moral disengagement individuals through increased moral responsibility. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 168:107131. [PMID: 39059227 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107131] [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: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Group-based guilt (collective guilt) refers to the negative emotions experienced when group members violate moral standards and can motivate prosocial behavior. Individuals exhibiting high levels of moral disengagement are prone to engaging in unethical conduct without experience of guilt, thereby prolonging or exacerbating conflicts and hindering conflict resolution. Oxytocin is believed to play key role in shaping social cognition and behaviors associated with morality and prosociality. So, this study (N = 79) explores oxytocin's potential to enhance group-based guilt and compensation for victims among individuals with high moral disengagement. Employing a randomized placebo-controlled design, participants received either oxytocin or placebo before undertaking a task designed to induce group-based guilt, during which they made decisions regarding the allocation of money to victims. Results revealed that participants with high moral disengagement who received oxytocin perceived higher levels of moral responsibility, experienced increased group-based guilt, and allocated significantly more money to victims compared to those who received the placebo. These findings suggested that oxytocin holds promise as an intervention to mitigate moral disengagement and foster moral behavior in individuals predisposed to avoiding responsibility and guilt feelings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiai Li
- Department of Applied Psychology, College of Public Administration, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Mengsi Xu
- School of Psychology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China.
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Kohlhoff J, Karlov L, Dadds M, Barnett B, Silove D, Eapen V. Maternal antenatal depression, oxytocin, and infant temperament: The roles of ethnicity and adult attachment avoidance. Infant Ment Health J 2024. [PMID: 39099255 DOI: 10.1002/imhj.22129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
This study examined the associations between maternal depression and oxytocin in pregnancy, caregiving sensitivity and adult attachment style, and infant temperament. One hundred and six women recruited from a public hospital antenatal clinic in Australia, and their infants completed assessments at three time points (Time 1: pregnancy; Time 2: 3-month postpartum; Time 3: 12-month postpartum). Mothers completed self-report questionnaires assessing maternal depression symptom severity at Time 1-3, adult attachment style at Time 2, and infant temperament at Time 3. At Time 1, they also provided a blood sample to assess peripheral oxytocin levels, and at Time 2, participated in a parent-child interaction session, which was later coded for caregiving behavior (sensitivity). Neither maternal depression nor lower levels of oxytocin during pregnancy predicted difficult infant temperament; rather, it was predicted by non-Caucasian ethnicity. When all other variables were free to vary, adult attachment avoidance mediated an association between maternal depression during pregnancy and difficult infant temperament. Results highlight the potential value of interventions focusing on adult attachment insecurity for pregnant women and raise questions about associations between culture/ethnicity and infant temperament.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Kohlhoff
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Research Department, Karitane, Sydney, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lisa Karlov
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark Dadds
- Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Bryanne Barnett
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Derrick Silove
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
- Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
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Rijnders RJ, van den Hoogen S, van Honk J, Terburg D, Kempes MM. Would you? Effects of oxytocin on moral choices in forensic psychopathic patients. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2024; 19:100245. [PMID: 39040873 PMCID: PMC11262190 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2024.100245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Psychopaths are suggested to be more likely to favor utilitarian outcomes over non-utilitarian (i.e., deontological) choices. Here we re-test this hypothesis and investigate whether oxytocin, a hormone associated with empathy, can counter this utilitarian effect. Forensic psychopathic patients and non-psychopathic controls participated in a sacrificial moral decision-making paradigm. Psychopathic patients performed the task in a double-blind cross-over placebo-controlled oxytocin administration paradigm. We found no evidence for psychopathic patients to act more utilitarian (or sacrificial) or any effect of oxytocin administration. Psychopathic traits within the control group, particularly traits associated with lack of empathy and failure to consider consequences, were however associated with more utilitarian choices, but only when these actions were low in emotion. In contrast, psychopathy severity in psychopathic patients, particularly impulsivity-related traits, predicts deontological choices, but only in highly emotional actions. Thus, although psychopathic traits do predict utilitarianism when emotional investment is low, this is not the case in full-blown psychopathy. Instead, there is a link between impulsivity and deontological choices in psychopathic patients, but only when emotional investment is high, and self-interest is not at stake. These preliminary results are discussed to whether utilitarian outcomes align with the personal goals of psychopathic individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald J.P. Rijnders
- Netherlands Institute for Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology, Forensic Observation Clinic “Pieter Baan Centrum”, Carl Barksweg 3, 1336, ZL, Almere, the Netherlands
- Utrecht University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, Heidelberglaan 8, 3584, CS, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sophie van den Hoogen
- Netherlands Institute for Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology, Forensic Observation Clinic “Pieter Baan Centrum”, Carl Barksweg 3, 1336, ZL, Almere, the Netherlands
| | - Jack van Honk
- Utrecht University, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Department of Psychology, Heidelberglaan 8, 3584, CS, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- University of Cape Town, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health J-Block, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa
- University of Cape Town, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Anzio Rd, Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - David Terburg
- Utrecht University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, Heidelberglaan 8, 3584, CS, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- University of Cape Town, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Anzio Rd, Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Maaike M. Kempes
- Netherlands Institute for Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology, Department of Science and Education, Herman Gorterstraat 5, 3511, EW, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Leiden University, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Institute of Education and Child Studies, Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333, AK, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Kanekasu H, Shiraiwa Y, Taira S, Watanabe H. Primiparas' prenatal depressive symptoms, anxiety, and salivary oxytocin level predict early postnatal maternal-infant bonding: a Japanese longitudinal study. Arch Womens Ment Health 2024; 27:649-658. [PMID: 38407602 PMCID: PMC11231007 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-024-01441-5] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE It was reported that maternal-infant bonding failure predicts abusive parenting. Maternal-infant bonding is important to prevent child abuse. This study aimed to investigate the association between prenatal depressive symptoms, anxiety, cortisol, and oxytocin levels, and postnatal maternal-infant bonding. METHODS The participants completed a self-report prenatal questionnaire that included the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) in the second trimester. Blood and saliva were collected in the second trimester. Cortisol levels were measured in plasma, while oxytocin levels were measured in saliva. Postnatal questionnaires, including the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS), were administered at 2-5 days, 1 month, and 3 months postpartum. Multiple linear regression and generalized estimating equation (GEE) were conducted for analysis. RESULTS Sixty-six primiparas participated in the study. Prenatal depressive symptoms (EPDS ≥ 9) and anxiety (STAI-S ≥ 42) were observed in 21.2% and 28.8% of the participants, respectively. The median cortisol and oxytocin levels were 21.0 µg/dL and 30.4 pg/mL, respectively. Multivariate linear regression showed that postnatal social support, prenatal depressive symptoms, anxiety, and salivary oxytocin levels predicted MIBS scores at 2-5 days postpartum. At 1 month postpartum, household income, history of miscarriage, postnatal social support, and prenatal anxiety predicted MIBS scores. At 3 months postpartum, only postnatal social support predicted MIBS scores. The results of GEE showed that prenatal anxiety, oxytocin levels, postpartum period, household income, and postpartum social support were associated with MIBS scores. CONCLUSION Prenatal depressive symptoms, anxiety, and lower salivary oxytocin levels were predicted to worsen maternal-infant bonding at 2-5 days postpartum. Prenatal anxiety was predicted to cause the same 1 month postpartum. Measuring prenatal depressive symptoms, anxiety, and salivary oxytocin levels may render the assessment of the risk of maternal-infant bonding failure during the early postpartum period and intervene during pregnancy possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitomi Kanekasu
- Department of Children and Women's Health, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | | | - Shu Taira
- Faculty of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Fukushima University, Kanayagawa, Fukushima, 960-1248, Japan
| | - Hiroko Watanabe
- Department of Children and Women's Health, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
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Almaghrbi H, Bawadi H. Genetic polymorphisms and their association with neurobiological and psychological factors in anorexia nervosa: a systematic review. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1386233. [PMID: 38979077 PMCID: PMC11229080 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1386233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and aims Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from diverse studies to assess and investigate the association between gene polymorphisms and psychological and neurobiological factors in patients with AN. Methods A systematic search across PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, along with manual searching, was conducted. The review protocol was approved by PROSPERO (CRD42023452548). Out of 1,250 articles, 11 met the inclusion criteria. The quality of eligible articles was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) tool. The systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines. Results The serotoninergic system, particularly the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism, is consistently linked to altered connectivity in the ventral attention network, impaired inhibitory control, and increased susceptibility to AN. The 5-HTTLPR polymorphism affects reward processing, motivation, reasoning, working memory, inhibition, and outcome prediction in patients with AN. The dopaminergic system, involving genes like COMT, DRD2, DRD3, and DAT1, regulates reward, motivation, and decision-making. Genetic variations in these dopaminergic genes are associated with psychological manifestations and clinical severity in patients with AN. Across populations, the Val66Met polymorphism in the BDNF gene influences personality traits, eating behaviors, and emotional responses. Genes like OXTR, TFAP2B, and KCTD15 are linked to social cognition, emotional processing, body image concerns, and personality dimensions in patients with AN. Conclusion There was an association linking multiple genes to the susceptibly and/or severity of AN. This genetic factor contributes to the complexity of AN and leads to higher diversity of its clinical presentation. Therefore, conducting more extensive research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of anorexia nervosa pathology is imperative for advancing our understanding and potentially developing targeted therapeutic interventions for the disorder.Systematic review registration: [https://clinicaltrials.gov/], identifier [CRD42023452548].
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba Almaghrbi
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hiba Bawadi
- Department of Human Nutrition, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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Bradley ER, Portanova J, Woolley JD, Buck B, Painter IS, Hankin M, Xu W, Cohen T. Quantifying abnormal emotion processing: A novel computational assessment method and application in schizophrenia. Psychiatry Res 2024; 336:115893. [PMID: 38657475 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115893] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Abnormal emotion processing is a core feature of schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) that encompasses multiple operations. While deficits in some areas have been well-characterized, we understand less about abnormalities in the emotion processing that happens through language, which is highly relevant for social life. Here, we introduce a novel method using deep learning to estimate emotion processing rapidly from spoken language, testing this approach in male-identified patients with SSDs (n = 37) and healthy controls (n = 51). Using free responses to evocative stimuli, we derived a measure of appropriateness, or "emotional alignment" (EA). We examined psychometric characteristics of EA and its sensitivity to a single-dose challenge of oxytocin, a neuropeptide shown to enhance the salience of socioemotional information in SSDs. Patients showed impaired EA relative to controls, and impairment correlated with poorer social cognitive skill and more severe motivation and pleasure deficits. Adding EA to a logistic regression model with language-based measures of formal thought disorder (FTD) improved classification of patients versus controls. Lastly, oxytocin administration improved EA but not FTD among patients. While additional validation work is needed, these initial results suggest that an automated assay using spoken language may be a promising approach to assess emotion processing in SSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen R Bradley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, CA, USA.
| | - Jake Portanova
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Medical Education, University of Washington, WA, USA
| | - Josh D Woolley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin Buck
- Behavioral Research in Technology and Engineering (BRiTE) Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, USA
| | - Ian S Painter
- Department of Statistics, University of Washington, USA
| | | | - Weizhe Xu
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Medical Education, University of Washington, WA, USA
| | - Trevor Cohen
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Medical Education, University of Washington, WA, USA; Behavioral Research in Technology and Engineering (BRiTE) Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, USA
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Krug I, Fung S, Liu S, Treasure J, Huang C, Felmingham K, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz M, McConchie O. The impact of oxytocin on emotion recognition and trust: Does disordered eating moderate these relationships? PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303824. [PMID: 38820421 PMCID: PMC11142561 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303824] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The current study aimed to investigate the impact of oxytocin on emotion recognition, trust, body image, affect, and anxiety and whether eating disorder (ED) symptoms moderated any of these relationships. METHOD Participants (n = 149) were female university students, who were randomly allocated to receive in a double-blind nature, a single dose of oxytocin intranasal spray (n = 76) or a placebo (saline) intranasal spray (n = 73). Participants were asked to complete an experimental measure of emotion recognition and an investor task aimed to assess trust. RESULTS The oxytocin group exhibited better overall performance on the emotion recognition task (especially with recognising positive emotions), and a decline in state positive affect than the control group at post-intervention. However, these effects were not moderated by ED symptom severity, nor were effects found for state anxiety, negative affect, body image and recognising negative emotions in the emotion recognition task. CONCLUSION The current findings contribute to the growing literature on oxytocin, emotion recognition and positive affect and suggest that ED pathology does not moderate these relationships. Future research would benefit from examining the efficacy of an oxytocin intervention using a within-subjects, cross-over design, in those with sub-clinical and clinical EDs, as well as healthy controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Krug
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephanie Fung
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Shanshan Liu
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Janet Treasure
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Section of Eating Disorders, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chia Huang
- Eating Disorders Program, The Melbourne Clinic, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kim Felmingham
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew Fuller-Tyszkiewicz
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Olivia McConchie
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Conklin QA, Zanesco AP, King BG, Epel ES, Saron CD. Changes in peripheral oxytocin and vasopressin during a silent month-long Insight meditation retreat. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1345527. [PMID: 38863930 PMCID: PMC11165068 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1345527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Given its putative roles in mediating prosocial behavior, attachment bonds, and stress physiology, oxytocin modulation has been hypothesized to be a biological correlate of the salubrious effects of meditation practice. Here we investigated the effects of a month-long silent meditation retreat on changes in oxytocin, and the related hormone and vasopressin, in relation to psychosocial changes in attachment style, anxiety, personality measures, and feelings of social connectedness with fellow meditators. Methods Plasma oxytocin and vasopressin and self-report questionnaires were measured in retreat participants (n = 28) at the beginning of, and 3 weeks into, a residential meditation retreat. Control participants (n = 34), who were similar in age, gender, and meditation experience, were also assessed across a 3-week interval. Linear mixed effects models were used to assess outcomes. Results The retreat group showed a small but significant decrease in oxytocin compared to controls who showed no change. In the retreat group, higher openness to experience at Time 1 predicted greater reductions in oxytocin during the retreat, and lower oxytocin at Time 2 was related to stronger feelings of personal connection with fellow meditators. The changes in oxytocin were not related to attachment style or anxiety. Vasopressin decreased over time across both groups, suggesting no specific effect of retreat. Conclusion These preliminary findings suggest that meditation training in the context of a silent residential retreat may reduce circulating levels of oxytocin. We interpret this finding from multiple theoretical perspectives, discussing key measurement limitations and proposing future study designs that may help to differentiate the effects of different meditation practices and contexts on oxytocin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quinn A. Conklin
- Center for Health and Community, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Anthony P. Zanesco
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Brandon G. King
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Elissa S. Epel
- Center for Health and Community, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Clifford D. Saron
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- The MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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10
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Jansen M, Overgaauw S, de Bruijn ERA. L-DOPA and oxytocin influence the neural correlates of performance monitoring for self and others. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024; 241:1079-1092. [PMID: 38286857 PMCID: PMC11031497 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06541-9] [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: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE The ability to monitor the consequences of our actions for others is imperative for flexible and adaptive behavior, and allows us to act in a (pro)social manner. Yet, little is known about the neurochemical mechanisms underlying alterations in (pro)social performance monitoring. OBJECTIVE The aim of this functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study was to improve our understanding of the role of dopamine and oxytocin and their potential overlap in the neural mechanisms underlying performance monitoring for own versus others' outcomes. METHOD Using a double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over design, 30 healthy male volunteers were administered oxytocin (24 international units), the dopamine precursor L-DOPA (100 mg + 25 mg carbidopa), or placebo in three sessions. Participants performed a computerized cannon shooting game in two recipient conditions where mistakes resulted in negative monetary consequences for (1) oneself or (2) an anonymous other participant. RESULTS Results indicated reduced error-correct differentiation in the ventral striatum after L-DOPA compared to placebo, independent of recipient. Hence, pharmacological manipulation of dopamine via L-DOPA modulated performance-monitoring activity in a brain region associated with reward prediction and processing in a domain-general manner. In contrast, oxytocin modulated the BOLD response in a recipient-specific manner, such that it specifically enhanced activity for errors that affected the other in the pregenual anterior cingulate cortex (pgACC), a region previously implicated in the processing of social rewards and prediction errors. Behaviorally, we also found reduced target sizes-indicative of better performance-after oxytocin, regardless of recipient. Moreover, after oxytocin lower target sizes specifically predicted higher pgACC activity when performing for others. CONCLUSIONS These different behavioral and neural patterns after oxytocin compared to L-DOPA administration highlight a divergent role of each neurochemical in modulating the neural mechanisms underlying social performance monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrthe Jansen
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Sandy Overgaauw
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen R A de Bruijn
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden, The Netherlands
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11
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Hwang S, Suk JW, Meffert H, Lerdahl A, Garvey WF, Edwards R, Delizza A, Soltis-Vaughan B, Cordts K, Leibenluft E, Blair RJR. Neural Responses to Intranasal Oxytocin in Youths With Severe Irritability. Am J Psychiatry 2024; 181:291-298. [PMID: 38419495 PMCID: PMC10984767 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.20230174] [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] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The authors investigated the neural impact of intranasal oxytocin on emotion processing areas in youths with severe irritability in the context of disruptive mood and behavior disorders. METHODS Fifty-two participants with severe irritability, as measured by a score ≥4 on the Affective Reactivity Index (ARI), with diagnoses of disruptive behavior disorders (DBDs) and/or disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) were randomly assigned to treatment with intranasal oxytocin or placebo daily for 3 weeks. Assessments were conducted at baseline and at the end of the trial; the primary outcomes were measures of irritability on the ARI and ratings on the Clinical Global Impressions severity scale (CGI-S) focusing on DBD and DMDD symptoms, and secondary outcomes included the CGI improvement scale (CGI-I) and ratings of proactive and reactive aggressive behavior on the Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire. Forty-three participants (22 in the oxytocin group and 21 in the placebo group) completed pre- and posttreatment functional MRI (fMRI) scans with the affective Stroop task. RESULTS Youths who received oxytocin showed significant improvement in CGI-S and CGI-I ratings compared with those who received placebo. In the fMRI data, blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) responses to emotional stimuli in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex and posterior cingulate cortex were significantly reduced after oxytocin compared with placebo. These BOLD response changes were correlated with improvement in clinical severity. CONCLUSIONS This study provides initial and preliminary evidence that intranasal oxytocin may induce neural-level changes in emotion processing in youths with irritability in the context of DBDs and DMDD. This may lead to symptom and severity changes in irritability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soonjo Hwang
- Department of Psychiatry (Hwang, Lerdahl, Edwards), Department of Psychology (Delizza), and Department of Neurological Sciences (Soltis-Vaughan, Cordts), University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha; Digital Health Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea (Suk); Slimmer AI, Groningen, the Netherlands (Meffert); Cognitive Ability and Plasticity Lab, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, U.K. (Garvey); Section on Mood Dysregulation and Neuroscience, NIMH, Bethesda, Md. (Leibenluft); Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen (Blair)
| | - Ji-Woo Suk
- Department of Psychiatry (Hwang, Lerdahl, Edwards), Department of Psychology (Delizza), and Department of Neurological Sciences (Soltis-Vaughan, Cordts), University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha; Digital Health Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea (Suk); Slimmer AI, Groningen, the Netherlands (Meffert); Cognitive Ability and Plasticity Lab, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, U.K. (Garvey); Section on Mood Dysregulation and Neuroscience, NIMH, Bethesda, Md. (Leibenluft); Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen (Blair)
| | - Harma Meffert
- Department of Psychiatry (Hwang, Lerdahl, Edwards), Department of Psychology (Delizza), and Department of Neurological Sciences (Soltis-Vaughan, Cordts), University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha; Digital Health Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea (Suk); Slimmer AI, Groningen, the Netherlands (Meffert); Cognitive Ability and Plasticity Lab, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, U.K. (Garvey); Section on Mood Dysregulation and Neuroscience, NIMH, Bethesda, Md. (Leibenluft); Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen (Blair)
| | - Arica Lerdahl
- Department of Psychiatry (Hwang, Lerdahl, Edwards), Department of Psychology (Delizza), and Department of Neurological Sciences (Soltis-Vaughan, Cordts), University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha; Digital Health Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea (Suk); Slimmer AI, Groningen, the Netherlands (Meffert); Cognitive Ability and Plasticity Lab, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, U.K. (Garvey); Section on Mood Dysregulation and Neuroscience, NIMH, Bethesda, Md. (Leibenluft); Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen (Blair)
| | - William F Garvey
- Department of Psychiatry (Hwang, Lerdahl, Edwards), Department of Psychology (Delizza), and Department of Neurological Sciences (Soltis-Vaughan, Cordts), University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha; Digital Health Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea (Suk); Slimmer AI, Groningen, the Netherlands (Meffert); Cognitive Ability and Plasticity Lab, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, U.K. (Garvey); Section on Mood Dysregulation and Neuroscience, NIMH, Bethesda, Md. (Leibenluft); Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen (Blair)
| | - Ryan Edwards
- Department of Psychiatry (Hwang, Lerdahl, Edwards), Department of Psychology (Delizza), and Department of Neurological Sciences (Soltis-Vaughan, Cordts), University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha; Digital Health Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea (Suk); Slimmer AI, Groningen, the Netherlands (Meffert); Cognitive Ability and Plasticity Lab, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, U.K. (Garvey); Section on Mood Dysregulation and Neuroscience, NIMH, Bethesda, Md. (Leibenluft); Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen (Blair)
| | - Alison Delizza
- Department of Psychiatry (Hwang, Lerdahl, Edwards), Department of Psychology (Delizza), and Department of Neurological Sciences (Soltis-Vaughan, Cordts), University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha; Digital Health Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea (Suk); Slimmer AI, Groningen, the Netherlands (Meffert); Cognitive Ability and Plasticity Lab, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, U.K. (Garvey); Section on Mood Dysregulation and Neuroscience, NIMH, Bethesda, Md. (Leibenluft); Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen (Blair)
| | - Brigette Soltis-Vaughan
- Department of Psychiatry (Hwang, Lerdahl, Edwards), Department of Psychology (Delizza), and Department of Neurological Sciences (Soltis-Vaughan, Cordts), University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha; Digital Health Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea (Suk); Slimmer AI, Groningen, the Netherlands (Meffert); Cognitive Ability and Plasticity Lab, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, U.K. (Garvey); Section on Mood Dysregulation and Neuroscience, NIMH, Bethesda, Md. (Leibenluft); Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen (Blair)
| | - Katrina Cordts
- Department of Psychiatry (Hwang, Lerdahl, Edwards), Department of Psychology (Delizza), and Department of Neurological Sciences (Soltis-Vaughan, Cordts), University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha; Digital Health Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea (Suk); Slimmer AI, Groningen, the Netherlands (Meffert); Cognitive Ability and Plasticity Lab, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, U.K. (Garvey); Section on Mood Dysregulation and Neuroscience, NIMH, Bethesda, Md. (Leibenluft); Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen (Blair)
| | - Ellen Leibenluft
- Department of Psychiatry (Hwang, Lerdahl, Edwards), Department of Psychology (Delizza), and Department of Neurological Sciences (Soltis-Vaughan, Cordts), University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha; Digital Health Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea (Suk); Slimmer AI, Groningen, the Netherlands (Meffert); Cognitive Ability and Plasticity Lab, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, U.K. (Garvey); Section on Mood Dysregulation and Neuroscience, NIMH, Bethesda, Md. (Leibenluft); Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen (Blair)
| | - R J R Blair
- Department of Psychiatry (Hwang, Lerdahl, Edwards), Department of Psychology (Delizza), and Department of Neurological Sciences (Soltis-Vaughan, Cordts), University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha; Digital Health Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea (Suk); Slimmer AI, Groningen, the Netherlands (Meffert); Cognitive Ability and Plasticity Lab, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, U.K. (Garvey); Section on Mood Dysregulation and Neuroscience, NIMH, Bethesda, Md. (Leibenluft); Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen (Blair)
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12
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Grieb ZA, Lee S, Stoehr MC, Horne BW, Norvelle A, Shaughnessy EK, Albers HE, Huhman KL. Sex-dependent regulation of social avoidance by oxytocin signaling in the ventral tegmental area. Behav Brain Res 2024; 462:114881. [PMID: 38272188 PMCID: PMC10923107 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.114881] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
It has been hypothesized that oxytocin increases the salience of social stimuli, whether the valence is positive or negative, through its interactions with the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Indeed, oxytocin neurons project to the VTA and activate dopamine neurons that are necessary for social experiences with positive valence. Surprisingly, though, there has not been an investigation of the role of oxytocin in the VTA in mediating social experiences with negative valence (e.g., social stress). Given that there are sex differences in how oxytocin regulates the salience of positively-valenced social interactions, we hypothesized that oxytocin acting in the VTA also alters the salience of social stress in a sex-dependent manner. To test this, female and male Syrian hamsters were site-specifically infused with either saline, oxytocin (9 μM), or oxytocin receptor antagonist (90 μM) into the VTA. Subjects were then exposed to either no defeat or a single, 15 min defeat by one RA. The day following social defeat, subjects underwent a 5 min social avoidance test. There was an interaction between sex and drug treatment, such that the oxytocin antagonist increased social avoidance compared to saline treatment in socially stressed females, while oxytocin decreased social avoidance compared to saline treatment in socially stressed males. Contrary to expectations, these results suggest that oxytocin signaling generally acts to decrease social avoidance, regardless of sex. These sex differences in the efficacy of oxytocin and oxytocin receptor antagonists to alter negatively-valenced social stimuli, however, should be considered when guiding pharmacotherapies for disorders involving social deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary A Grieb
- Neuroscience Institute, 880 Petit Science Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Susan Lee
- Neuroscience Institute, 880 Petit Science Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Maura C Stoehr
- Neuroscience Institute, 880 Petit Science Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Benjamin W Horne
- Neuroscience Institute, 880 Petit Science Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Alisa Norvelle
- Neuroscience Institute, 880 Petit Science Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Emma K Shaughnessy
- Neuroscience Institute, 880 Petit Science Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - H Elliott Albers
- Neuroscience Institute, 880 Petit Science Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Kim L Huhman
- Neuroscience Institute, 880 Petit Science Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA.
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13
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İmamoğlu A, Stiles BJ, Jarskog LF, Pedersen CA, Elliott T, Penn DL. The effect of intranasal oxytocin on neurocognition in people with schizophrenia: A randomized controlled trial. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 171:95-98. [PMID: 38262165 PMCID: PMC10947433 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.01.019] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is characterized by persistent cognitive deficits that significantly impact functional outcomes. Despite the current available treatments, these deficits remain inadequately addressed, highlighting the need to explore the effect of more novel treatments on cognition. The current study examined the effect of intranasal oxytocin on cognitive functioning in people with schizophrenia by utilizing data from a 12-week, randomized controlled trial. Sixty-seven participants with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were randomized to receive placebo or intranasal oxytocin. Participants completed a comprehensive neuropsychological battery at baseline and 12 weeks. The results demonstrated that intranasal oxytocin did not significantly improve cognition in people with schizophrenia compared to placebo. These findings suggest that oxytocin does not worsen or enhance cognition in people with schizophrenia. Yet, the current intervention did not standardize the timing of cognitive assessments relative to the timing of oxytocin administration, which may explain our findings. Future studies attempting to clarify this relationship would benefit from employing a more controlled approach to the timing of treatment and assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslıhan İmamoğlu
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA.
| | - Bryan J Stiles
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
| | - L Fredrik Jarskog
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, USA
| | - Cort A Pedersen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, USA
| | - Tonya Elliott
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, USA
| | - David L Penn
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Australia; Early Psychosis Intervention Advisors of North Carolina, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, USA
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14
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Moses E, Nelson N, Taubert J, Pegna AJ. Oxytocin differentially modulates the early neural responses to faces and non-social stimuli. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2024; 19:nsae010. [PMID: 38372627 PMCID: PMC10876073 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsae010] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) alters social cognition partly through effects on the processing and appraisal of faces. It is debated whether the hormone also impacts the processing of other, non-social, visual stimuli. To this end, we conducted a randomized, counter-balanced, double-blind, placebo (PL)-controlled within-subjects' electro-encephalography (EEG) study with cismale participants (to control for gender dimorphic hormonal effects; n = 37). Participants received intranasal OT (24IU) and completed a one-back task viewing emotional (fearful/ happy) and neutral faces, and threat (snakes/spiders) and non-threat (mushrooms/flowers) non-social stimuli. OT differentially impacted event-related potentials (ERP)s to faces and non-social stimuli. For faces regardless of emotion, OT evoked greater occipital N1 and anterior P1 amplitudes at ∼155 ms than after PL, and lead to sustained differences over anterior, bilateral parietal and occipital sites from 205 ms onwards. For all non-social stimuli, OT evoked greater right parietal N1 amplitudes, and later only impacted threat stimuli over right parietal and occipital sites. None of these OT-induced modulations was related to individual anxiety levels. This pattern of results indicates that OT differentially modulates the processing of faces and non-social stimuli, and that the hormone's effect on visual processing and cognition does not occur as a function of non-clinical levels of anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Moses
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Nicole Nelson
- School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | - Jessica Taubert
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Alan J Pegna
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
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15
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Shamay-Tsoory SG, Kanterman A. Away from the herd: loneliness as a dysfunction of social alignment. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2024; 19:nsae005. [PMID: 38287695 PMCID: PMC10873844 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsae005] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
The tendency of all humans to experience loneliness at some point in their lives implies that it serves an adaptive function. Building on biological theories of herding in animals, according to which collective movement emerges from local interactions that are based on principles of attraction, repulsion and alignment, we propose an approach that synthesizes these principles with theories of loneliness in humans. We present here the 'herding model of loneliness' that extends these principles into the psychological domain. We hold that these principles serve as basic building blocks of human interactions and propose that distorted attraction and repulsion tendencies may lead to inability to align properly with others, which may be a core component in loneliness emergence and perpetuation. We describe a neural model of herding in humans and suggest that loneliness may be associated with altered interactions between the gap/error detection, reward signaling, threat and observation-execution systems. The proposed model offers a framework to predict the behavior of lonely individuals and thus may inform intervention designs for reducing loneliness intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alisa Kanterman
- Department of Psychology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
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16
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Long P, Scholl JL, Wang X, Kallsen NA, Ehli EA, Freeman H. Intranasal Oxytocin and Pain Reduction: Testing a Social Cognitive Mediation Model. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1689. [PMID: 38137136 PMCID: PMC10741592 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13121689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin is well known for its role in relationships and social cognition and has more recently been implicated in pain relief and pain perception. Connections between prosocial feelings and pain relief are also well documented; however, the effects of exogenous oxytocin on social cognition and pain have not been explored. The current study tested whether intranasally delivered oxytocin affects pain perception through prosocial behaviors. Additionally, moderation of the effects of oxytocin by life history or genetic polymorphisms is examined. Young adults (n = 43; 65% female) were administered intranasal oxytocin (24 IU) or placebo in a crossover design on two visits separated by a one-week washout period. Pain was delivered via cold pressor. Baseline measures for decision-making and social cognition were collected, as well as pain sensitivity and medication history. Saliva samples were collected for analysis of genetic markers, and urine samples were collected to assess oxytocin saturation. Following oxytocin administration, participants reported increased prosocial cognition and decision-making. Pain perception appeared to be adaptive, with procedural order and expectation affecting perception. Finally, behavioral trust and cooperation responses were significantly predicted by genetic markers. Oxytocin may increase a patient's trust and cooperation and reduce pain sensitivity while having fewer physiological side effects than current pharmaceutical options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preston Long
- Institute for Outcomes Research, Center for Medical Data Science, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jamie L. Scholl
- Basic Biomedical Sciences & Center for Brain and Behavior Research, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA
| | - Xiaotian Wang
- School of Humanities and Social Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518172, China;
| | - Noah A. Kallsen
- Avera Institute for Human Genetics, Sioux Falls, SD 57105, USA; (N.A.K.); (E.A.E.)
| | - Erik A. Ehli
- Avera Institute for Human Genetics, Sioux Falls, SD 57105, USA; (N.A.K.); (E.A.E.)
| | - Harry Freeman
- Division of Counseling and Psychology in Education & Center for Brain and Behavior Research, School of Education, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA
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17
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Sadedin S, Duéñez-Guzmán EA, Leibo JZ. Emotions and courtship help bonded pairs cooperate, but emotional agents are vulnerable to deceit. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2308911120. [PMID: 37948585 PMCID: PMC10655579 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2308911120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Coordinated pair bonds are common in birds and also occur in many other taxa. How do animals solve the social dilemmas they face in coordinating with a partner? We developed an evolutionary model to explore this question, based on observations that a) neuroendocrine feedback provides emotional bookkeeping which is thought to play a key role in vertebrate social bonds and b) these bonds are developed and maintained via courtship interactions that include low-stakes social dilemmas. Using agent-based simulation, we found that emotional bookkeeping and courtship sustained cooperation in the iterated prisoner's dilemma in noisy environments, especially when combined. However, when deceitful defection was possible at low cost, courtship often increased cooperation, whereas emotional bookkeeping decreased it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Sadedin
- Independent Researcher, Abbots LangleyWD5 0QS, United Kingdom
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18
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Kamrani-Sharif R, Hayes AW, Gholami M, Salehirad M, Allahverdikhani M, Motaghinejad M, Emanuele E. Oxytocin as neuro-hormone and neuro-regulator exert neuroprotective properties: A mechanistic graphical review. Neuropeptides 2023; 101:102352. [PMID: 37354708 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2023.102352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurodegeneration is progressive cell loss in specific neuronal populations, often resulting in clinical consequences with significant medical, societal, and economic implications. Because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, oxytocin has been proposed as a potential neuroprotective and neurobehavioral therapeutic agent, including modulating mood disturbances and cognitive enchantment. METHODS Literature searches were conducted using the following databases Web of Science, PubMed, Elsevier Science Direct, Google Scholar, the Core Collection, and Cochrane from January 2000 to February 2023 for articles dealing with oxytocin neuroprotective properties in preventing or treating neurodegenerative disorders and diseases with a focus on oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis/cell death. RESULTS The neuroprotective effects of oxytocin appears to be mediated by its anti-inflammatory properties, inhibition of neuro inflammation, activation of several antioxidant enzymes, inhibition of oxidative stress and free radical formation, activation of free radical scavengers, prevent of mitochondrial dysfunction, and inhibition of apoptosis. CONCLUSION Oxytocin acts as a neuroprotective agent by preventing neuro-apoptosis, neuro-inflammation, and neuronal oxidative stress, and by restoring mitochondrial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Kamrani-Sharif
- Chronic Respiratory Disease Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - A Wallace Hayes
- University of South Florida College of Public Health, Tampa, FL, USA; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Mina Gholami
- Chronic Respiratory Disease Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Salehirad
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Amir-Almomenin Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Allahverdikhani
- Chronic Respiratory Disease Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Motaghinejad
- Chronic Respiratory Disease Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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19
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Finke JB, Opdensteinen KD, Klucken T, Schächinger H. Close(d) to you? Avoidant attachment is associated with attenuated pupil responsivity to social stimuli. Int J Psychophysiol 2023; 192:26-34. [PMID: 37558096 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2023.08.002] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Insecure attachment is thought to impair romantic relationships, presumably also contributing to mental health problems. Previous research has suggested a link to biased automatic processing of social information, potentially reflected in pupil dilation responses. To address this hypothesis, 37 adults were presented with attachment-related, emotional pictures of erotic couples, everyday couples, or interpersonal violence after assessment with the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale. Considerable variation in self-reported attachment behaviors regarding both attachment anxiety and avoidance was observed in our sample. Overall, pupil dilation was most pronounced during viewing of erotica and violence-related pictures. Relative to nature pictures as control, attachment avoidance was associated with attenuated pupillary responses to social content. However, this was not significant with erotica. For pictures of violence, this avoidant bias was also evident in reduced subjective arousal. In contrast, attachment anxiety was unrelated to differential pupil dilation. Our findings, although preliminary, suggest that previous attachment-related experiences may bias the processing of social stimuli, which in turn may be reflected in altered patterns of pupillary responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes B Finke
- Department of Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany; Institute of Psychobiology, Department of Clinical Psychophysiology, University of Trier, Trier, Germany.
| | - Kim D Opdensteinen
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescents, University of Trier, Trier, Germany
| | - Tim Klucken
- Department of Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany
| | - Hartmut Schächinger
- Institute of Psychobiology, Department of Clinical Psychophysiology, University of Trier, Trier, Germany
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20
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Kraus J, Výborová E, Silani G. The effect of intranasal oxytocin on social reward processing in humans: a systematic review. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1244027. [PMID: 37779612 PMCID: PMC10536251 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1244027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the neurobiology of social reward processing is fundamental, holding promises for reducing maladaptive/dysfunctional social behaviors and boosting the benefits associated with a healthy social life. Current research shows that processing of social (vs. non-social) rewards may be driven by oxytocinergic signaling. However, studies in humans often led to mixed results. This review aimed to systematically summarize available experimental results that assessed the modulation of social reward processing by intranasal oxytocin (IN-OXY) administration in humans. The literature search yielded 385 results, of which 19 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. The effects of IN-OXY on subjective, behavioral, and (neuro)physiological output variables are discussed in relation to moderating variables-reward phase, reward type, onset and dosage, participants' sex/gender, and clinical condition. Results indicate that IN-OXY is mostly effective during the consumption ("liking") of social rewards. These effects are likely exerted by modulating the activity of the prefrontal cortex, insula, precuneus, anterior cingulate cortex, amygdala, and striatum. Finally, we provide suggestions for designing future oxytocin studies. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021278945, identifier CRD42021278945.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Kraus
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Eliška Výborová
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Giorgia Silani
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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21
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Berget B, Vas J, Pedersen G, Uvnäs-Moberg K, Newberry RC. Oxytocin levels and self-reported anxiety during interactions between humans and cows. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1252463. [PMID: 37780173 PMCID: PMC10536144 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1252463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Positive social interactions with farm animals may have therapeutic benefits on humans by increasing brain oxytocin secretion, as inferred from circulating oxytocin levels. The aim of this observational study was to investigate acute changes in human plasma oxytocin levels and state anxiety associated with interactions with dairy cows. Methods Data were collected from 18 healthy female nursing students who performed stroking and brushing of an unfamiliar cow for 15 min. Blood samples were drawn before entering the cowshed (T1, baseline), and after 5 (T2) and 15 (T3) min of interaction with a cow. At T1 and T3, the students filled out the Norwegian version of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State Subscale (STAI-SS). Results Across participants, no significant changes in average plasma oxytocin concentration were detected between time points (p>0.05). There was, however, a modest decline in the STAI-SS scores between T1 and T3 (p=0.015) and a positive correlation between the change in individual level of state anxiety between T1 and T3 and the change in OT concentration of the same individual between T2 and T3 (p = 0.045). Discussion The results suggest that friendly social interactions with cows are beneficial in lowering state anxiety, but any relationship with release of OT into the circulation was complex and variable across individuals. The acute reduction in state anxiety lends support to the value of interacting with farm animals in the context of Green Care for people with mental health challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bente Berget
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Department of Health, Social and Welfare Studies, University of South-Eastern Norway, Borre, Norway
- Department of Health and Society, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Judit Vas
- Faculty of Biosciences, Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Gunn Pedersen
- Faculty of Biosciences, Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Kerstin Uvnäs-Moberg
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Section of Anthrozoology and Applied Ethology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skara, Sweden
| | - Ruth C. Newberry
- Faculty of Biosciences, Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
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22
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Arizmendi BJ, Seeley SH, Allen JJ, Killgore WDS, Andrews-Hanna J, Weihs K, O’Connor MF. A pull to be close: The differentiating effects of oxytocin and grief stimulus type on approach behavior in complicated grief. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TRAUMA & DISSOCIATION 2023; 7:100339. [PMID: 37719065 PMCID: PMC10501263 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2023.100339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Theoretical models of complicated grief (CG) suggest that maladaptive motivational tendencies (e.g., perseverative proximity-seeking of the deceased; excessive avoidance of reminders) interfere with a person's ability to recover from their loved one's death. Due in part to conflicting evidence, little mechanistic understanding of how these behaviors develop in grief exists. We sought to (1) identify behavioral differences between CG and non-CG groups based on approach/avoidance bias for grief-, deceased-, and social-related stimuli, and (2) test the role of the neuropeptide oxytocin in shaping approach/avoidance bias. Widowed older adults with (n = 17) and without (n = 22) CG completed an approach/avoidance task measuring implicit bias for both personalized and non-specific grief-related stimuli (among other stimuli). In a double-blinded, randomized, counterbalanced design, each participant attended both an intranasal oxytocin session and a placebo session. Aims were to (1) identify differential effects of CG and stimulus type on implicit approach/avoidance bias [placebo session], and (2) investigate interactive effects of CG, stimulus type, and oxytocin vs. placebo on approach/avoidance bias [both sessions]. In the placebo session, participants in the non-CG group demonstrated an approach bias across all stimuli. Intranasal oxytocin had an overall slowing effect on the CG group's response times. Further, oxytocin decreased avoidance bias in response to photos of the deceased spouse in the CG group only. Findings support the hypothesis that oxytocin has a differential effect on motivational tendency in CG compared to non-CG, strengthening evidence for its role in CG. Findings also emphasize the need to consider differences in personalized vs. generic stimuli when designing grief-relevant tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J. Arizmendi
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - Saren H. Seeley
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, USA
| | - John J.B. Allen
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | | | - Karen Weihs
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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23
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Li Y, Zhi W, Qi B, Wang L, Hu X. Update on neurobiological mechanisms of fear: illuminating the direction of mechanism exploration and treatment development of trauma and fear-related disorders. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1216524. [PMID: 37600761 PMCID: PMC10433239 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1216524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Fear refers to an adaptive response in the face of danger, and the formed fear memory acts as a warning when the individual faces a dangerous situation again, which is of great significance to the survival of humans and animals. Excessive fear response caused by abnormal fear memory can lead to neuropsychiatric disorders. Fear memory has been studied for a long time, which is of a certain guiding effect on the treatment of fear-related disorders. With continuous technological innovations, the study of fear has gradually shifted from the level of brain regions to deeper neural (micro) circuits between brain regions and even within single brain regions, as well as molecular mechanisms. This article briefly outlines the basic knowledge of fear memory and reviews the neurobiological mechanisms of fear extinction and relapse, which aims to provide new insights for future basic research on fear emotions and new ideas for treating trauma and fear-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- College of Education, Hebei University, Baoding, China
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Weijia Zhi
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Qi
- College of Education, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Lifeng Wang
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangjun Hu
- College of Education, Hebei University, Baoding, China
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
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24
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Eilert DW, Buchheim A. Attachment-Related Differences in Emotion Regulation in Adults: A Systematic Review on Attachment Representations. Brain Sci 2023; 13:884. [PMID: 37371364 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13060884] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been an increase in the prevalence of mental disorders connected with affective dysregulation and insecure attachment. Therefore, it is even more important to understand the interplay between an individual's attachment representation and patterns of emotion regulation. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review to examine this association. PsycInfo, PsyArticles, and PubMed were searched for studies that examined attachment-related differences in emotion regulation in adults. To examine the unconscious attachment representation, only studies using the Adult Attachment Interview or the Adult Attachment Projective Picture System were included. Thirty-seven peer-reviewed studies (with a total of 2006 subjects) matched the PICO criteria. Emotion regulation was measured via four objective approaches: autonomic nervous system, brain activity, biochemistry, or nonverbal behavior. Across all measurements, results reveal a significant correlation between attachment representation and emotion regulation. Secure attachment correlates consistently with balanced emotion regulation, whereas it is impaired in insecure and dysfunctional in unresolved attachment. Specifically, unresolved individuals display counterintuitive responses and fail to use attachment as a resource. Insecure-dismissing attachment is associated with an emotionally deactivating strategy, while on a physiological, biochemical, and nonverbal level, emotional stress is still present. There is still a lack of studies examining preoccupied individuals. In addition to interpreting the results, we also discuss the risk of bias, implications for psychotherapy and coaching, and an outlook for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk W Eilert
- Institute of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Anna Buchheim
- Institute of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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25
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Chbeir S, Carrión V. Resilience by design: How nature, nurture, environment, and microbiome mitigate stress and allostatic load. World J Psychiatry 2023; 13:144-159. [PMID: 37303926 PMCID: PMC10251360 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v13.i5.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Resilience to psychological stress is defined as adaption to challenging life experiences and not the absence of adverse life events. Determinants of resilience include personality traits, genetic/epigenetic modifications of genes involved in the stress response, cognitive and behavioral flexibility, secure attachment with a caregiver, social and community support systems, nutrition and exercise, and alignment of circadian rhythm to the natural light/dark cycle. Therefore, resilience is a dynamic and flexible process that continually evolves by the intersection of different domains in human’s life; biological, social, and psychological. The objective of this minireview is to summarize the existing knowledge about the multitude factors and molecular alterations that result from resilience to stress response. Given the multiple contributing factors in building resilience, we set out a goal to identify which factors were most supportive of a causal role by the current literature. We focused on resilience-related molecular alterations resulting from mind-body homeostasis in connection with psychosocial and environmental factors. We conclude that there is no one causal factor that differentiates a resilient person from a vulnerable one. Instead, building resilience requires an intricate network of positive experiences and a healthy lifestyle that contribute to a balanced mind-body connection. Therefore, a holistic approach must be adopted in future research on stress response to address the multiple elements that promote resilience and prevent illnesses and psychopathology related to stress allostatic load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souhad Chbeir
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Victor Carrión
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
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26
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Kohlhoff J, Karlov L, Dadds M, Barnett B, Silove D, Mendoza Diaz A, Eapen V. Preschool Behavioral Problems: Links with Maternal Oxytocin and Caregiving Sensitivity in the Postnatal Period, and Concurrent Maternal Psychopathology and Attachment State-of-Mind. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2023:10.1007/s10578-023-01529-6. [PMID: 37022532 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-023-01529-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated maternal oxytocin, caregiving sensitivity and mother-to-infant bonding at 3-months postpartum as predictors of child behavior and psychological outcomes in the preschool years, when controlling for concurrent maternal negative emotional symptoms and adult attachment state-of-mind. Forty-five mother-child dyads were assessed at 3-months and 3.5 years postpartum using mix of questionnaires, observational, interview and biological methods. Results showed that lower levels of maternal baseline oxytocin at 3-months postpartum significantly predicted emotional reactivity in the child at 3.5 years. When maternal adult attachment state-of-mind and negative emotional symptoms were included, lower levels of maternal baseline oxytocin at 3-months postpartum significantly predicted withdrawn child behavior. In addition, unresolved adult attachment and maternal negative emotional symptoms were significantly associated child behavioral disturbance in a range of areas. Findings highlight maternal postnatal oxytocin as a potential indicator of children who may be more likely to show emotional reactivity and withdrawn behavior in the preschool years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Kohlhoff
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
- Research Department, Karitane, Sydney, Australia.
- Ingham Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Lisa Karlov
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark Dadds
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Derrick Silove
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Antonio Mendoza Diaz
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
- Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
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27
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Highly Specific Detection of Oxytocin in Saliva. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054832. [PMID: 36902261 PMCID: PMC10003004 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054832] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin is a peptide neurophysin hormone made up of nine amino acids and is used in induction of one in four births worldwide (more than 13 percent in the United States). Herein, we have developed an antibody alternative aptamer-based electrochemical assay for real-time and point-of-care detection of oxytocin in non-invasive saliva samples. This assay approach is rapid, highly sensitive, specific, and cost-effective. Our aptamer-based electrochemical assay can detect as little as 1 pg/mL of oxytocin in less than 2 min in commercially available pooled saliva samples. Additionally, we did not observe any false positive or false negative signals. This electrochemical assay has the potential to be utilized as a point-of-care monitor for rapid and real-time oxytocin detection in various biological samples such as saliva, blood, and hair extracts.
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28
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Lotter LD, Kohl SH, Gerloff C, Bell L, Niephaus A, Kruppa JA, Dukart J, Schulte-Rüther M, Reindl V, Konrad K. Revealing the neurobiology underlying interpersonal neural synchronization with multimodal data fusion. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 146:105042. [PMID: 36641012 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Humans synchronize with one another to foster successful interactions. Here, we use a multimodal data fusion approach with the aim of elucidating the neurobiological mechanisms by which interpersonal neural synchronization (INS) occurs. Our meta-analysis of 22 functional magnetic resonance imaging and 69 near-infrared spectroscopy hyperscanning experiments (740 and 3721 subjects) revealed robust brain regional correlates of INS in the right temporoparietal junction and left ventral prefrontal cortex. Integrating this meta-analytic information with public databases, biobehavioral and brain-functional association analyses suggested that INS involves sensory-integrative hubs with functional connections to mentalizing and attention networks. On the molecular and genetic levels, we found INS to be associated with GABAergic neurotransmission and layer IV/V neuronal circuits, protracted developmental gene expression patterns, and disorders of neurodevelopment. Although limited by the indirect nature of phenotypic-molecular association analyses, our findings generate new testable hypotheses on the neurobiological basis of INS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon D Lotter
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany; Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine - Brain & Behaviour (INM-7), Jülich Research Centre, Jülich, Germany; Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany; Max Planck School of Cognition, Stephanstrasse 1A, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Simon H Kohl
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany; JARA Brain Institute II, Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging (INM-11), Jülich Research Centre, Jülich, Germany
| | - Christian Gerloff
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany; JARA Brain Institute II, Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging (INM-11), Jülich Research Centre, Jülich, Germany; Chair II of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Laura Bell
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany; Audiovisual Media Center, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Alexandra Niephaus
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jana A Kruppa
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany; JARA Brain Institute II, Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging (INM-11), Jülich Research Centre, Jülich, Germany; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Juergen Dukart
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine - Brain & Behaviour (INM-7), Jülich Research Centre, Jülich, Germany; Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Martin Schulte-Rüther
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany; JARA Brain Institute II, Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging (INM-11), Jülich Research Centre, Jülich, Germany; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Vanessa Reindl
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany; JARA Brain Institute II, Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging (INM-11), Jülich Research Centre, Jülich, Germany; Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, S639818, Singapore
| | - Kerstin Konrad
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany; JARA Brain Institute II, Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging (INM-11), Jülich Research Centre, Jülich, Germany
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29
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Jones G, Lipson J, Wang E. Examining associations between MDMA/ecstasy and classic psychedelic use and impairments in social functioning in a U.S. adult sample. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2466. [PMID: 36774449 PMCID: PMC9922292 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29763-x] [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: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Impairment in social functioning is a common source of morbidity across many mental health disorders, yet there is a dearth of effective and easily implemented interventions to support social functioning. MDMA/ecstasy and classic psychedelics (psilocybin, LSD, peyote, mescaline) represent two potential treatments for impairments in social functioning, as evidence suggests these compounds may be supportive for alleviating social difficulties. Using a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2015-2019) (N = 214,505), we used survey-weighted multivariable ordinal and logistic regression to examine the associations between lifetime use of the aforementioned compounds and impairments in social functioning in the past year. Lifetime MDMA/ecstasy use was associated with lowered odds of three of our four social impairment outcomes: difficulty dealing with strangers (aOR 0.92), difficulty participating in social activities (aOR 0.90), and being prevented from participating in social activities (aOR 0.84). Lifetime mescaline use was also associated with lowered odds of difficulty dealing with strangers (aOR 0.85). All other substances either shared no relationship with impairments in social functioning or conferred increased odds of our outcomes. Future experimental studies can assess whether these relationships are causal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant Jones
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, 33 Kirkland St, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.
| | - Joshua Lipson
- Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, USA
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30
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Ramos A, Granzotto N, Kremer R, Boeder AM, de Araújo JFP, Pereira AG, Izídio GS. Hunting for Genes Underlying Emotionality in the Laboratory Rat: Maps, Tools and Traps. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:1840-1863. [PMID: 36056863 PMCID: PMC10514530 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220901154034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Scientists have systematically investigated the hereditary bases of behaviors since the 19th century, moved by either evolutionary questions or clinically-motivated purposes. The pioneer studies on the genetic selection of laboratory animals had already indicated, one hundred years ago, the immense complexity of analyzing behaviors that were influenced by a large number of small-effect genes and an incalculable amount of environmental factors. Merging Mendelian, quantitative and molecular approaches in the 1990s made it possible to map specific rodent behaviors to known chromosome regions. From that point on, Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) analyses coupled with behavioral and molecular techniques, which involved in vivo isolation of relevant blocks of genes, opened new avenues for gene mapping and characterization. This review examines the QTL strategy applied to the behavioral study of emotionality, with a focus on the laboratory rat. We discuss the challenges, advances and limitations of the search for Quantitative Trait Genes (QTG) playing a role in regulating emotionality. For the past 25 years, we have marched the long journey from emotionality-related behaviors to genes. In this context, our experiences are used to illustrate why and how one should move forward in the molecular understanding of complex psychiatric illnesses. The promise of exploring genetic links between immunological and emotional responses are also discussed. New strategies based on humans, rodents and other animals (such as zebrafish) are also acknowledged, as they are likely to allow substantial progress to be made in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Ramos
- Behavior Genetics Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Embryology and Genetics, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
| | - Natalli Granzotto
- Behavior Genetics Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Embryology and Genetics, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
- Graduate Program of Pharmacology, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
| | - Rafael Kremer
- Behavior Genetics Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Embryology and Genetics, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
- Graduate Program of Developmental and Cellular Biology, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
| | - Ariela Maína Boeder
- Behavior Genetics Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Embryology and Genetics, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
- Graduate Program of Pharmacology, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
| | - Julia Fernandez Puñal de Araújo
- Behavior Genetics Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Embryology and Genetics, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
- Graduate Program of Developmental and Cellular Biology, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
| | - Aline Guimarães Pereira
- Behavior Genetics Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Embryology and Genetics, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
- Graduate Program of Developmental and Cellular Biology, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
| | - Geison Souza Izídio
- Behavior Genetics Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Embryology and Genetics, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
- Graduate Program of Pharmacology, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
- Graduate Program of Developmental and Cellular Biology, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
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31
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Coccia G, La Greca F, Di Luca M, Scheggia D. Dissecting social decision-making: A spotlight on oxytocinergic transmission. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1061934. [PMID: 36618824 PMCID: PMC9813388 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1061934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Social decision-making requires the ability to balance both the interests of the self and the interests of others to survive in social environments. Empathy is essential to the regulation of this type of interaction, and it often sustains relevant prosocial behaviors such as altruism and helping behavior. In the last decade, our capacity to assess affective and empathy-like behaviors in rodents has expanded our understanding of the neurobiological substrates that underly social decision-making processes such as prosocial behaviors. Within this context, oxytocinergic transmission is profoundly implicated in modulating some of the major components of social decision-making. Thus, this review will present evidence of the association between oxytocin and empathy-like and prosocial behaviors in nonhuman animals. Then, we will dissect the involvement of oxytocinergic transmission-across different brain regions and pathways-in some of the key elements of social decision-making such as emotional discrimination, social recognition, emotional contagion, social dominance, and social memory. Evidence of the modulatory role of oxytocin on social decision-making has raised considerable interest in its clinical relevance, therefore we will also discuss the controversial findings on intranasal oxytocin administration.
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32
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Sinisalo H, Bakermans‐Kranenburg MJ, Peltola MJ. Hormonal and behavioral responses to an infant simulator in women with and without children. Dev Psychobiol 2022; 64:e22321. [PMID: 36282748 PMCID: PMC9545496 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the impact of maternal status on hormonal reactivity and behavioral responses to an infant simulator in 117 women (54 primiparous, 63 nulliparous). The amount of affectionate touch and motherese were analyzed as behavioral measures of caregiving. Saliva was collected before and 10 min after interaction with the infant simulator to analyze oxytocin, testosterone, cortisol, and estradiol levels. Nulliparous women also provided information about their fertility motivation. Linear mixed models indicated that greater use of affectionate touch was associated with lower overall testosterone levels. Cortisol decreased in response to the interaction in both groups. In the primiparous group, the amount of affectionate touch associated inversely with cortisol levels, whereas in the nulliparous group such association was not found. Oxytocin or estradiol reactivity to the simulator did not differ between the groups, nor were these hormones associated with behavior. Higher fertility motivation in nulliparous women was related to more motherese, and lower testosterone levels. Our results indicate that the simulator elicits hormonal reactivity both in mothers and nonmothers, but the patterns of associations between caregiving behavior and hormonal levels may be partially different. These results encourage using the infant simulator to explore hormonal processes related to the transition to parenthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanneli Sinisalo
- Human Information Processing Laboratory, Faculty of Social Sciences, PsychologyTampere UniversityTampereFinland
| | - Marian J. Bakermans‐Kranenburg
- Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Educational and Family StudiesVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Mikko J. Peltola
- Human Information Processing Laboratory, Faculty of Social Sciences, PsychologyTampere UniversityTampereFinland
- Tampere Institute for Advanced StudyTampere UniversityTampereFinland
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Lee M, Lori A, Langford NA, Rilling JK. Enhanced endogenous oxytocin signaling in the brain modulates neural responses to social misalignment and promotes conformity in humans: A multi-locus genetic profile approach. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 144:105869. [PMID: 35868206 PMCID: PMC9553010 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) is known to promote social conformity. However, the specific neurocognitive mechanisms underlying OT-induced conformity remain unclear. We aimed to address this gap by examining how genetic variation in the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) is linked with behavioral conformity and its underlying neural systems. Specifically, we utilized the genotype-tissue expression database (GTEx) to create a novel multi-locus genetic profile score (MPS) that reflects the level of OXTR expression in the human brain. A total of 194 participants (Neuroimaging N = 50, Behavioral N = 144) performed a novel conformity task in which they viewed a series of word pairs depicting various moral values and virtues widely recognized in the United States. In each trial, participants indicated the relative importance of these words and subsequently learned about the majority opinion. Participants later rated the same word pairs a second time. Changes in participants' ratings between the first and second sessions were measured and analyzed with respect to social feedback, blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) signals, and OXTR MPS. We found that participants adjusted their ratings in accordance with the majority opinions. Social misalignment between self and others activated brain areas such as the striatum and the posterior medial frontal cortex (pMFC). However, unlike most findings from previous studies, activation in the pMFC during the inconsistent social feedback negatively, rather than positively, predicted behavioral conformity. Notably, those with higher OXTR MPS had reduced pMFC activation in the face of social misalignment, which led to greater conformity. Our findings suggest that OT may promote conformity by dampening the conflict-related signals in the pMFC. They also show that OXTR MPS may be useful for studying the effect of genes on highly complex human social traits, such as conformity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minwoo Lee
- Department of Anthropology, Emory University, USA
| | - Adriana Lori
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Emory University, USA
| | - Nicole A. Langford
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Emory University, USA,Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, USA
| | - James K. Rilling
- Department of Anthropology, Emory University, USA,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Emory University, USA,Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Emory University, USA,Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, USA,Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Emory University, USA,Corresponding author at: Department of Anthropology, Emory University, USA. (J.K. Rilling)
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The dual neural effects of oxytocin in autistic youth: results from a randomized trial. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16304. [PMID: 36175473 PMCID: PMC9523043 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19524-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent discoveries have highlighted the effects of oxytocin (OT) on social behavior and perception among autistic individuals. However, a gap persists in the literature regarding the potential effects of OT and the neural temporal dynamics due to OT administration. We explored the effect of OT on autistic individuals using magnetoencephalography (MEG), focusing on M100, M170, and M250, social perception-related components that tend to show atypical patterns in autistic individuals. Twenty-five autistic adolescents participated in this randomized, double-blind MEG study. Autistic individuals arrived at the lab twice and received an acute dose of intranasal OT or placebo in each session. During the scans, participants were asked to identify pictures of social and non-social stimuli. Additionally, 23 typically developing (TD) adolescents performed the same task in the MEG as a benchmark that allowed us to better characterize neural regions of interest and behavioral results for this age group in this task. A source-model beamformer analysis revealed that OT enhanced neural activity for social stimuli in frontal regions during M170. Additionally, in each of the preselected time windows, OT increased activation in the left hemisphere, regardless of the content of the presented stimuli. We suggest that OT increased the processing of social stimuli through two separate mechanisms. First, OT increased neural activity in a nonspecific manner, allowing increased allocation of attention toward the stimuli. Second, OT enhanced M170 activity in frontal regions only in response to social stimuli. These results reveal the temporal dynamics of the effects of OT on the early stages of social and non-social perception in autistic adolescents. Trial registration: This study was a part of a project registered as clinical trial October 27th, 2021. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05096676.
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Doppler CEJ, Meyer L, Seger A, Karges W, Weiss PH, Fink GR. Intranasal oxytocin attenuates the effects of monetary feedback on procedural learning. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 143:105823. [PMID: 35689985 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105823] [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: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Procedural learning is a vital brain function that allows us to acquire motor skills during development or re-learn them after lesions affecting the motor system. Procedural learning can be improved by feedback of different valence, e.g., monetary or social, mediated by dopaminergic circuits. While processing motivationally relevant stimuli, dopamine interacts closely with oxytocin, whose effects on procedural learning, particularly feedback-based approaches, remain poorly understood. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we investigated whether oxytocin modulates the differential effects of monetary and social feedback on procedural learning. Sixty-one healthy male participants were randomized to receive a placebo or oxytocin intranasally. The participants then performed a modified serial reaction time task. Oxytocin plasma concentrations were measured before and after applying the placebo or verum. Groups did not differ regarding general reaction times or measures of procedural learning. For the placebo group, monetary feedback improved procedural learning compared to a neutral control condition. In contrast, the oxytocin group did not show a differential effect of monetary or social feedback despite a significant increase in oxytocin plasma levels after intranasal application. The data suggest that oxytocin does not influence procedural learning per se. Instead, oxytocin seems to attenuate the effects of monetary feedback on procedural learning specifically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher E J Doppler
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany; University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Neurology, Germany.
| | - Linda Meyer
- Department of Psychiatry, Alexius/Josef Hospital, Neuss, Germany
| | - Aline Seger
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany; University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Neurology, Germany
| | - Wolfram Karges
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Peter H Weiss
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany; University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Neurology, Germany
| | - Gereon R Fink
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany; University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Neurology, Germany
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Permatasari TAE, Syafruddin A. The relationship between oxytocin levels with empathy and breastfeeding intention in female medical students: A cross-sectional study. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2022; 81:104486. [PMID: 36147160 PMCID: PMC9486696 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Grieb ZA, Lonstein JS. Oxytocin interactions with central dopamine and serotonin systems regulate different components of motherhood. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210062. [PMID: 35858105 PMCID: PMC9272149 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of oxytocin in maternal caregiving and other postpartum behaviours has been studied for more than five decades. How oxytocin interacts with other neurochemical systems to enact these behavioural changes, however, is only slowly being elucidated. The best-studied oxytocin-neurotransmitter interaction is with the mesolimbic dopamine system, and this interaction is essential for maternal motivation and active caregiving behaviours such as retrieval of pups. Considerably less attention has been dedicated to investigating how oxytocin interacts with central serotonin to influence postpartum behaviour. Recently, it has become clear that while oxytocin-dopamine interactions regulate the motivational and pup-approach aspects of maternal caregiving behaviours, oxytocin-serotonin interactions appear to regulate nearly all other aspects including postpartum nursing, aggression, anxiety-like behaviour and stress coping strategy. Collectively, oxytocin's interactions with central dopamine and serotonin systems are thus critical for the entire suite of behavioural adaptations exhibited in the postpartum period, and these sites of interaction are potential pharmacological targets for where oxytocin could help to ameliorate deficits in maternal caregiving and poor postpartum mental health. This article is part of the theme issue 'Interplays between oxytocin and other neuromodulators in shaping complex social behaviours'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary A. Grieb
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Joseph S. Lonstein
- Psychology Department, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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Park J, Woolley J, Mendes WB. The effects of intranasal oxytocin on black participants’ responses to outgroup acceptance and rejection. Front Psychol 2022; 13:916305. [PMID: 36059785 PMCID: PMC9434127 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.916305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Social acceptance (vs. rejection) is assumed to have widespread positive effects on the recipient; however, ethnic/racial minorities often react negatively to social acceptance by White individuals. One possibility for such reactions might be their lack of trust in the genuineness of White individuals’ positive evaluations. Here, we examined the role that oxytocin—a neuropeptide putatively linked to social processes—plays in modulating reactions to acceptance or rejection during interracial interactions. Black participants (N = 103) received intranasal oxytocin or placebo and interacted with a White, same-sex stranger who provided positive or negative social feedback. After positive feedback, participants given oxytocin (vs. placebo) tended to display approach-oriented cardiovascular responses of challenge (vs. threat), exhibited more cooperative behavior, and perceived the partner to have more favorable attitudes toward them after the interaction. Following negative feedback, oxytocin reduced anger suppression. Oxytocin did not modulate testosterone reactivity directly, but our exploratory analysis showed that the less participants suppressed anger during the interaction with their partner, the greater testosterone reactivity they displayed after the interaction. These results survived the correction for multiple testing with a false discovery rate (FDR) of 20%, but not with a rate of 10 or 5%. Discussion centers on the interplay between oxytocin and social context in shaping interracial interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyoung Park
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Jiyoung Park,
| | - Joshua Woolley
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Wendy Berry Mendes
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Wendy Berry Mendes,
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Pharmacological Strategies for Suicide Prevention Based on the Social Pain Model: A Scoping Review. PSYCH 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/psych4030038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Suicidal behaviour is a public health problem whose magnitude is both substantial and increasing. Since many individuals seek medical treatment following a suicide attempt, strategies aimed at reducing further attempts in this population are a valid and feasible secondary prevention approach. An evaluation of the available evidence suggests that existing treatment approaches have a limited efficacy in this setting, highlighting the need for innovative approaches to suicide prevention. Existing research on the neurobiology of social pain has highlighted the importance of this phenomenon as a risk factor for suicide, and has also yielded several attractive targets for pharmacological strategies that could reduce suicidality in patients with suicidal ideation or a recent attempt. In this paper, the evidence related to these targets is synthesized and critically evaluated. The way in which social pain is related to the “anti-suicidal” properties of recently approved treatments, such as ketamine and psilocybin, is examined. Such strategies may be effective for the short-term reduction in suicidal ideation and behaviour, particularly in cases where social pain is identified as a contributory factor. These pharmacological approaches may be effective regardless of the presence or absence of a specific psychiatric diagnosis, but they require careful evaluation.
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Grieb ZA, Cross EA, Albers HE. Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (αMSH) modulates the rewarding properties of social interactions in an oxytocin receptor-dependent manner in Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus Auratus). Physiol Behav 2022; 252:113828. [PMID: 35500727 PMCID: PMC10858742 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113828] [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: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
A reduction in the rewarding properties of social interactions is frequently a key contributor to neuropsychiatric disorders. Although much remains to be learned about the neural mechanisms governing social reward, numerous studies have found that oxytocin can enhance the salience of rewarding social interactions. As a result, oxytocin has been suggested as a pharmacotherapy for disorders characterized by a dampening of social motivation. However, exogenous oxytocin does not cross the blood-brain barrier effectively, which has led to the investigation of alternative approaches to induce central oxytocin release, such as pharmaceuticals targeting melanocortins. Although oxytocin treatment is widely viewed to increase social reward, there is also recent evidence that high concentrations of oxytocin can decrease social reward. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (αMSH) influences the rewarding properties of social interactions by acting on oxytocin receptors. Male and female Syrian hamsters were given intracerebroventricular infusions of saline, αMSH, or a cocktail containing αMSH and an oxytocin receptor antagonist during social conditioning with a same-sex hamster and then tested for a conditioned place preference. αMSH decreased preference for the socially-paired chamber compared to saline treatment, and administration of the oxytocin antagonist concurrent with αMSH administration returned subjects' preference to control levels. Importantly, αMSH treatments did not affect any measures of body composition or the specific social behaviors displayed during conditioning. These data suggest that melanocortin-targeting drugs should be administered carefully to avoid the possibility of decreasing the rewarding properties of social interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary A Grieb
- Neuroscience Institute, 880 Petit Science Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States.
| | - Erica A Cross
- Neuroscience Institute, 880 Petit Science Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States
| | - H Elliott Albers
- Neuroscience Institute, 880 Petit Science Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States
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Smith JA, Eikenberry SA, Scott KA, Baumer-Harrison C, de Lartigue G, de Kloet AD, Krause EG. Oxytocin and cardiometabolic interoception: Knowing oneself affects ingestive and social behaviors. Appetite 2022; 175:106054. [PMID: 35447163 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.106054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Maintaining homeostasis while navigating one's environment involves accurately assessing and interacting with external stimuli while remaining consciously in tune with internal signals such as hunger and thirst. Both atypical social interactions and unhealthy eating patterns emerge as a result of dysregulation in factors that mediate the prioritization and attention to salient stimuli. Oxytocin is an evolutionarily conserved peptide that regulates attention to exteroceptive and interoceptive stimuli in a social environment by functioning in the brain as a modulatory neuropeptide to control social behavior, but also in the periphery as a hormone acting at oxytocin receptors (Oxtr) expressed in the heart, gut, and peripheral ganglia. Specialized sensory afferent nerve endings of Oxtr-expressing nodose ganglia cells transmit cardiometabolic signals via the Vagus nerve to integrative regions in the brain that also express Oxtr(s). These brain regions are influenced by vagal sensory pathways and coordinate with external events such as those demanding attention to social stimuli, thus the sensations related to cardiometabolic function and social interactions are influenced by oxytocin signaling. This review investigates the literature supporting the idea that oxytocin mediates the interoception of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems, and that the modulation of this awareness likewise influences social cognition. These concepts are then considered in relation to Autism Spectrum Disorder, exploring how atypical social behavior is comorbid with cardiometabolic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin A Smith
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Sophia A Eikenberry
- Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Karen A Scott
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Caitlin Baumer-Harrison
- Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Guillaume de Lartigue
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Annette D de Kloet
- Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Eric G Krause
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Holdman R, Vigil D, Robinson K, Shah P, Contreras AE. Safety and Efficacy of Medical Cannabis in Autism Spectrum Disorder Compared with Commonly Used Medications. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2022; 7:451-463. [PMID: 34432543 PMCID: PMC9418362 DOI: 10.1089/can.2020.0154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of medications commonly used in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and compare this to what current research has shown regarding medical cannabis use in this population. Methods: Searches were performed to collect information surrounding currently used medications and their safety and efficacy profiles, biologic plausibility of cannabis use for symptoms of ASD, and studies detailing cannabis' safety and efficacy profile for use in the ASD population. Results were used to compare medications to cannabis as a proposed treatment. Results: The heterogeneity of ASD produces great difficulties in finding appropriate treatment, leading to many medication changes or treatment trials throughout a patient's life. Commonly prescribed medications display varying levels of efficacy, safety, and tolerability between patients and symptoms targeted. Some of the most common side effects cited are also considered the most troubling symptoms associated with ASD; aggression, anxiety, irritability, and a negative effect on cognition, leading many patients to discontinue use as the side effects outweigh benefits. Recent case reports and retrospective studies have displayed the potential efficacy, safety, and tolerability of cannabidiol (CBD)-rich medical cannabis use for treating both core symptoms of ASD and many comorbid symptoms such as irritability and sleep problems. Studies have also identified circulating endocannabinoids as a possible biomarker for ASD, providing another possible method of diagnosis. Conclusions: Currently, there are no approved medications for the core symptoms of ASD and only two medications Food and Drug Administration approved for associated irritability. Prescribed medications for symptoms associated with ASD display varying levels of efficacy, safety, and tolerability among the heterogeneous ASD population. At the time of this study there are no published placebo-controlled trials of medical cannabis for ASD and the observational studies have limitations. CBD-rich medical cannabis seems to be an effective, tolerable, and relatively safe option for many symptoms associated with ASD, however, the long-term safety is unknown at this time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Holdman
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Marijuana Health Monitoring and Research, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Daniel Vigil
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Marijuana Health Monitoring and Research, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Kelsey Robinson
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Marijuana Health Monitoring and Research, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Puja Shah
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Marijuana Health Monitoring and Research, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Alexandra Elyse Contreras
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Marijuana Health Monitoring and Research, Denver, Colorado, USA
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43
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Flanagan JC, Nietert PJ, Sippel L, Jarnecke AM, Kirby C, Hogan JN, Massa AA, Brower J, Back SE, Parrott D. A randomized controlled trial examining the effects of intranasal oxytocin on alcohol craving and intimate partner aggression among couples. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 152:14-24. [PMID: 35709548 PMCID: PMC9308670 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a well-established risk factor for intimate partner aggression (IPA), effective treatments for co-occurring AUD and IPA (AUD/IPA) are lacking. Oxytocin is one promising pharmacological candidate for AUD/IPA given its potential to modulate social behavior and attenuate alcohol use. However, emerging data suggests that oxytocin's prosocial effects are inconsistent, and a small number of studies have also found that oxytocin might have the potential to be aggressogenic. No studies have directly examined the impact of oxytocin on alcohol- or IPA-related outcomes in a dyadic context. METHODS The goal of this double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled trial was to examine the effects of a single dose of intranasal oxytocin (40 international units) on cue-induced alcohol craving, subjective aggression, laboratory task-based IPA, and cortisol reactivity in a sample of 100 couples (N = 200 individuals) with AUD and physical IPA in their current relationship. RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences between the oxytocin and placebo conditions for any of the primary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that a single dose of intranasal oxytocin was not efficacious in mitigating alcohol craving or aggression in this sample. Although hypotheses were not supported, the findings provide important evidence that oxytocin was not aggressogenic in this high-risk sample. Future research investigating dispositional and contextual moderators of oxytocin response in addition to the therapeutic effects of more intensive oxytocin dosing or administration strategies on alcohol craving and aggression is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julianne C Flanagan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Paul J Nietert
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Lauren Sippel
- VA Northeast Program Evaluation Center, West Haven, CT, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA; National Center for PTSD Evaluation Division, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Amber M Jarnecke
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Charli Kirby
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Jasara N Hogan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Andrea A Massa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Jessica Brower
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Sudie E Back
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Dominic Parrott
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Farina EA, Assaf M, Corbera S, Chen CM. Factors Related to Passive Social Withdrawal and Active Social Avoidance in Schizophrenia. J Nerv Ment Dis 2022; 210:490-496. [PMID: 35766542 PMCID: PMC9243431 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Social withdrawal in schizophrenia may be a result of "passive" motivation (reduced drive to engage) or "active" motivation (increased drive to avoid). We conducted a cross-sectional, between-subjects study using self-report measures and social cognition tasks to evaluate the relationships between motivational subtypes, social abilities, and social functioning in schizophrenia spectrum (n = 52, ages 19-34). Regression models showed significant differences in passive and active withdrawal. Passive, but not active, motivation predicted social functioning as measured by a clinical interview. This suggests that motivation, especially passive type, plays an important role in social withdrawal in schizophrenia. However, on a self-report measure of social functioning, neither passive nor active motivation predicted outcomes, suggesting a potential disconnect between observer versus self-report measures when assessing social motivation. Furthermore, performance on tasks of social abilities did not predict motivation, which supports the idea that motivation is distinct from social ability and should be specifically addressed in treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A. Farina
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, 406 Babbidge Road, Unit 1020, Storrs, CT, USA
- Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center, Hartford Hospital, 400 Washington Street, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Michal Assaf
- Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center, Hartford Hospital, 400 Washington Street, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Silvia Corbera
- Department of Psychological Science, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT, USA
| | - Chi-Ming Chen
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, 406 Babbidge Road, Unit 1020, Storrs, CT, USA
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45
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Szafoni S, Piegza M. Progress in Personalized Psychiatric Therapy with the Example of Using Intranasal Oxytocin in PTSD Treatment. J Pers Med 2022; 12:1067. [PMID: 35887564 PMCID: PMC9317706 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12071067] [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: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe mental disorder that results in the frequent coexistence of other diseases, lowers patients' quality of life, and has a high annual cost of treatment. However, despite the variety of therapeutic approaches that exist, some patients still do not achieve the desired results. In addition, we may soon face an increase in the number of new PTSD cases because of the current global situation-both the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing armed conflicts. Hence, in recent years, many publications have sought a new, more personalized treatment approach. One such approach is the administration of intranasal oxytocin (INOXT), which, due to its pleiotropic effects, seems to be a promising therapeutic option. However, the current findings suggest that it might only be helpful for a limited, strictly selected group of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Szafoni
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 42-612 Tarnowskie Góry, Poland;
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Lin T, Pehlivanoglu D, Ziaei M, Liu P, Woods AJ, Feifel D, Fischer H, Ebner NC. Age-Related Differences in Amygdala Activation Associated With Face Trustworthiness but No Evidence of Oxytocin Modulation. Front Psychol 2022; 13:838642. [PMID: 35814062 PMCID: PMC9262048 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.838642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The amygdala has been shown to be responsive to face trustworthiness. While older adults typically give higher face trustworthiness ratings than young adults, a direct link between amygdala response and age-related differences in face trustworthiness evaluation has not yet been confirmed. Additionally, there is a possible modulatory role of the neuropeptide oxytocin in face trustworthiness evaluation, but the results are mixed and effects unexplored in aging. To address these research gaps, young, and older adults were randomly assigned to oxytocin or placebo self-administration via a nasal spray before rating faces on trustworthiness while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging. There was no overall age-group difference in face trustworthiness ratings, but older compared to young participants gave higher trustworthiness ratings to ambivalently untrustworthy-looking faces. In both age groups, lower face trustworthiness ratings were associated with higher left amygdala activity. A comparable negative linear association was observed in right amygdala but only among young participants. Also, in the right amygdala, lower and higher, compared to moderate, face trustworthiness ratings were associated with greater right amygdala activity (i.e., positive quadratic (U-shaped) association) for both age groups. Neither the behavioral nor the brain effects were modulated by a single dose of intranasal oxytocin administration, however. These results suggest dampened response to faces with lower trustworthiness among older compared to young adults, supporting the notion of reduced sensitivity to cues of untrustworthiness in aging. The findings also extend evidence of an age-related positivity effect to the evaluation of face trustworthiness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Lin
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Didem Pehlivanoglu
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Maryam Ziaei
- Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Peiwei Liu
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Adam J. Woods
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - David Feifel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Håkan Fischer
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Stockholm University Brain Imaging Centre (SUBIC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Natalie C. Ebner
- Department of Psychology, 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
- Florida Institute for Cybersecurity Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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Witte AM, Riem MME, van der Knaap N, de Moor MHM, van IJzendoorn MH, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ. The effects of oxytocin and vasopressin administration on fathers' neural responses to infant crying: A randomized controlled within-subject study. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 140:105731. [PMID: 35334388 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In a randomized double-blind within-subject control study we investigated the effects of oxytocin and vasopressin administration on neural reactivity to infant cry sounds in 70 first-time fathers in the first year of fatherhood. Additionally, we examined whether effects of oxytocin and vasopressin administration on neural reactivity were moderated by fathers' early childhood experiences. Neural reactivity to infant cry sounds (versus control sounds) was measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Furthermore, participants reported on their childhood experiences of parental harsh discipline and parental love withdrawal. Whole brain analyses revealed no significant effect of vasopressin or oxytocin administration on neural activation in response to infant cry sounds. Region of interest analyses showed decreased amygdala activation in both the oxytocin condition and the vasopressin condition as compared to placebo. We found no moderating effects of fathers' early childhood experiences. Our findings suggest that oxytocin administration may decrease feelings of anxiety or aversion to a crying infant. Whether decreased amygdala activation after vasopressin administration might be explained by contextual factors (e.g., absence of high levels of threat, unfamiliarity of the infant) or represents an affiliative response to infant distress warrants further investigation. Findings of the present study showed that oxytocin and vasopressin are important hormones implicated in neural models of infant cry perception in fatherhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemieke M Witte
- Clinical Child & Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Madelon M E Riem
- Clinical Child & Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Behavioral Science Institute, Radboud University, the Netherlands
| | - N van der Knaap
- Department of Psychology, Education, and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marleen H M de Moor
- Clinical Child & Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marinus H van IJzendoorn
- Department of Psychology, Education, and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Research Department of Clinical, Education and Health Psychology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, UCL, London, UK
| | - Marian J Bakermans-Kranenburg
- Clinical Child & Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Bell K, McMillin K, Ethridge LE. Bereft and Left: The interplay between insecure attachment, isolation, and neurobiology. DEVELOPMENTAL REVIEW 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.dr.2022.101020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Intranasal oxytocin administration impacts the acquisition and consolidation of trauma-associated memories: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled experimental study in healthy women. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022; 47:1046-1054. [PMID: 34887528 PMCID: PMC8938422 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-01247-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Intrusive memories are a hallmark symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and oxytocin has been implicated in the formation of intrusive memories. This study investigates how oxytocin influences the acquisition and consolidation of trauma-associated memories and whether these effects are influenced by individual neurobiological and genetic differences. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 220 healthy women received either a single dose of intranasal 24IU oxytocin or a placebo before exposure to a trauma film paradigm that solicits intrusive memories. We used a "general random forest" machine learning approach to examine whether differences in the noradrenergic and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity, polygenic risk for psychiatric disorders, and genetic polymorphism of the oxytocin receptor influence the effect of oxytocin on the acquisition and consolidation of intrusive memories. Oxytocin induced significantly more intrusive memories than placebo did (t(188.33) = 2.12, p = 0.035, Cohen's d = 0.30, 95% CI 0.16-0.44). As hypothesized, we found that the effect of oxytocin on intrusive memories was influenced by biological covariates, such as salivary cortisol, heart rate variability, and PTSD polygenic risk scores. The five factors that were most relevant to the oxytocin effect on intrusive memories were included in a Poisson regression, which showed that, besides oxytocin administration, higher polygenic loadings for PTSD and major depressive disorder were directly associated with a higher number of reported intrusions after exposure to the trauma film stressor. These results suggest that intranasal oxytocin amplifies the acquisition and consolidation of intrusive memories and that this effect is modulated by neurobiological and genetic factors. Trial registration: NCT03031405.
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Rawashdeh H, Alalwani Z, Sindiani A, Alodetalah R, Alqudah M. The Association between Late Third-Trimester Oxytocin Level and Early-Onset Postpartum Depression Symptoms among Jordanian Mothers: A Cross-sectional Study. DEPRESSION RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2022; 2022:7474121. [PMID: 35198245 PMCID: PMC8860546 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7474121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Oxytocin has been suggested to play a vital role in modulating maternal behavior and stress-related disorders. However, the relationship between antenatal oxytocin and postpartum depression is not well established. We aim to investigate the association between serum oxytocin level in the late third-trimester and early-onset postpartum depression symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 172 healthy pregnant women participated in this cross-sectional descriptive study. The serum oxytocin level was measured between 34 and 37 weeks. A validated Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess symptoms of depression four to six weeks postpartum. Participants who scored more than 12 on the EPDS were considered having depressive symptoms. Independent sample t-test and Pearson r were used to examine differences in depression scores. The level of significance was set at α = 0.05. RESULTS 30.8% of the participants experienced depressive symptoms. There was no association between EPDS scores and oxytocin level r(170) = 0.10, p = 0.23. The association also did not exist even among women with a lifetime history of depression r(43) = -0.13, p = 0.37. Participants with low education, low income, previous history of depression, positive family history of depression, positive family issues, and absent emotional family support have scored significantly higher on EPDS scores than their counterparts. The strongest association was with previous lifetime history of depression t(170) = -4.40, p < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS Postpartum depression is a major public health problem in Jordan. Late trimester serum oxytocin level has no association with early-onset postpartum depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Rawashdeh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), Post Office Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Zahra Alalwani
- King Abdulla University Hospital (KAUH), Ar-Ramtha, Jordan, Post Office Box: 630001, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
| | - Amer Sindiani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), Post Office Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Rana Alodetalah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at King Abdulla University Hospital (KAUH), Ar-Ramtha, Post Office Box: 630001, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
| | - Mohammad Alqudah
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), Post Office Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan
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