1
|
Liu CM, Davis EA, Suarez AN, Wood RI, Noble EE, Kanoski SE. Sex Differences and Estrous Influences on Oxytocin Control of Food Intake. Neuroscience 2019; 447:63-73. [PMID: 31738883 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Central oxytocin potently reduces food intake and is being pursued as a clinical treatment for obesity. While sexually dimorphic effects have been described for the effects of oxytocin on several behavioral outcomes, the role of sex in central oxytocin modulation of feeding behavior is poorly understood. Here we investigated the effects of sex, estrous cycle stage, and female sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone) on central oxytocin-mediated reduction of food intake in rats. Results show that while intracerebroventricular (ICV) oxytocin potently reduces chow intake in both male and female rats, these effects were more pronounced in males than in females. We next examined whether estrous cycle stage affects oxytocin's food intake-reducing effects in females. Results show that ICV oxytocin administration significantly reduces food intake during all estrous cycle stages except proestrous, suggesting that female sex hormones may modulate the feeding effects of oxytocin. Indeed, additional results reveal that estrogen, but not progesterone replacement, in ovariectomized rats abolishes oxytocin-mediated reductions in chow intake. Lastly, oxytocin receptor mRNA (Oxtr) quantification (via quantitative PCR) and anatomical localization (via fluorescent in situ hybridization) in previously established sites of action for oxytocin control of food intake revealed comparable Oxtr expression between male and female rats, suggesting that observed sex and estrous differences may be based on variations in ligand availability and/or binding. Overall, these data show that estrogen reduces the effectiveness of central oxytocin to inhibit food intake, suggesting that sex hormones and estrous cycle should be considered in clinical investigations of oxytocin for obesity treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa M Liu
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Department of Biological Sciences, Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Elizabeth A Davis
- Department of Biological Sciences, Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Andrea N Suarez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ruth I Wood
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Department of Integrative Anatomical Sciences, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Emily E Noble
- Department of Biological Sciences, Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States.
| | - Scott E Kanoski
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Department of Biological Sciences, Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Menstrual cycle-related fluctuations in oxytocin concentrations: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 52:144-155. [PMID: 30458185 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin affects physiological and psychological functions that are often expressed sex-specifically, suggesting interactions between oxytocin and sex hormones. As female sex hormone concentrations change during the menstrual cycle, oxytocin might fluctuate, too. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated endogenous oxytocin concentrations across menstrual cycle phases in healthy women. Data from 13 studies (120 women) showed a significant increase of oxytocin concentrations from the early follicular phase to ovulation (g = 0.39 [0.25; 0.53], p < .001) and a significant decrease from ovulation to the mid-luteal phase (g = -0.50 [-0.81; -0.18], p < .001). There were no significant differences between the early follicular and mid-luteal phase (g = -0.19 [-0.70; -0.32], p = .471). These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of differences in normal and abnormal psychobiological processes in women. They highlight the necessity to consider the menstrual cycle phase in studies on oxytocin in women.
Collapse
|
3
|
Skinner JA, Garg ML, Dayas CV, Fenton S, Burrows TL. Relationship between dietary intake and behaviors with oxytocin: a systematic review of studies in adults. Nutr Rev 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nux078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Janelle A Skinner
- Nutrition and Dietetics School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Manohar L Garg
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher V Dayas
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sasha Fenton
- Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tracy L Burrows
- Nutrition and Dietetics School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Baskaran C, Plessow F, Silva L, Asanza E, Marengi D, Eddy KT, Sluss PM, Johnson ML, Misra M, Lawson EA. Oxytocin secretion is pulsatile in men and is related to social-emotional functioning. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 85:28-34. [PMID: 28800490 PMCID: PMC5636187 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.07.486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The hypothalamic hormone oxytocin (OXT) plays an important role in a range of physiological processes and social-emotional functioning in both sexes. In women, physiological stimuli, such as suckling and parturition, result in pulsatile release of OXT into the peripheral circulation via the posterior pituitary gland. However, data regarding OXT secretory patterns in men during a state of rest are limited. Further, the relationship between secretory dynamics of OXT and emotional measures has never been evaluated. We hypothesized a pulsatile pattern of OXT secretion in men, and explored the relationship between OXT secretory patterns and social-emotional functioning. METHODS Deconvolution analysis was performed on serum OXT levels obtained every 5min over a period of 10h in 5 healthy normal weight men. Area under the curve (AUC), average OXT values, and pulse characteristics [pulse number, inter-pulse interval, pulse height and mass (area under each pulse)] were calculated. State Adult Attachment Measure (SAAM) assessed types of human attachment. Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL) assessed perception of social support. Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) measured the ability to express and identify one's own emotions. RESULTS Mean age was 22.8±1.2years, and BMI was 21.7±0.4kg/m2 (mean±SEM). Assuming a basal secretion of zero and a half life of five to seven minutes, we demonstrated the following: OXT AUC: 5421±1331pg/ml, mean OXT level: 9.1pg/ml, mean pulse number: 22±3/10hr, mean pulse height: 1.81±0.48pg/ml, mean pulse mass: 30.34±10.29pg/ml and mean inter-pulse interval: 27±4min. The SAAM Avoidant scale correlated negatively with mean OXT pulse height (r=-0.90, p=0.04) and pulse mass (r=-0.95, p=0.01). The ISEL Belonging score correlated positively with OXT AUC (r=0.89, p=0.04) and average OXT (r=0.93, p=0.02). ISEL Appraisal score also had a positive association with mean OXT pulse height (r=0.99, p=0.0006) and pulse mass (r=0.98, p=0.003). Finally, ISEL total score had a significant correlation with average OXT values (r=0.90, p=0.04). While none of the subjects had a score in the alexithymia range, TAS-20 Difficulty describing feelings score had an inverse correlation with OXT pulse height (r=-0.96, p=0.01) and pulse mass (r=-0.99, p=0.001). TAS-20 total score also had an inverse correlation with OXT pulse height (r=-0.94, p=0.02) and pulse mass (r=-0.96, p=0.009). CONCLUSION We demonstrate a pulsatile pattern of peripheral OXT secretion in healthy men at rest. Subjects with lower OXT pulse height and pulse mass had a more avoidant style of attachment, felt less supported, and expressed greater difficulty in describing their feelings. Our findings support the concept that OXT is a key mediator of social-emotional functioning. Future studies to determine causality are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charu Baskaran
- Pediatric Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Franziska Plessow
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lisseth Silva
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elisa Asanza
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dean Marengi
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kamryn T. Eddy
- Eating Disorder Clinical Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Patrick M Sluss
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael L Johnson
- Departments of Pharmacology and Internal Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Madhusmita Misra
- Pediatric Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Lawson
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Plasma Oxytocin and Arginine-Vasopressin Levels in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in China: Associations with Symptoms. Neurosci Bull 2016; 32:423-32. [PMID: 27342432 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-016-0046-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined by impairments of social interaction and the presence of obsessive behaviors. The "twin" nonapeptides oxytocin (OXT) and arginine-vasopressin (AVP) are known to play regulatory roles in social behaviors. However, the plasma levels and behavioral relevance of OXT and AVP in children with ASD have seldom been investigated. It is also unknown whether their mothers have abnormal plasma peptide levels. Here, using well-established methods of neuropeptide measurement and a relatively large sample size, we determined the plasma levels of the two neuropeptides in 85 normal children, 84 children with ASD, and 31 mothers from each group of children. As expected, children with ASD had lower plasma OXT levels than gender-matched controls (P = 0.028). No such difference was found for plasma AVP concentrations. Correlation analysis showed that ASD children with higher plasma OXT concentrations tended to have less impairment of verbal communication (Rho = -0.22, P = 0.076), while those with higher plasma AVP levels tended to have lower levels of repetitive use of objects (Rho = -0.231, P = 0.079). Unlike the findings in children, maternal plasma OXT levels showed no group difference. However, plasma AVP levels in the mothers of ASD children tended to be lower than in the mothers of normal children (P = 0.072). In conclusion, our results suggest that the OXT system is dysregulated in children with ASD, and that OXT and AVP levels in plasma seem to be associated with specific autistic symptoms. The plasma levels of OXT or AVP in mothers and their ASD children did not seem to change in the same direction.
Collapse
|
6
|
Milrod B, Altemus M, Gross C, Busch F, Silver G, Christos P, Stieber J, Schneier F. Adult separation anxiety in treatment nonresponders with anxiety disorders: delineation of the syndrome and exploration of attachment-based psychotherapy and biomarkers. Compr Psychiatry 2016; 66:139-45. [PMID: 26995247 PMCID: PMC8363051 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2016.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinically significant separation anxiety [SA] has been identified as being common among patients who do not respond to psychiatric interventions, regardless of intervention type (pharmacological or psychotherapeutic), across anxiety and mood disorders. An attachment formation and maintenance domain has been proposed as contributing to anxiety disorders. We therefore directly determined prevalence of SA in a population of adult treatment non-responders suffering from primary anxiety. In these separation anxious nonresponders, we pilot-tested an SA-focused, attachment-based psychotherapy for anxiety, Panic-Focused Psychodynamic Psychotherapy-eXtended Range [PFPP-XR], and assessed whether hypothesized biomarkers of attachment were engaged. We studied separation anxiety [SA] in 46 adults (ages 23-70 [mean 43.9 (14.9)]) with clinically significant anxiety symptoms (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale [HARS]≥15), and reporting a history of past non-response to psychotherapy and/or medication treatments. Thirty-seven (80%) had clinically significant symptoms of separation anxiety (Structured Clinical Interview for Separation Anxiety Symptoms [SCI-SAS] score≥8). Five of these subjects completed an open clinical trial of Panic Focused Psychodynamic Psychotherapy eXtended Range [PFPP-XR], a 21-24 session, 12-week manualized attachment-focused anxiolytic psychodynamic psychotherapy for anxiety. Patients improved on "adult threshold" SCI-SAS (current separation anxiety) (p=.016), HARS (p=0.002), and global severity, assessed by the Clinical Global Impression Scale (p=.0006), at treatment termination. Salivary oxytocin levels decreased 67% after treatment (p=.12). There was no significant change in high or low frequency HRV after treatment, but change in high frequency HRV inversely correlated with treatment change in oxytocin (p<.02), and change in low frequency HRV was positively associated with change in oxytocin (p<.02). SA is surprisingly prevalent among non-responders to standard anti-anxiety treatments, and it may represent a novel transdiagnostic target for treatment intervention in this population. Anxiety and global function improved in a small trial of a brief, manualized, attachment-focused psychodynamic psychotherapy, potentially supporting the clinical relevance of attachment dysfunction in this sample. The large decrease in oxytocin levels with treatment, although not statistically significant in this very small sample, suggests the need for further study of oxytocin as a putative biomarker or mediator of SA response. These pilot data generate testable hypotheses supporting an attachment domain underlying treatment-resistant anxiety, and new treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Milrod
- Weill Cornell Medical College, 525 East 68(th) Street, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Margaret Altemus
- Weill Cornell Medical College, 525 East 68(th) Street, NY 10065, USA
| | - Charles Gross
- Weill Cornell Medical College, 525 East 68(th) Street, NY 10065, USA
| | - Fredric Busch
- Weill Cornell Medical College, 525 East 68(th) Street, NY 10065, USA
| | - Gabrielle Silver
- Weill Cornell Medical College, 525 East 68(th) Street, NY 10065, USA
| | - Paul Christos
- Weill Cornell Medical College, 525 East 68(th) Street, NY 10065, USA
| | - Joshua Stieber
- Weill Cornell Medical College, 525 East 68(th) Street, NY 10065, USA
| | - Franklin Schneier
- Weill Cornell Medical College, 525 East 68(th) Street, NY 10065, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dal Monte O, Noble PL, Costa VD, Averbeck BB. Oxytocin enhances attention to the eye region in rhesus monkeys. Front Neurosci 2014; 8:41. [PMID: 24624055 PMCID: PMC3939446 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2014.00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human and non-human primates rely on the ability to perceive and interpret facial expressions to guide effective social interactions. The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) has been shown to have a critical role in the perception of social cues, and in humans to increase the number of saccades to the eye region. To develop a useful primate model for the effects of OT on information processing, we investigated the influence of OT on gaze behavior during face processing in rhesus macaques. Forty-five minutes after a single intranasal dose of either 24IU OT or saline, monkeys completed a free-viewing task during which they viewed pictures of conspecifics displaying one of three facial expressions (neutral, open-mouth threat or bared-teeth) for 5 s. The monkey was free to explore the face on the screen while the pattern of eye movements was recorded. OT did not increase overall fixations to the face compared to saline. Rather, when monkeys freely viewed conspecific faces, OT increased fixations to the eye region relative to the mouth region. This effect of OT was particularly pronounced when face position on the screen was manipulated so that the eye region was not the first facial feature seen by the monkeys. Together these findings are consistent with prior evidence in humans that intranasal administration of OT specifically enhances visual attention to the eye region compared to other informative facial features, thus validating the use of non-human primates to mechanistically explore how OT modulates social information processing and behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga Dal Monte
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health Bethesda, MD, USA ; Department of Neuropsychology, University of Turin Turin, Italy
| | - Pamela L Noble
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Vincent D Costa
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Bruno B Averbeck
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Intranasal oxytocin effects on social cognition: a critique. Brain Res 2013; 1580:69-77. [PMID: 24239931 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2013.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Revised: 11/01/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The last decade has seen a large number of published findings supporting the hypothesis that intranasally delivered oxytocin (OT) can enhance the processing of social stimuli and regulate social emotion-related behaviors such as trust, memory, fidelity, and anxiety. The use of nasal spray for administering OT in behavioral research has become a standard method, but many questions still exist regarding its action. OT is a peptide that cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, and it has yet to be shown that it does indeed reach the brain when delivered intranasally. Given the evidence, it seems highly likely that OT does affect behavior when delivered as a nasal spray. These effects may be driven by at least three possible mechanisms. First, the intranasally delivered OT may diffuse directly into the CNS where it directly engages OT receptors. Second, the intranasally delivered OT may trigger increased central release via an indirect peripheral mechanism. And third, the indirect peripheral effects may directly lead to behavioral effects via some mechanism other than increased central release. Although intranasally delivered OT likely affects behavior, there are conflicting reports as to the exact nature of those behavioral changes: some studies suggest that OT effects are not always "pro-social" and others suggest effects on social behaviors are due to a more general anxiolytic effect. In this critique, we draw from work in healthy human populations and the animal literature to review the mechanistic aspects of intranasal OT delivery, and to discuss intranasal OT effects on social cognition and behavior. We conclude that future work should control carefully for anxiolytic and gender effects, which could underlie inconsistencies in the existing literature. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Oxytocin and Social Behav.
Collapse
|
9
|
Macdonald K, Feifel D. Helping oxytocin deliver: considerations in the development of oxytocin-based therapeutics for brain disorders. Front Neurosci 2013; 7:35. [PMID: 23508240 PMCID: PMC3597931 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2013.00035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2012] [Accepted: 02/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Concerns regarding a drought in psychopharmacology have risen from many quarters. From one perspective, the wellspring of bedrock medications for anxiety disorders, depression, and schizophrenia was serendipitously discovered over 30 year ago, the swell of pharmaceutical investment in drug discovery has receded, and the pipeline's flow of medications with unique mechanisms of action (i.e., glutamatergic agents, CRF antagonists) has slowed to a trickle. Might oxytocin (OT)-based therapeutics be an oasis? Though a large basic science literature and a slowly increasing number of studies in human diseases support this hope, the bulk of extant OT studies in humans are single-dose studies on normals, and do not directly relate to improvements in human brain-based diseases. Instead, these studies have left us with a field pregnant with therapeutic possibilities, but barren of definitive treatments. In this clinically oriented review, we discuss the extant OT literature with an eye toward helping OT deliver on its promise as a therapeutic agent. To this end, we identify 10 key questions that we believe future OT research should address. From this overview, several conclusions are clear: (1) the OT system represents an extremely promising target for novel CNS drug development; (2) there is a pressing need for rigorous, randomized controlled clinical trials targeting actual patients; and (3) in order to inform the design and execution of these vital trials, we need further translational studies addressing the questions posed in this review. Looking forward, we extend a cautious hope that the next decade of OT research will birth OT-targeted treatments that can truly deliver on this system's therapeutic potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Macdonald
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego San Diego, CA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sasayama D, Hattori K, Teraishi T, Hori H, Ota M, Yoshida S, Arima K, Higuchi T, Amano N, Kunugi H. Negative correlation between cerebrospinal fluid oxytocin levels and negative symptoms of male patients with schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2012; 139:201-6. [PMID: 22742979 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2012.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2012] [Revised: 05/13/2012] [Accepted: 06/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence indicates that oxytocin plays an important role in social interactions. Previous studies also suggest altered oxytocin function in patients with schizophrenia and depression. However, few studies have examined the central oxytocin levels in these disorders. METHODS Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) oxytocin levels were measured by ELISA in male participants consisting of 27 patients with schizophrenia, 17 with major depressive disorder (MDD), and 21 healthy controls. RESULTS CSF oxytocin levels of patients with schizophrenia or MDD did not differ significantly with healthy controls. The antidepressant dose or the Hamilton depression rating scale score did not significantly correlate with the oxytocin levels in MDD patients. CSF oxytocin levels in schizophrenic patients significantly negatively correlated with second generation antipsychotic dose (r=-0.49, P=0.010) but not with first generation antipsychotic dose (r=-0.13, P=0.50). A significant correlation was observed between oxytocin levels and negative subscale of PANSS (r=-0.38, P=0.050). This correlation remained significant even after controlling for second generation antipsychotic dose (r=-0.47, P=0.016). CONCLUSIONS We obtained no evidence of altered CSF oxytocin levels in patients with schizophrenia or those with MDD. However, lower oxytocin levels may be related to higher second generation antipsychotic dose and more severe negative symptoms in schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daimei Sasayama
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1, Ogawahigashi, Kodaira, Tokyo 187-8502, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kunz G, Beil D, Huppert P, Leyendecker G. Oxytocin--a stimulator of directed sperm transport in humans. Reprod Biomed Online 2007; 14:32-9. [PMID: 17207329 DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)60761-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Rhythmic peristaltic contractions of the muscular wall of the non-pregnant uterus, as well as rapid sperm transport from the vagina to the Fallopian tubes, have long been documented by means of vaginal sonography and hysterosalpingoscintigraphy. Uterine peristaltic activity reaches a maximum before ovulation and is controlled via oestradiol secretion from the dominant follicle systemically and into the utero-ovarian countercurrent system; it is also enhanced by oxytocin. In this study, the effect of oxytocin and its receptor antagonist atosiban on uterine peristalsis and thus directed sperm transport during the mid and late follicular phases was examined. Atosiban did not show any effect either on frequency or on pattern of the peristaltic contractions. However, oxytocin significantly increased the rapid and directed transport of radiolabelled particles representing spermatozoa from the vagina into the Fallopian tube ipsilateral to the site of the dominant follicle (P = 0.02, 0.04 and 0.02 after 1, 16 and 32 min of documentation respectively). It seems reasonable to assume that oxytocin plays an important, although not critical, role in the mechanisms governing rapid sperm ascension that, at least in humans, were developed to rapidly preserve an aliquot of spermatozoa following intercourse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Kunz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of St Johannes Hospital Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Marazziti D, Dell'Osso B, Baroni S, Mungai F, Catena M, Rucci P, Albanese F, Giannaccini G, Betti L, Fabbrini L, Italiani P, Del Debbio A, Lucacchini A, Dell'Osso L. A relationship between oxytocin and anxiety of romantic attachment. Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health 2006; 2:28. [PMID: 17034623 PMCID: PMC1621060 DOI: 10.1186/1745-0179-2-28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2006] [Accepted: 10/11/2006] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The formation of social bonding is fundamental for several animals, including humans, for its relevant and obvious impact upon reproduction and, thus, survival of the species. Recent data would suggest that oxytocin might be one of the mediators of this process. Given the paucity of data on the possible involvement of oxytocin in human attachment, the present study was aimed to explore the possible relationships between the plasma levels of this neuropeptide and romantic attachment in healthy subjects. Forty-five healthy subjects who volunteered for the study, were included in the study. The romantic attachment was assessed using the Italian version of the so-called "Experiences in Close Relationships" (ECR), a self-report questionnaire for measuring this parameter in adults. The results showed that attachment anxiety and oxytocin are positively linked in romantic attachment to a statistically significant degree (r = 0.30, p = 0.04), that is, the higher the oxytocin levels the higher the score on the anxiety scale of the ECR. The authors suggest the hypothesis that this link represents one of the biological processes resulting in those rewarding emotions related to romantic attachment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Marazziti
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia e Biotecnologie, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Bernardo Dell'Osso
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia e Biotecnologie, University of Pisa, Italy
- Compulsive, Impulsive and Anxiety Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Stefano Baroni
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia e Biotecnologie, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Mungai
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia e Biotecnologie, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Mario Catena
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia e Biotecnologie, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Rucci
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia e Biotecnologie, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Albanese
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia e Biotecnologie, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Gino Giannaccini
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia e Biotecnologie, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Betti
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia e Biotecnologie, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Fabbrini
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia e Biotecnologie, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Italiani
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia e Biotecnologie, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Del Debbio
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia e Biotecnologie, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonio Lucacchini
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia e Biotecnologie, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Liliana Dell'Osso
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia e Biotecnologie, University of Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Turner RA, Altemus M, Enos T, Cooper B, McGuinness T. Preliminary research on plasma oxytocin in normal cycling women: investigating emotion and interpersonal distress. Psychiatry 1999; 62:97-113. [PMID: 10420425 DOI: 10.1080/00332747.1999.11024859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The neurohormone oxytocin is responsible for initiating childbirth and the let-down reflex in lactating women and is released during sexual orgasm. Oxytocin has been thought of as an affiliation hormone because research on nonhuman mammals has demonstrated that it plays a key role in the initiation of maternal behavior and the formation of adult pair bonds. It has been speculated that social stimuli may induce oxytocin release and that oxytocin may make positive social contact more rewarding. Data are presented from an initial study to examine change in plasma oxytocin in response to a standard imagery task that elicits emotion related to attachment. Twenty-five normal cycling, healthy women underwent imagery tasks and completed questionnaires on attachment and interpersonal problems. Blood draws (5 ml) were bone via an indwelling catheter before, during, and after three interventions (massage, positive emotion, and negative emotion) and to establish baselines. Overall, the data showed a tendency for oxytocin levels to be elevated in response to relaxation massage and decreased in response to sad emotion. There were individual differences in response to the interventions. Those who showed evidence of increased oxytocin levels for positive emotion and massage and who maintained oxytocin levels during negative emotion were less likely to report interpersonal problems associated with intrusiveness. Maintaining oxytocin levels during sadness was also correlated with lower anxiety in close relationships. Women who were in a couple relationship had greater increases in oxytocin in response to positive emotion. In contrast, higher basal levels of oxytocin were associated with greater interpersonal distress. These data suggest that peripheral secretion of oxytocin in response to emotional stimuli is associated with the individual's interpersonal characteristics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R A Turner
- California School of Professional Psychology, San Francisco, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|