Modulation of Reinforcement Learning

Modulation of Reinforcement Learning and Neuronal Activation in Ventral Stratum by Oxytocin - a Pilot Study at Autism Spectrum Disorder

Status

Completed

Phases

Study type

Interventional

Source

ClinicalTrials.gov

Registry ID

NCT01712464

Enrollment

Registered

2012-10-23

Start date

2013-10-18

Completion date

2016-08-07

Last updated

2018-05-01

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Impact of Oxytocin on Social Learning

Brief summary

This study aims to examine the modulation of neuronal and behavioural parameters of social reinforcement learning.

Interventions

DRUGOxytocin vs. Placebo

FMRI measurement and blood examinations after 26 IU Oxytocin (Syntocinon)or placebo on two consecutive days

Study design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Intervention model

CROSSOVER

Primary purpose

DIAGNOSTIC

Masking

DOUBLE (Subject, Investigator)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

MALE

Age

18 Years to 26 Years

Healthy volunteers

Yes

Inclusion criteria

* Age between 18 and 26 years * male * IQ\>80 * written informed consent * proband understands character, extent and individual consequences of the study * competent persons who are able to follow the instructions of the study personnel * for ASD patients: assured ASD diagnosis, comply of the ASD criteria ADI-R/ADOS-G

Exclusion criteria

* prosopagnosia * anaphylaxis of oxytocin or other chemical substances * metal inside the body or other contraindications of mri scan * physical illness which can affect the examinations or endanger the proband * actual or assumed drug or alcohol abuse * persons who are accommodated in an institution because of court or administrative order * persons with a relationship of dependence to the sponsor or investigator * healthy probands: psychiatric disorder according to ICD-10-WHO F at the moment and in history, continuous drug-intake at time of measurements * patients with ASD: psychiatric disorder according to ICD-10-WHO F (except ASD disorder in patient group) during the last 12 month being not treated, continuous drug-intake at time of measurements (psychotropic medication), exception: stimulants used for treatment of attention disorders, if they can come off for the measurements

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame	Description
Bold Signal in nucleus accumbens	1 Day	during social learning at one treatment with oxytocin vs placebo

Secondary

Measure	Time frame	Description
Bold signal in ventral tegmental areal	1 Day	during social learning at one treatment with oxytocin vs placebo

Countries

Germany

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026