Healthy
Conditions
Keywords
Healthy women
Brief summary
The neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) has been identified as a key modulator of human social behavior and it has been recently shown that OXT also contributes to pair-bonding in men. However, it is still elusive whether OXT has similar effects in women. In the present study, the investigators examine the effect of intranasal OXT on behavioral ratings of and neural responses to the male partner in female participants. In a second experiment, the modulatory effect of OXT on emotion regulation is investigated.
Interventions
DRUGSyntocinon-Spray
Intranasal administration of 24 IU Oxytocin
Sponsors
University Hospital, Bonn
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
TRIPLE (Subject, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to 45 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Healthy female volunteers * In a heterosexual relationship
Exclusion criteria
* Current or past psychiatric disease * Current or past physical illness * Psychoactive medication * Pregnant or lactating
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Neural response to photographs of the partner | About one hour after the intranasal administration of oxytocin | Neural responses will be measured by using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In the fMRI analysis the effect of oxytocin on the neural response to the photograph of the partner will be compared with placebo. |
| Neural response during the regulation of food craving | About one hour after the intranasal administration of oxytocin | Neural responses will be measured by using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In the fMRI analysis the effect of oxytocin on the neural response to the regulation of food craving will be compared with placebo. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Attractiveness ratings of all stimuli | About one hour after the intranasal administration of oxytocin | The effect of oxytocin on attractiveness ratings of the partner will be compared with placebo. Ratings will be obtained by using a visual analog scale. |
| Arousal ratings of all stimuli | About one hour after the intranasal administration of oxytocin | The effect of oxytocin on arousal ratings of the partner will be compared with placebo. Ratings will be obtained by using a visual analog scale. |
| Food craving ratings | About one hour after the intranasal administration of oxytocin | The effect of oxytocin on food craving ratings will be compared with placebo. Ratings will be obtained by using a visual analog scale. |
Countries
Germany
Outcome results
None listed