The Influence of Oxytocin on Pair-bonding and Emotion Regulation

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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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.

Official Title
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The Influence of Oxytocin on Pair-bonding and Emotion Regulation

Conditions
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Healthy

Intervention / Treatment
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* Drug: Syntocinon-Spray


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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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

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 45 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: Triple


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Oxytocin<br>24 IU Oxytocin (Syntocinon spray), intranasal application 30 min prior to the experiment | Drug: Syntocinon-Spray<br>* Intranasal administration of 24 IU Oxytocin<br>|
| Placebo Comparator: Placebo<br>Intranasal application, containing all ingredients except for the peptide, 3 puffs per nostril | Drug: Syntocinon-Spray<br>* Intranasal administration of 24 IU Oxytocin<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Neural response to photographs of the partner | 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. | About one hour after the intranasal administration of oxytocin | 
| Neural response during the regulation of food craving | 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. | About one hour after the intranasal administration of oxytocin | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Attractiveness ratings of all stimuli | 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. | About one hour after the intranasal administration of oxytocin | 
| Arousal ratings of all stimuli | 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. | About one hour after the intranasal administration of oxytocin | 
| Food craving ratings | The effect of oxytocin on food craving ratings will be compared with placebo. Ratings will be obtained by using a visual analog scale. | About one hour after the intranasal administration of oxytocin | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Healthy women