Neural mechanisms of oxytocin

To gain insight in the neurobiological mechanisms behind oxytocin
effects on human social-emotional behaviour, the following study will
investigate the neural mechanisms of human sociality combined with
oxytocin administration. A within subjects, double-blind counterbalanced
placebo controlled design will be used. One group of subjects will
participate in both experimental and placebo condition. Procedures on
both days are identical and consist of an explanation of the tasks to be
performed, the administration (placebo or OT nasal spray) followed by an
functional Megnatic Resonance Imaging scan during which 3 tasks
investigating the neural mechanisms of social are to be performed and
an anatomical scan is made. Contrasting task related Blood oxygen level
dependent activation within the group between placebo and OT can show
specific activation related to OT administration.

Oxytocin has effect on neural areas involved in human social emotional functioning

2 timepoints, 1 for placebo, 1 for experimental condition

Participants will self-administer 24 IU OT nasal spray. This nasal spray
contains a synthetic version of OT which is identical to the human
pituitary version of OT under the registered name Syntocinon. The
placebo condition will consist of the same nasal administration without
the active ingredient OT. Nasal spray administration is an effective way
of delivering OT in the central nervous system via the nasal mucous
membrane, without substantial side effects (Born et al., 2002; Kosfeld
et al., 2005).