https://doi.org/10.55788/f18146ef
Oxytocin is an important neuromodulator that has a role in affiliative behaviour, including inter-personal bonding, social attachment, and trust. Intranasal administration of oxytocin is increasingly considered as a potential treatment option for elevating the socio-communicative problems that are at the core of autism spectrum disorders.
Dr Kaat Alaerts (KU Leuven, Belgium) first reviewed the results of several randomised-controlled trials of oxytocin in autism [1]. Although most studies reported a positive outcome on social behaviour, the largest trial (n=277) did not [2]. These contradictory outcomes are likely due to differences in populations, symptom severity, as well as variations in trial design, suggested Dr Alaerts.
Secondly, Dr Alaerts discussed the long-term neurobiological effects of repeated oxytocin doses, which are hardly studied. The results from 2 recent, randomised-controlled trials give some clues on this matter. In the first trial (NCT02940574), 40 adult men with autism were treated with a daily nasal dose of oxytocin 24 IU for 4 weeks, with a follow-up of 1 year. Oxytocin proved to attenuate amygdala activity, which lasted throughout the follow-up [3,4]. In addition, connectivity from the amygdala to the orbital frontal cortex was attenuated throughout the follow-up. This was interpreted as a decreased need for prefrontal cognitive control over amygdala reactivity after oxytocin treatment. Concerning behavioural effects, a reduction of ‘feelings of avoidance’ was observed after oxytocin treatment. At an individual level, improvement in behaviour correlated with attenuation of amygdala activity. Oxytocin treatment also –temporarily– increased endogenous oxytocin production [5]. This might suggest a positive spiral of oxytocin release.
A similar designed randomised-controlled trial in children (with follow-up from only 4 weeks after the last oxytocin dose) showed comparable changes in the connectivity between the amygdala and the orbital frontal cortex. In addition, in this cohort, a positive correlation was found between baseline oxytocin receptor expression and change in the amygdala-orbital frontal cortex connectivity. This suggests that at least some level of oxytocin receptor expression is needed to react to the oxytocin treatment, Dr Alaerts explained. Also in line with the findings in the adult cohort, improvement in behaviour correlated with attenuation of amygdala activity.
- Alaerts K, et al. Oxytocin pharmacotherapy for autism – an overview of the state-of-the-art and future directions to take. Abstract S17.03, ECNP Congress 2022, 15–18 October, Vienna, Austria.
- Sikich L, et al. N Eng J Med. 2021;14;385.
- Bernaerts S, et al. Transl Psychiatry. 2020;10:383.
- Bernaerts S, et al. Mol Autism. 2020;11:6.
- Alaerts K, et al. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2021;43:147–152.
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Table of Contents: ECNP 2022
Featured articles
Letter from the Editor
New Medications
Zuranolone shows rapid-acting efficacy in postpartum depression
Probiotics could reduce perceived stress
KarXT is effective in schizophrenic patients experiencing acute psychosis
Low-dose ulipristal acetate is an effective treatment for PMDD
New Findings
Endogenous oxytocin release helps the mind to deal with pain
Nitric oxide synthase genetic variant is a risk factor for suicidal behaviour
Early-life gut microbiota depletion changes brain morphology and behaviour
Digital Technology
Treating intrusive memories after trauma in healthcare workers using Tetris
VR exposure as effective as in vivo exposure for phobia
Efficacy of smartphone-based treatment of bipolar disorders not (yet) validated
Psilocybin
Mode of action of psilocybin
Fast and sustained effect of 2 administrations of psilocybin on depression
Antidepressant properties of psilocybin might be related to changes in sleep
Peripartum Neurobiology
Both sex hormones and serotonin play a role in peripartum mental health
Child loss induces short- and long-term neurobiological changes
Reproductive state matters when looking at the female brain and drug treatment effects
Miscellaneous
Different brain responses to fat and/or sugar
Diabetes not related to abnormal biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease
Oxytocin treatment induces long-lasting neurobiological adaptations in autism
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