Examining sex, adverse childhood experiences, and oxytocin on neuroendocrine reactivity in smokers.

ABSTRACT: Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) are associated with greater neuroendocrine responses to social stress in substance users. The neuropeptide oxytocin might attenuate this relationship. Given sex differences in ACE exposure and neuroendocrine stress reactivity, it is unknown whether this association is similar for males and females. Therefore, this secondary analysis evaluated the interactive effect of sex, ACE, and acute oxytocin administration on neuroendocrine stress responses in adult cigarette smokers (N = 144). Participants completed the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire at screening and were randomized to receive intranasal oxytocin or placebo before undergoing the Trier Social Stress Task (TSST). Cortisol levels were assessed at pre- and post-medication administration an

SUBMITTER: Hood CO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7502468 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature