Randomized clinical trial shows no substantial modulation of empathy-related neural activation by intranasal oxytocin in autism.

ABSTRACT: Evidence suggests that intranasal application of oxytocin facilitates empathy and modulates its underlying neural processes, which are often impaired in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Oxytocin has therefore been considered a promising candidate for the treatment of social difficulties in ASD. However, evidence linking oxytocin treatment to social behavior and brain function in ASD is limited and heterogeneous effects might depend on variations in the oxytocin-receptor gene (OXTR). We examined 25 male ASD patients without intellectual disability in a double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled fMRI-protocol, in which a single dose of oxytocin or placebo was applied intranasally. Patients performed three experiments in the MRI examining empathy for other's physical pain,

SUBMITTER: Mayer AV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8302641 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature