Influence of Oxytocin on Resting State Neurophysiological Measures
Overview
- Phase
- Phase 1
- Intervention
- Oxytocin
- Conditions
- Oxytocin
- Sponsor
- KU Leuven
- Enrollment
- 56
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Change in heart rate variability after oxytocin administration
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 6 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
In this study, the investigators will explore the influence of oxytocin administration on several neurophysiological responses (EEG, skin conductance and heart rate) during rest.
Detailed Description
Oxytocin is known to influence several neurophysiological measures, such as heart rate, EEG and skin conductance during specific tasks (e.g., emotion recognition, fear learning and extinction). However, not much is known about the influence of oxytocin on those measures during rest. Therefore, in this randomized, placebo controlled, double blinded study, the investigators will investigate the influence of oxytocin during a resting period of 5 minutes. Heart rate, skin conductance, respiration and EEG will be measured before and after oxytocin or placebo administration. The investigators expect that oxytocin will increase the heart rate variability and decrease the skin conductance levels. Exploratory, the investigators will conduct a cross-frequency analysis of band power and asses the relationship between distinct indexes of sympathetic / parasympathetic balance. Please note that this study is part of a larger study in which the investigators also asses the influence of oxytocin on neurophysiological responses elicited by direct gaze
Investigators
Kaat Alaerts
Prof. Dr. Kaat Alaerts
KU Leuven
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •right-handed
- •age between 18 and 35
- •Normal or adjusted-to-normal vision (with lenses only)
- •Dutch as mother tongue
Exclusion Criteria
- •not right-handed
- •age below 18 or above 35
- •Need to wear glasses
- •Dutch not as mother tongue
Arms & Interventions
Oxytocin
Syntocinon nasal spray (40 IU/ml; oxytocin, product code RVG 03716); single intranasal dose of 24 international units (IU; 3 puffs of 4 IU per nostril)
Intervention: Oxytocin
Placebo
saline natriumchloride solution nasal spray; single intranasal dose (3 puffs per nostril)
Intervention: Placebo
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Change in heart rate variability after oxytocin administration
Time Frame: Assessment over 5 minutes, before and after oxytocin or placebo administration
The influence of oxytocin administration on heart rate variability
Secondary Outcomes
- Change in skin conductance level after oxytocin administration(Assessment over 5 minutes, before and after oxytocin or placebo administration)