Oxytocin's Effect on Socioemotional Aging
| Status: | Completed |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Healthy Studies |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Other |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 18 - 85 |
| Updated: | 4/21/2016 |
| Start Date: | July 2013 |
| End Date: | September 2014 |
Oxytocin and Aging: Neuro-Behavioral Effects on Social Cognition and Prosocial Behavior
This study will investigate the extent to which intranasal oxytocin affects changes in
social decision making and evaluations of others. Oxytocin is a hormone that naturally
occurs in the body and the brain and has been shown to be relevant for many behaviors,
particularly in social situations. Research on the effects of oxytocin in aging is very
scarce; therefore, the purpose of this research project is to determine the effects of
oxytocin on socioemotional aging.
social decision making and evaluations of others. Oxytocin is a hormone that naturally
occurs in the body and the brain and has been shown to be relevant for many behaviors,
particularly in social situations. Research on the effects of oxytocin in aging is very
scarce; therefore, the purpose of this research project is to determine the effects of
oxytocin on socioemotional aging.
In order to demonstrate oxytocin as a causal mechanism in socioemotional aging, the
investigators propose to temporarily elevate oxytocin levels and then measure activity in
the brain while participants engage in socially relevant tasks. Participants in this study
will be randomly assigned (much like flipping a coin) to receive either a single
administration of oxytocin or a placebo (a substance that looks like the oxytocin but does
not have any active drug). Neither participants nor the investigator will know to which
condition each participant is assigned. Prior to being enrolled into the study a screening
to determine eligibility will be conducted. Once the screening visit is completed and it has
been determined that subjects can be randomized into the study, an appointment will be
scheduled for the full study visit.
The purpose of the screening is to determine whether the individual is eligible for
participation in the study and will consist of a series of questions about demographics and
health history, two saliva samples, two short tasks, blood test, and brief meeting with a
licensed clinician to ensure that it is safe for the individual to take part in the magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) and drug administration.
The study visit will comprise two collections of saliva for laboratory tests prior to and
following the oxytocin administration in order to measure levels of the hormone in the body
at baseline and after the spray. Saliva samples will also allow for an examination of how
oxytocin-related genes may impact cognition and behavior during study tasks. Participants
will work on various social tasks while in the MRI scanner, and response accuracy, response
time, and brain activity will be recorded. After the scan, participants will complete a
series of brief questionnaires on paper and on the computer.
investigators propose to temporarily elevate oxytocin levels and then measure activity in
the brain while participants engage in socially relevant tasks. Participants in this study
will be randomly assigned (much like flipping a coin) to receive either a single
administration of oxytocin or a placebo (a substance that looks like the oxytocin but does
not have any active drug). Neither participants nor the investigator will know to which
condition each participant is assigned. Prior to being enrolled into the study a screening
to determine eligibility will be conducted. Once the screening visit is completed and it has
been determined that subjects can be randomized into the study, an appointment will be
scheduled for the full study visit.
The purpose of the screening is to determine whether the individual is eligible for
participation in the study and will consist of a series of questions about demographics and
health history, two saliva samples, two short tasks, blood test, and brief meeting with a
licensed clinician to ensure that it is safe for the individual to take part in the magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) and drug administration.
The study visit will comprise two collections of saliva for laboratory tests prior to and
following the oxytocin administration in order to measure levels of the hormone in the body
at baseline and after the spray. Saliva samples will also allow for an examination of how
oxytocin-related genes may impact cognition and behavior during study tasks. Participants
will work on various social tasks while in the MRI scanner, and response accuracy, response
time, and brain activity will be recorded. After the scan, participants will complete a
series of brief questionnaires on paper and on the computer.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Between the ages of 18-30 years or 63-85 years
- English fluency
- Caucasian
- Right-handed
Exclusion Criteria:
- Pregnant or possibly pregnant
- Breastfeeding
- Claustrophobia
- Currently on vasoconstrictors, pseudoephedrine or antidiuretic medication
- Large pieces of metal in the body, particularly in the face or neck
- Piercings or metal implants that cannot be removed from the body
- Surgery on the brain or any prior serious brain damage or disease
- Dementia or severe cognitive disorders
- History of hyponatremia, Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone, psychogenic
polydipsia, or motion disorder
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