Oxytocin, Emotions and Mirror Neurons
| Status: | Not yet recruiting |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Cognitive Studies, Psychiatric |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Psychiatry / Psychology |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 18 - 30 |
| Updated: | 4/2/2016 |
| Start Date: | October 2014 |
| End Date: | August 2016 |
| Contact: | Robert W. Buchanan, MD |
| Email: | rwbuchanan@mprc.umaryland.edu |
| Phone: | (410) 402-7876 |
The Influence of Oxytocin on the Mirror Neuron System: Developing Brain Imaging Paradigms for Future Therapeutic Interventions
The purpose of this project is to investigate the possible effect of intranasally
administered Oxytocin (OT) on specific mirror neuron areas in human brain. The mirror neuron
system (MNS) is thought to be involved in action perception and understanding, and may also
underlie more complex cognitive processes such as imitation. We will use
electroencephalographic (EEG) investigations to examine brain activity while participants
complete two different tasks, consisting of the observation and imitation of emotional
facial expressions (video presented) and the observation and execution of simple grasping
actions (live presented), respectively. In addition, before the beginning of the EEG
recording session, subjects will be randomly assigned to two different groups (Oxytocin or
Placebo group) and will receive a dose of either intranasal Oxytocin or Placebo solution.
Oxytocin is a polypeptide hormone that plays a critical role in social behavior. We will
identify mu and beta rhythm from the ongoing EEG and examine suppression as a function of
emotion and goal directed action perception and imitation/execution.
administered Oxytocin (OT) on specific mirror neuron areas in human brain. The mirror neuron
system (MNS) is thought to be involved in action perception and understanding, and may also
underlie more complex cognitive processes such as imitation. We will use
electroencephalographic (EEG) investigations to examine brain activity while participants
complete two different tasks, consisting of the observation and imitation of emotional
facial expressions (video presented) and the observation and execution of simple grasping
actions (live presented), respectively. In addition, before the beginning of the EEG
recording session, subjects will be randomly assigned to two different groups (Oxytocin or
Placebo group) and will receive a dose of either intranasal Oxytocin or Placebo solution.
Oxytocin is a polypeptide hormone that plays a critical role in social behavior. We will
identify mu and beta rhythm from the ongoing EEG and examine suppression as a function of
emotion and goal directed action perception and imitation/execution.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Right-hand dominant
- Sufficient spoken English so as to be able to complete testing validly and give
informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
- Currently taking any psychotropic or cognition enhancing medication
- History of schizophrenia or any other psychotic disorder, including Bipolar Disorder
- Family history of psychosis
- Neurological disease or clinically significant head injury
- Physical disability that substantially impairs motor function
- Current diagnosis of polydypsic-induced hyponatremia
- Substance dependence or abuse in the past 6 months
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