Background
Oxytocin is known to reduce anxiety and stress in social interactions as well as to
modulate approach behavior. Recent studies suggest that the amygdala might be the
primary neuronal basis for these effects.
Methods
In a functional magnetic resonance imaging study using a double-blind, placebo-controlled
within-subject design, we measured neural responses to fearful, angry, and happy facial
expressions after intranasal application of 24 IU oxytocin compared with placebo.
Results
Oxytocin reduced right-sided amygdala responses to all three face categories even
when the emotional content of the presented face was not evaluated explicitly. Exploratory
whole brain analysis revealed modulatory effects in prefrontal and temporal areas
as well as in the brainstem.
Conclusions
Results suggest a modulatory role of oxytocin on amygdala responses to facial expressions
irrespective of their valence. Reduction of amygdala activity to positive and negative
stimuli might reflect reduced uncertainty about the predictive value of a social stimulus
and thereby facilitates social approach behavior.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 09, 2007
Accepted:
March 30,
2007
Received in revised form:
March 6,
2007
Received:
December 7,
2006
Identification
Copyright
© 2007 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
