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Controlled Clinical Trial Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2008 Jun;33(5):591-600.

doi: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2008.01.014. Epub 2008 Mar 28.

The acute effects of intranasal oxytocin

administration on endocrine and sexual function in
Cite
males
Collections
Andrea Burri  1 , Markus Heinrichs, Manfred Schedlowski, Tillmann H C Kruger

Affiliations expand
PMID: 18375074 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2008.01.014

Abstract
The role of the neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) ranges from the modulation of neuroendocrine
physiological effects to the establishment of complex social and bonding behaviours. Experimental
studies in animals, as well as case reports in humans, suggest that OT affects different aspects of
sexual behaviour and has predominantly facilitating properties for sexual appetence and performance. Title & authors
Using a previously established experimental paradigm of sexual arousal and masturbation-induced
orgasm, this study investigated the acute effects of intranasal OT application (24I.U.) on endocrine Abstract
parameters and measures of sexual appetence and function in healthy men (n=10). In a double-blind,
placebo-controlled, balanced cross-over design, sexual arousal, and orgasm were induced by an Similar articles
erotic film and masturbation. In addition to the continuous recording of endocrine (OT, cortisol,
prolactin, epinephrine, norepinephrine) and cardiovascular data (heart rate), parameters of appetitive, Cited by
consummatory, and refractory sexual behaviour were assessed using the acute sexual experience scale
(ASES). OT plasma levels were significantly elevated after intranasal OT throughout the whole Publication types
experiment (>60 min). In addition, OT treatment induced significantly higher increases in epinephrine
plasma levels during sexual activity without affecting cortisol levels, prolactin levels or heart rate. OT MeSH terms
treatment did not alter appetitive, consummatory, and refractory sexual behaviour according to the
ASES. However, when subjects were asked about their subjective perception of whether OT or placebo Substances
had been applied, eight out of 10 subjects in the OT group answered correctly, thus pointing to an
altered perception of arousal. In conclusion, intranasally administered OT leads to a marked increase Related information
in OT plasma levels together with increased secretion of catecholamines when subjects are engaged
in sexual activity in a laboratory setting. As the effects of OT on sexual behaviour were equivocal, LinkOut - more
future studies should examine possible facilitating effects further by including males, females, and resources
couples in a field setting, taking into account that OT exerts the most prominent behavioural effects in
pair bond formations.

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Publication types
Controlled Clinical Trial
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms
Administration, Intranasal
Adult
Cross-Over Studies
Double-Blind Method
Endocrine System / drug effects*
Epinephrine / blood
Heart Rate
Humans
Hydrocortisone / blood
Male
Middle Aged
Norepinephrine / blood
Orgasm
Oxytocics / administration & dosage
Oxytocics / blood
Oxytocics / pharmacology*
Oxytocin / administration & dosage
Oxytocin / blood
Oxytocin / pharmacology*
Prolactin / blood
Psychometrics
Sexual Behavior / drug effects*
Time Factors

Substances
Oxytocics
Oxytocin
Prolactin
Hydrocortisone
Norepinephrine
Epinephrine

Related information
MedGen
PubChem Compound
PubChem Compound (MeSH Keyword)
PubChem Substance

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