This study investigated the routes by which intranasally administered oxytocin (OXT) exerts its effects on the brain and behavior. Using vasoconstrictor pretreatment to prevent OXT from entering the peripheral circulation, the researchers measured effects on resting-state neural activity (EEG) and physiological responses. Results showed that intranasal OXT alone increased delta-beta cross-frequency coupling (CFC), an effect largely abolished by vasoconstrictor pretreatment. Positive correlations were found between plasma OXT concentrations and increases in delta-beta CFC, suggesting a critical role of peripheral vasculature-mediated routes on the neural effects of exogenous OXT administration.
Publisher
Molecular Psychiatry
Published On
Authors
Shuxia Yao, Yuanshu Chen, Qian Zhuang, Yingying Zhang, Chunnie Lan, Siyu Zhu, Benjamin Becker, Keith M. Kendrick
Tags
oxytocin
intranasal administration
neural activity
delta-beta coupling
vasoconstrictor
plasma concentrations
physiological responses
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