Hippocampal volume modulates salivary oxytocin level increases after intranasal oxytocin administration

Adverse childhood experiences have protracted neurobiological effects and have been associated with changes in the oxytocinergic system (Meaney, 2001). Research indicates that individuals with a history of childhood adversity show lower oxytocin levels in cerebrospinal fluid (Heim et al., 2009), plasma (Opacka-Juffry& Mohiyeddini, 2012), and saliva (Riem et al., 2017, but see Bhandari et al., 2014), and attenuated sensitivity to intranasal oxytocin administration. For example, stress-reducing effects of intranasal oxytocin, as reflected by cortisol decreases, are impeded in individuals with a history of childhood adversity (Meinlschmidt& Heim, 2007) and in clinical groups with etiological factors rooted in childhood adversity (Bakermans-Kranenburg& van Ijzendoorn, 2013).

Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology - November 12, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Madelon Riem, Marinus van IJzendoorn, Marian Bakermans-Kranenburg Source Type: research