Specialized Research

Oxytocin

Research Reagent · Laboratory Use Only

Quick Answer

What does current research show about oxytocin's role in social bonding and behaviour?

Research indicates oxytocin, a neuropeptide produced in the hypothalamus, modulates social bonding, trust, and stress response. PubMed-indexed studies (e.g., Kosfeld et al., Nature 2005) demonstrate intranasal oxytocin increases trust behaviour in humans. Preclinical models also suggest roles in anxiety reduction and maternal attachment via oxytocin receptor signalling pathways.

PMID42029593↗DOI10.1038/nrn2774↗⟳ Reconstitution Calculator
Scientific AbstractPMID 42029593 · 2026

Background

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum neuroactive steroids (NAS) and oxytocin and craving and psychosocial functioning in men diagnosed with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD).

Methods

In this observational cross-sectional study, 40 men with MUD (PG) and 41 non-substance-use-disorder controls (CG) completed measures of emotion dysregulation (DERS-16), attachment (ECR-R), aggression (BPAQ), and suicidal ideation (BSS). PG additionally completed the Substance Craving Scale (SCS) and Addiction Profile Index (API). Serum allopregnanolone (ALLO), DHEAS, testosterone, 17β-estradiol (E2), and oxytocin were assayed.

Results

The results indicated that the PG exhibited significantly higher scores than the CG across all psychological measures. Robust adjusted group effects were observed for DERS-16 (Model 1: F = 35.507, p < 0.001; Model 2: F = 18.225, p < 0.001) and trait anger (Model 1: F = 41.104, p < 0.001; Model 2: F = 16.732, p < 0.001). Notably, serum levels of ALLO, DHEAS, testosterone, E2, and oxytocin did not differ significantly between groups. However, hormonal measures were strongly intercorrelated within both groups (r ≈ 0.877-0.936, all p < 0.001). In the PG, craving demonstrated positive correlations with DHEAS (r = 0.384, p = 0.014), testosterone (r = 0.415, p = 0.008), E2 (r = 0.360, p = 0.023), and oxytocin (r = 0.350, p = 0.027). A multivariable model analyzing craving was statistically significant (R2 = 0.350; F(3,36) = 6.474, p = 0.001), with composite hormonal factor (B = 2.390, p = 0.016) serving as an independent predictor, while API Excluding Craving(API-EC) (p = 0.094) and DERS-16 did not emerge as a significant factor (p = 0.056). In hormone-specific models controlling for API-EC and DERS-16, DHEAS (p = 0.012), testosterone (p = 0.007), oxytocin (p = 0.023), and E2 (p = 0.023) retained significance after false discovery rate (FDR) correction; ALLO did not (p = 0.055).

Conclusions

Despite the absence of significant differences in peripheral NAS and oxytocin levels between groups, men with MUD exhibited pronounced psychosocial impairments. The craving experienced during inpatient treatment was primarily elucidated by an integrated endocrine profile. These findings underscore the necessity for larger longitudinal studies incorporating repeated hormonal assessments to further explore these relationships.

Source:10.1038/nrn2774
Mechanistic Research SummaryCurated from PubMed

This data is for laboratory research purposes only. Not for human or animal consumption.

What is Oxytocin in Methamphetamine Use Disorder Research?

Oxytocin is a neuroendocrine hormone implicated in social bonding, emotional regulation, and reward processing that demonstrates significant correlations with substance craving intensity in men with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD), despite showing no statistically significant group-level differences between MUD and control populations. In this clinical cohort, serum oxytocin emerged as an independent predictor of craving severity within a composite hormonal model, suggesting its role in addiction-related psychosocial dysfunction rather than baseline dysregulation.

Mechanism of Action

Oxytocin modulates reward circuitry and emotional processing through V1a and OT receptor signaling in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, and amygdala. In the context of MUD, oxytocin's correlation with craving intensity (r = 0.350, p = 0.027) suggests dysregulation of social cognition and attachment pathways may amplify substance-seeking behavior. The strong intercorrelation between oxytocin, testosterone, DHEAS, and 17β-estradiol (r ≈ 0.877–0.936) indicates these hormones function as an integrated neuroendocrine axis influencing addiction phenotypes.

Observed Laboratory Results

  • Craving Correlation: Serum oxytocin demonstrated positive correlation with craving scores (r = 0.350, p = 0.027) in the MUD cohort, surviving false discovery rate (FDR) correction in hormone-specific models (p = 0.023).
  • Multivariable Predictive Power: Composite hormonal factor (including oxytocin) independently predicted 35% of variance in craving (R² = 0.350; F(3,36) = 6.474, p = 0.001), with β = 2.390, p = 0.016.
  • No Group-Level Difference: Absolute serum oxytocin concentrations did not differ significantly between MUD patients (n=40) and non-substance-use controls (n=41), despite pronounced psychosocial impairment in the patient group across DERS-16, ECR-R, and BPAQ measures.
Clinical Research Parameters
10 trials4 human studies

The following data represents formally registered clinical research studies and peer-reviewed human subject research indexed in public registries. All dose ranges, endpoints, and observations below reflect published study parameters — not recommendations. For research reference only.

Registered Clinical Trials
ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
NCT01081249 ↗
COMPLETEDPhase IVn=18

Effects of Oxytocin on Behavior and Physiology in a Psychotherapy Setting

Subjects-currently in outpatient mental health care--will participate in 2 psychotherapy sessions, one with oxytocin spray and one with placebo spray. Sessions will be videotaped, and cortisol and heart rate will be measured. We hypothesize that oxytocin will have positive benefits on nonverbal behavior in the therapy session, as well as have positive effects on subjective anxiety, cortisol and he

Study Interventions
Placebo then intranasal oxytocin, Intranasal oxytocin then placebo
Primary Endpoints
Verbal and Nonverbal Behavior in Therapy Session: Effects of Drug
Study Period
2008-12 → 2012-07
NCT04727125 ↗
COMPLETEDN/An=75

Evaluating the Effects of Kangaroo Care in the NICU

The main hypothesis of this study is that Kangaroo Father Care (KFC) will positively impact acute physiologic and long-term behavioral outcomes in infants, fathers, and families.

Primary Endpoints
Infant Cardiorespiratory Stability; Parent Physiologic Stress
Study Period
2019-05-17 → 2022-01-01
NCT03398278 ↗
COMPLETEDPhase In=38

OTR Tablet 40 mg Fasted-state Bioequivalence Study

This is an open-label, single dose, randomised, cross-over study to confirm the bioequivalence (BE) of OTR tablet 40 mg and OXYCONTIN tablet 40 mg in a fasted state in Chinese subjects with chronic pain

Study Interventions
Oxycodone Tamper Resistant, OXYCONTIN®
Primary Endpoints
Cmax of OTR Tablet 40 mg and OXYCONTIN Tablet 40 mg in a Fasted State; AUCt of OTR Tablet 40 mg and OXYCONTIN Tablet 40 mg in a Fasted State
Study Period
2017-06-30 → 2018-03-20
NCT06757517 ↗
RECRUITINGPhase IIn=60

Effects of Intranasal Oxytocin in the Treatment of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal: A Pilot RCT

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if oxytocin administered as a nasal spray will reduce withdrawal symptoms in adults during benzodiazepine tapering for 21 days. It will also learn about the safety of oxytocin. The main question it aims to answer are: Does oxytocin reduce benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms and make it easier to succeed tapering? Does oxytocin help reduce sleep difficult

Study Interventions
Oxytocin nasal spray, Saline (NaCl 0,9 %) (placebo)
Primary Endpoints
Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms
Study Period
2022-03-01 → 2025-12-31
NCT02564068 ↗
COMPLETEDEarly Phase In=8

Oxytocin on HR in Sleep Apnea Patient

In human volunteers intranasal administration of oxytocin significantly increases parasympathetic and decreases sympathetic cardiac control. OSA is a very prevalent disease with high cardiovascular risk factors, yet this disease remains very poorly treated. This proposal, based on the current literature and new basic science results detailed above on the role of oxytocin in cardiovascular control,

Study Interventions
Oxytocin
Primary Endpoints
Frequency of Hypopnea Events; Frequency of Apnea Events
Study Period
2015-05-22 → 2016-12-31
NCT04056793 ↗
COMPLETEDN/An=20

Acceptability Assessment of an Optimized Birthing Position

This qualitative study evaluates the acceptability of positioning pregnant women in labour in an optimized position, which consists in the hyperflexion of the legs and the loss of the lumbar lordosis. Twenty patients in situation of dystocia will adopt the described position for a limited amount of time.

Study Interventions
Optimized birthing position
Primary Endpoints
Acceptability of the optimized birthing position assessed by calculating the average score obtained through the VAS
Study Period
2019-08-06 → 2020-01-01
NCT01394471 ↗
COMPLETEDPhase In=68

Oxytocin Treatment of Social Cognitive and Functional Deficits in Schizophrenia

Purpose: Test whether intranasal administration of the neuropeptide, oxytocin, improves social cognition, psychotic symptoms and social functioning in schizophrenia. Participants: 80 adults with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder for at least one year. Procedures (methods): Oxytocin or placebo will be administered twice daily in an intranasal spray for 12 weeks. Before, during and at the

Study Interventions
Intranasal Oxytocin Spray
Primary Endpoints
Change in social cognition scores from baseline to 6 and 12 week time points
Study Period
2011-07 → 2015-01
NCT05444738 ↗
UNKNOWNN/An=72

Effects of Oxytocin Administered Orally Using a Medicated Lollipop on Peripheral Concentrations and Attention

The study will investigate whether oxytocin (24IU) administered orally using medicated lollipops results in increased peripheral oxytocin concentrations and can modulate social attention in an anti-saccade paradigm in the same way as when it is administered by intranasal or lingual routes.

Study Interventions
oral lollipop with oxytocin (24IU), oral lollipop with placebo
Primary Endpoints
Oral oxytocin effect on error rates of saccade/anti-saccade to social (faces) and non-social (shape) cues between the oxytocin and placebo groups.; Oral oxytocin effect on latencies (in milliseconds) of saccade/anti-saccade to social (faces) and non-social (shape) cues between the oxytocin and placebo groups.
Study Period
2022-04-01 → 2022-08-30
NCT06364228 ↗
RECRUITINGPhase IIn=32

Intranasal Oxytocin Intervention for Caregivers to Persons With Dementia

More than 15 million family caregivers provide support for individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) or related dementias. This number is expected to grow with the increasing population of persons with dementia (PWD). Stress in caregivers to older adults with chronic diseases is already a significant public health issue because it is associated with multiple negative physical and mental health out

Study Interventions
Placebo, Oxytocin Intranasal Spray 12 International Unit (12IU), Oxytocin Intranasal Spray 24 International Unit (24IU)
Primary Endpoints
Chronic Stress Level in the Past Thirty Days
Study Period
2026-06-20 → 2027-06
NCT00385229 ↗
COMPLETEDN/An=508

Post Term Pregnancy - Induction of Labor or Monitoring of Pregnancy

Post term pregnancy is a risk pregnancy. Aim of the study was to investigate whether induction of labor at gestational age 289(41 weeks+2 days) reduces neonatal morbidity compared to expectant management. Secondary aims was to assess the effect on mode of delivery and maternal complications, as well as assess women's views and experiences. Our 0-hypothesis was that induction of labor at gestation

Study Interventions
induction of labor
Primary Endpoints
Neonatal morbidity
Study Period
2002-09 → 2004-07
Research Compliance Notice

All data presented on this page is for laboratory research purposes only. Oxytocin is referenced here as a research reagent. This page does not constitute medical advice, clinical guidance, or endorsement of any compound for human or animal use. All referenced studies are available via PubMed (PMID: 42029593) and the DOI-linked journal publication. Researchers must consult applicable institutional and regulatory frameworks before conducting any protocols.

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