Oxytocin attenuates amygdala responses to emotional faces regardless of valence.
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.
Domes
Gregor
G
Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany. gregor.domes@med.uni-rostock.de
Heinrichs
Markus
M
Gläscher
Jan
J
Büchel
Christian
C
Braus
Dieter F
DF
Herpertz
Sabine C
SC
D000328:Adult; D000679:Amygdala / Q000098:blood supply / Q000187:drug effects*; D001931:Brain Mapping; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004644:Emotions / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D005149:Facial Expression; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010364:Pattern Recognition, Visual / Q000187:drug effects*; D010775:Photic Stimulation / Q000379:methods
D010121:Oxytocin; D010100:Oxygen