Early life stress modulates oxytocin effects on limbic system during acute psychosocial stress.
Early life stress (ELS) is associated with altered stress responsivity, structural and functional brain changes and an increased risk for the development of psychopathological conditions in later life. Due to its behavioral and physiological effects, the neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) is a useful tool to investigate stress responsivity, even though the neurobiological underpinnings of its effects are still unknown. Here we investigate the effects of OXT on cortisol stress response and neural activity during psychosocial stress. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging in healthy subjects with and without a history of ELS, we found attenuated hormonal reactivity and significantly reduced limbic deactivation after OXT administration in subjects without a history of ELS. Subjects who experienced ELS showed both blunted stress reactivity and limbic deactivation during stress. Furthermore, in these subjects OXT had opposite effects with increased hormonal reactivity and increased limbic deactivation. Our results might implicate that reduced limbic deactivation and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis responsivity during psychosocial stress are markers for biological resilience after ELS. Effects of OXT in subjects with a history of maltreatment could therefore be considered detrimental and suggest careful consideration of OXT administration in such individuals.
Cluster of Excellence 'Languages of Emotion', Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Department of Psychiatry, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Berlin, 14050 Berlin, Germany, Dahlem Institute for Neuroimaging of Emotion, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Clinic for Affective Disorders and General Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland, Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders and the Affiliated Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310015, China, Douglas Mental Health Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada, and University of Zurich, Institute of Psychology, Department of Psychology Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland Cluster of Excellence 'Languages of Emotion', Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Department of Psychiatry, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Berlin, 14050 Berlin, Germany, Dahlem Institute for Neuroimaging of Emotion, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Clinic for Affective Disorders and General Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland, Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders and the Affiliated Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310015, China, Douglas Mental Health Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada, and University of Zurich, Institute of Psychology, Department of Psychology Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland Cluster of Excellence 'Languages of Emotion', Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Department of Psychiatry, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Berlin, 14050 Berlin, Germany, Dahlem Institute for Neuroimaging of Emotion, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Ber
Simone
S
Grimm
Cluster of Excellence 'Languages of Emotion', Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Department of Psychiatry, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Berlin, 14050 Berlin, Germany, Dahlem Institute for Neuroimaging of Emotion, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Clinic for Affective Disorders and General Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland, Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders and the Affiliated Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310015, China, Douglas Mental Health Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada, and University of Zurich, Institute of Psychology, Department of Psychology Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland Cluster of Excellence 'Languages of Emotion', Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Department of Psychiatry, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Berlin, 14050 Berlin, Germany, Dahlem Institute for Neuroimaging of Emotion, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Clinic for Affective Disorders and General Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland, Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders and the Affiliated Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310015, China, Douglas Mental Health Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada, and University of Zurich, Institute of Psychology, Department of Psychology Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland.
Karin
K
Pestke
Cluster of Excellence 'Languages of Emotion', Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Department of Psychiatry, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Berlin, 14050 Berlin, Germany, Dahlem Institute for Neuroimaging of Emotion, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Clinic for Affective Disorders and General Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland, Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders and the Affiliated Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310015, China, Douglas Mental Health Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada, and University of Zurich, Institute of Psychology, Department of Psychology Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland Cluster of Excellence 'Languages of Emotion', Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Department of Psychiatry, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Berlin, 14050 Berlin, Germany, Dahlem Institute for Neuroimaging of Emotion, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Clinic for Affective Disorders and General Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland, Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders and the Affiliated Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310015, China, Douglas Mental Health Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada, and University of Zurich, Institute of Psychology, Department of Psychology Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland.
Melanie
M
Feeser
Cluster of Excellence 'Languages of Emotion', Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Department of Psychiatry, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Berlin, 14050 Berlin, Germany, Dahlem Institute for Neuroimaging of Emotion, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Clinic for Affective Disorders and General Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland, Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders and the Affiliated Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310015, China, Douglas Mental Health Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada, and University of Zurich, Institute of Psychology, Department of Psychology Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland Cluster of Excellence 'Languages of Emotion', Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Department of Psychiatry, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Berlin, 14050 Berlin, Germany, Dahlem Institute for Neuroimaging of Emotion, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Clinic for Affective Disorders and General Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland, Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders and the Affiliated Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310015, China, Douglas Mental Health Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada, and University of Zurich, Institute of Psychology, Department of Psychology Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland Cluster of Excellence 'Languages of Emotion', Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Department of Psychiatry, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Berlin, 14050 Berlin, Germany, Dahlem Institute for Neuroimaging of Emotion, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Ber
Sabine
S
Aust
Cluster of Excellence 'Languages of Emotion', Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Department of Psychiatry, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Berlin, 14050 Berlin, Germany, Dahlem Institute for Neuroimaging of Emotion, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Clinic for Affective Disorders and General Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland, Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders and the Affiliated Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310015, China, Douglas Mental Health Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada, and University of Zurich, Institute of Psychology, Department of Psychology Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland Cluster of Excellence 'Languages of Emotion', Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Department of Psychiatry, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Berlin, 14050 Berlin, Germany, Dahlem Institute for Neuroimaging of Emotion, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Clinic for Affective Disorders and General Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland, Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders and the Affiliated Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310015, China, Douglas Mental Health Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada, and University of Zurich, Institute of Psychology, Department of Psychology Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland Cluster of Excellence 'Languages of Emotion', Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Department of Psychiatry, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Berlin, 14050 Berlin, Germany, Dahlem Institute for Neuroimaging of Emotion, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Ber
Anne
A
Weigand
Cluster of Excellence 'Languages of Emotion', Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Department of Psychiatry, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Berlin, 14050 Berlin, Germany, Dahlem Institute for Neuroimaging of Emotion, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Clinic for Affective Disorders and General Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland, Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders and the Affiliated Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310015, China, Douglas Mental Health Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada, and University of Zurich, Institute of Psychology, Department of Psychology Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland.
Jue
J
Wang
Cluster of Excellence 'Languages of Emotion', Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Department of Psychiatry, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Berlin, 14050 Berlin, Germany, Dahlem Institute for Neuroimaging of Emotion, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Clinic for Affective Disorders and General Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland, Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders and the Affiliated Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310015, China, Douglas Mental Health Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada, and University of Zurich, Institute of Psychology, Department of Psychology Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland.
Katja
K
Wingenfeld
Cluster of Excellence 'Languages of Emotion', Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Department of Psychiatry, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Berlin, 14050 Berlin, Germany, Dahlem Institute for Neuroimaging of Emotion, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Clinic for Affective Disorders and General Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland, Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders and the Affiliated Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310015, China, Douglas Mental Health Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada, and University of Zurich, Institute of Psychology, Department of Psychology Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland Cluster of Excellence 'Languages of Emotion', Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Department of Psychiatry, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Berlin, 14050 Berlin, Germany, Dahlem Institute for Neuroimaging of Emotion, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Clinic for Affective Disorders and General Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland, Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders and the Affiliated Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310015, China, Douglas Mental Health Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada, and University of Zurich, Institute of Psychology, Department of Psychology Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland.
Jens C
JC
Pruessner
Cluster of Excellence 'Languages of Emotion', Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Department of Psychiatry, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Berlin, 14050 Berlin, Germany, Dahlem Institute for Neuroimaging of Emotion, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Clinic for Affective Disorders and General Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland, Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders and the Affiliated Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310015, China, Douglas Mental Health Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada, and University of Zurich, Institute of Psychology, Department of Psychology Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland.
Roberto
R
La Marca
Cluster of Excellence 'Languages of Emotion', Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Department of Psychiatry, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Berlin, 14050 Berlin, Germany, Dahlem Institute for Neuroimaging of Emotion, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Clinic for Affective Disorders and General Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland, Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders and the Affiliated Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310015, China, Douglas Mental Health Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada, and University of Zurich, Institute of Psychology, Department of Psychology Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland.
Heinz
H
Böker
Cluster of Excellence 'Languages of Emotion', Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Department of Psychiatry, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Berlin, 14050 Berlin, Germany, Dahlem Institute for Neuroimaging of Emotion, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Clinic for Affective Disorders and General Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland, Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders and the Affiliated Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310015, China, Douglas Mental Health Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada, and University of Zurich, Institute of Psychology, Department of Psychology Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland Cluster of Excellence 'Languages of Emotion', Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Department of Psychiatry, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Berlin, 14050 Berlin, Germany, Dahlem Institute for Neuroimaging of Emotion, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Clinic for Affective Disorders and General Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland, Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders and the Affiliated Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310015, China, Douglas Mental Health Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada, and University of Zurich, Institute of Psychology, Department of Psychology Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland Cluster of Excellence 'Languages of Emotion', Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Department of Psychiatry, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Berlin, 14050 Berlin, Germany, Dahlem Institute for Neuroimaging of Emotion, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Ber
Malek
M
Bajbouj
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000523:psychology*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008032:Limbic System / Q000098:blood supply / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011581:Psychological Tests; D012463:Saliva / Q000378:metabolism; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000097:blood / Q000473:pathology*; D055815:Young Adult
D010121:Oxytocin; D010100:Oxygen; D006854:Hydrocortisone
early life stress; oxytocin; stress