Anxiolytic-like effect of oxytocin in the simulated public speaking test

Author(s)

de Oliveira, Danielle C. G. ^[1] ; Zuardi, Antonio W. ^{[1, 2]} ; Graeff, Frederico G. ^[1] ; Queiroz, Regina H. C. ^{[3, 2]} ; Crippa, Jose A. S. ^{[1, 2]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Div Psychiat, Dept Neurosci & Behav, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] CNPq, Natl Sci & Technol Inst INCT Translat Med, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Pharmaceut Sci Ribeirao Preto, Dept Clin Toxicol & Bromatol Anal, BR-14049 Ribeirao Preto - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY; v. 26, n. 4, p. 497-504, APR 2012.
• Web of Science Citations: 64

Abstract

Oxytocin (OT) is known to be involved in anxiety, as well as cardiovascular and hormonal regulation. The objective of this study was to assess the acute effect of intranasally administered OT on subjective states, as well as cardiovascular and endocrine parameters, in healthy volunteers (n = 14) performing a simulated public speaking test. OT or placebo was administered intranasally 50 min before the test. Assessments were made across time during the experimental session: (1) baseline (-30 min); (2) pre-test (-15 min); (3) anticipation of the speech (50 min); (4) during the speech (1:03 h), post-test time 1 (1:26 h), and post-test time 2 (1:46 h). Subjective states were evaluated by self-assessment scales. Cortisol serum and plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) were measured. Additionally, heart rate, blood pressure, skin conductance, and the number of spontaneous fluctuations in skin conductance were measured. Compared with placebo, OT reduced the Visual Analogue Mood Scale (VAMS) anxiety index during the pre-test phase only, while increasing sedation at the pre-test, anticipation, and speech phases. OT also lowered the skin conductance level at the pre-test, anticipation, speech, and post-test 2 phases. Other parameters evaluated were not significantly affected by OT. The present results show that OT reduces anticipatory anxiety, but does not affect public speaking fear, suggesting that this hormone has anxiolytic properties. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 02/13197-2 - Participation of glutamate and nitric oxide on the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatry disorders
• Grantee: Francisco Silveira Guimaraes
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants