Journal
BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
Volume 62, Issue 10, Pages 1187-1190Publisher
ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2007.03.025
Keywords
amygdala; emotion; facial expressions; functional magnetic resonance imaging; limbic system; neuropeptides; oxytocin; peptides
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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-con trolled 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.
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