Oxytocin Treatment and Thinking Skills in Fragile X
Postnatal Oxytocin Treatment and Cognitive Function in Fragile X
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · NIH-11369018
This work explores if early oxytocin treatment can improve memory and thinking skills in a model of Fragile X Syndrome, which is related to autism.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (IRVINE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11369018 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Many children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including those with Fragile X Syndrome, experience difficulties with memory and organizing their thoughts. These challenges often begin in childhood, suggesting that early treatments could be very helpful. This project uses a model of Fragile X Syndrome to see if a hormone called oxytocin, given early in life, can help improve these memory and thinking abilities. We are looking at how oxytocin might affect brain connections and specific types of memory, like remembering 'what, when, and where'.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work is for patients with Fragile X Syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorder who experience difficulties with memory and cognitive function.
Not a fit: Patients without Fragile X Syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorder, or those not experiencing cognitive difficulties, would likely not benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatment strategies using oxytocin to improve cognitive function and social interactions for individuals with Fragile X Syndrome and related autism spectrum disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown that oxytocin treatment can improve social behavior in animal models of ASD and social interactions in autistic individuals, suggesting promise for this approach.
Where this research is happening
IRVINE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE — IRVINE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GALL, CHRISTINE M — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE
- Study coordinator: GALL, CHRISTINE M
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Autism Spectrum Disorder patient