Blood oxytocin response to music enhanced by sonic augmentation

Plasma Oxytocin Changes in Response to Music Modified by Sonic Augmentation Technology vs Unaugmented Control Music in Healthy Controls and Patients With AVP-Deficiency

This trial will test whether music modified by sonic augmentation can raise blood oxytocin levels in healthy adults and adults with AVP-deficiency.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 22 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Basel)
• Trial ID: NCT07276152 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional study uses a sonic augmentation system to modify musical stimuli and measures plasma oxytocin before and after standardized listening sessions. The protocol includes two parts: healthy adult controls (no regular medications except hormonal contraception) and adults with a confirmed diagnosis of arginine vasopressin (AVP) deficiency. Participants attend controlled sessions at the clinic with blood draws and monitoring for side effects. The aim is to detect short-term changes in plasma oxytocin with minimal to no adverse effects.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults (≥18) who are either healthy with no regular medications apart from hormonal contraception or have a confirmed diagnosis of AVP-deficiency and can attend in-person sessions.

Not a fit: People with current or prior major psychiatric disorders, recent heavy substance or alcohol use, high tobacco use, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, or those on disqualifying medications are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a simple, non-drug way to boost oxytocin that might support social bonding or symptom management in people with AVP-deficiency.

How similar studies have performed: Small prior studies have shown that music can raise oxytocin levels, but using dedicated sonic augmentation technology is a novel approach with limited prior data.

Eligibility criteria

Part 1:

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult healthy controls
* No medication, except hormonal contraception

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participation in a trial with investigational drugs within 30 days
* Illicit substance use (except for cannabis) more than 10 times in lifetime or any time within the previous two months
* Consumption of alcoholic beverages \>15 drinks/week
* Tobacco smoking \>10 cigarettes/day
* Current or previous major psychiatric disorder (e.g., major depression, schizophrenia spectrum disorder)
* Psychotic disorder in first-degree relatives
* Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Part 2:

Inclusion Criteria:

* Confirmed diagnosis of AVP-Deficiency
* Age ≥ 18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participation in a trial with investigational drugs within 30 days
* Illicit substance use (except for cannabis) more than 10 times in lifetime or any time within the previous two months
* Consumption of alcoholic beverages \>15 drinks/week
* Tobacco smoking \>10 cigarettes/day
* Current or previous major psychiatric disorder (e.g., major depression, schizophrenia spectrum disorder)
* Psychotic disorder in first-degree relatives
* Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Where this trial is running

Basel

• University Hospital Basel — Basel, Switzerland (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Mirjam Christ-Crain, Prof. — University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
• Study coordinator: Mirjam Christ-Crain, Prof.

Conditions: Sonic Augmentation Technology, Arginine Vasopressin Deficiency, oxytocin, diabetes insipidus