Effects of oxytocin on self-touch versus touch from others
The Effects of Orally Administered Oxytocin on Behavioral and Neural Responses to Self Versus Other Touch Distinction
This study is testing whether oxytocin changes how men feel about being touched by themselves compared to being touched by others.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Sichuan) |
| Trial ID | NCT05899517 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how oxytocin affects the perception of touch by comparing self-touch to touch from others. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled design, 40 healthy adult males will receive either an oxytocin or placebo lollipop before undergoing fMRI scans and touch assessments. Participants will rate the pleasantness of different types of touch applied to their arm while their brain activity is monitored. The study aims to understand the neural mechanisms underlying affective touch and self-other distinction.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy adult males without any psychiatric or neurological disorders.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of brain injury, psychiatric or physical illness, or those on psychotherapeutic medication may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of touch perception and its modulation by oxytocin, potentially informing therapeutic approaches for conditions related to touch sensitivity.
How similar studies have performed: While studies on oxytocin's effects on social behavior exist, this specific approach focusing on self versus other touch is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy subjects without any past or present psychiatric or neurological disorders and without any current psychotherapeutic medication. Exclusion Criteria: * Any history of brain injury, psychiatric/physical illness, alcohol/substance abuse, or other major health concern.
Where this trial is running
Sichuan
- University of Electronic Science and Technology of China(UESTC) — Sichuan, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Keith M Kendrick, Dr.
- Email: k.kendrick.uestc@gmail.com
- Phone: +86-28-61830811
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.