Oxytocin and Pain Sensitivity and Threshold



Status:Completed
Conditions:Chronic Pain
Therapuetic Areas:Musculoskeletal
Healthy:No
Age Range:20 - 35
Updated:4/21/2016
Start Date:April 2015
End Date:July 2015

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The Effect of Intranasal Oxytocin on Pain Sensitivity and Threshold: A Randomized, Double Blinded, Crossover Volunteer Study

Oxytocin is neurohypophysial peptide that acts mainly as a neuromodulator in the brain. In
addition,oxytocin have an important roles in sexual reproduction , in particular during and
after childbirth. It facilitates birth, maternal bonding, and, breastfeeding. Nasal oxytocin
has been commonly used to improve breastfeeding in lactating women. A review of safety ,
side effects and subjective reaction to intranasal oxytocin in human research in 1529
subjects did not review any differences from placebo. The vast majority of basic science
studies suggested a large effect of oxytocin in minimizing acute pain.4 Few studies have
demonstrated an association between plasma levels of oxytocin and pain in humans. No studies
have examined the effect of intranasal oxytocin on pain sensitivity and threshold. Since
addictive properties of oxytocin have not been described, the drug may have important
application in the management of acute and chronic pain.

The main objective of the current investigation was to evaluate the effect of intranasal
oxytocin on pain sensitivity and threshold in human volunteers. We hypothesized that
intranasal oxytocin, in human volunteers ,would decrease sensitivity and and increase pain
threshold compared to intranasal saline .

Significance: Intranasal oxytocin may become a viable treatment for acute and chronic pain
in humans.


Inclusion Criteria:

- Healthy males and females volunteers

- English speaking

- Age <20 and > 35

Exclusion Criteria:

- Pregnancy

- Lactation

- Allergy to preservatives

- Mental disease

- Chronic pain

- Current use of analgesics

- Anxiety or depression Drop Out: volunteer request
We found this trial at
1
site
251 E Huron St
Chicago, Illinois 60611
(312) 926-2000
Northwestern Memorial Hospital Northwestern Memorial is an academic medical center hospital where the patient comes...
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mi
from
Chicago, IL
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