The acute effects of intranasal oxytocin administration on endocrine and sexual function in males

What Was Tested

Researchers studied Oxytocin in the context of sexual function & libido (women and men) in this controlled clinical trial publication.

The role of the neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) ranges from the modulation of neuroendocrine physiological effects to the establishment of complex social and bonding behaviours.

Using a previously established experimental paradigm of sexual arousal and masturbation-induced orgasm, this study investigated the acute effects of intranasal OT application (24I.U.) on endocrine parameters and measures of sexual appetence and function in healthy men (n=10).

Who Took Part

The study group was 10 subjects.

PubMed indexes the participants as adults and middle-aged adults, men only.

How the Study Was Run

The design is described as double-blind, placebo-controlled and crossover.

As a double-blind Oxytocin study, the assignments were hidden from both participants and investigators until the end.

A placebo (an inactive look-alike) gave the Oxytocin group a baseline to be compared against.

Each person switched between Oxytocin and the comparison at some point, usually with a gap in between.

In addition to the continuous recording of endocrine (OT, cortisol, prolactin, epinephrine, norepinephrine) and cardiovascular data (heart rate), parameters of appetitive, consummatory, and refractory sexual behaviour were assessed using the acute sexual experience scale (ASES).

What Was Measured

Using a previously established experimental paradigm of sexual arousal and masturbation-induced orgasm, this study investigated the acute effects of intranasal OT application (24I.U.) on endocrine parameters and measures of sexual appetence and function in healthy men (n=10).

Topics PubMed links to this paper include Endocrine System, Epinephrine, Heart Rate, Hydrocortisone, Norepinephrine, Orgasm and Oxytocics.

What This Means in Plain Language

The paper is a double-blind, placebo-controlled and crossover study of Oxytocin in 10 subjects in people with sexual function & libido (women and men).

With fewer than 40 people, it is a small study, so it is better read as an early signal for further research than as a settled answer.

The publication is from 2008 (Psychoneuroendocrinology), a journal based in England.

More context: the Oxytocin compound page, Sexual function & libido (women and men) research.