Neural Correlates of Empathogenic and Affiliative Actions of Oxytocin

Neural Correlates of the Empathogenic and Affiliative Actions of Oxytocin

Mounting evidence indicates that the intranasal administration of the neuropeptide oxytocin has prosocial effects. However, the neural substrates of these effects are still unclear. The investigators hypothesized that a single dose administration of oxytocin should increase empathogenic and affiliative responses and that these effects are mediated by an increased insula activity.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy male volunteers
• In a heterosexual relationship

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current or past psychiatric disease
• Current or past physical illness
• Psychoactive medication
• Tobacco smokers