Oxytocin—a social peptide? Deconstructing the evidence

Abstract

In this paper, we analyse the claim that oxytocin is a ‘social neuropeptide’. This claim originated from evidence that oxytocin was instrumental in the initiation of maternal behaviour and it was extended to become the claim that oxytocin has a key role in promoting social interactions between individuals. We begin by considering the structure of the scientific literature on this topic, identifying closely interconnected clusters of papers on particular themes. We then analyse this claim by considering evidence of four types as generated by these clusters: (i) mechanistic studies in animal models, designed to understand the pathways involved in the behavioural effects of centrally administered oxytocin; (ii) evidence from observational studies indicating an association between oxytocin signalling pathways and social behaviour; (iii) evidence from intervention studies, mainly involving intranasal oxytocin administration; and (iv) evidence from translational studies of patients with disorders of social behaviour. We then critically analyse the most highly cited papers in each segment of the evidence; we conclude that, if these represent the best evidence, then the evidence for the claim is weak. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Interplays between oxytocin and other neuromodulators in shaping complex social behaviours’.

Oxytocin does not stand alone

“…The final paper of our theme issue by Leng et al . [ 86 ] takes a critical perspective on whether oxytocin is indeed a ‘social’ neuropeptide. This is a fitting final note to this Introduction since our perspective on oxytocin must constantly be reevaluated and challenged.…”

Effects of intranasal oxytocin on the self-perception and anxiety of singers during a simulated public singing performance: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial

“…There is not enough consensus and evidence to conclude whether its actions are due to peripheral or central effects, and in the case of the latter, whether the concentrations that reach the brain are effective in reaching relevant areas, to the point of explaining the behavioral effects. Furthermore, it is still not possible to conclude whether its effects are primary or the result of an epiphenomenon, since OXT acts on many functions and behaviors ( Leng et al, 2022 ). Although, according McCarthy and Altemus (1997) it is known that OXT influences many neurobehavioral functions and is distributed in the entire central nervous system ( McCarthy and Altemus, 1997 ).…”

“…To date, most studies conducted with OXT have focused on acute use ( Leng et al, 2022 ). Among studies with long-term use, although the evidence is favorable regarding symptoms of stress and anxiety and the side effect profile, it is exploratory (e. g., van Zuiden et al, 2017 ; Kou et al, 2022 ).…”

“…Among studies with long-term use, although the evidence is favorable regarding symptoms of stress and anxiety and the side effect profile, it is exploratory (e. g., van Zuiden et al, 2017 ; Kou et al, 2022 ). Thus, in future studies, it seems opportune to investigate the effects associated with the chronic administration of OXT in musicians with high social performance anxiety, in order to try to establish its therapeutic potential, as already pointed out by Peters et al (2014) , Neumann and Slattery (2016) , and Leng et al (2022) . Still, issues related to the therapeutic window, dose-dependence, among others, need to be explored in depth.…”

A Call for Drug Therapies for the Treatment of Social Behavior Disorders in Dementia: Systematic Review of Evidence and State of the Art

“…Increased cooperative behavior, theory of mind, and empathy performance have been reported in volunteers [ 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 ]. Nonetheless, there is an open debate regarding prosocial effects of oxytocin [ 35 , 36 , 37 ]. Despite the abovementioned evidence of the positive effects of oxytocin treatment in humans [ 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 ], there is also proof that intranasal administration of oxytocin may have some negative social effects [ 35 ] and that this agent may influence the perception of non-social stimuli with strong personal relevance [ 36 , 37 ].…”