Association between salivary oxytocin levels and the amygdala and hippocampal volumes

Shou, Qiulu; Yamada, Jun; Nishina, Kuniyuki; Morikura, Masahiro; Matsuda, Tetsuya; Takagishi, Haruto

doi:10.1007/s00429-022-02543-5

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

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“…Interestingly, contrary to men, there is a negative correlation between salivary oxytocin levels and amygdala volume in women ( 45 ). Shou et al.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…Oxytocin receptors are abundantly expressed in this region ( 44 ). It has been reported that there is a positive correlation between salivary oxytocin levels and the size of the amygdala in men ( 45 ). Furthermore, nasal oxytocin administration attenuates the activation of the amygdala’s response to fearful facial expressions in men ( 46 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Shou et al. speculated that high oxytocin levels increase amygdala volume by activating this brain region with a high frequency in men, while in women it reduces amygdala volume by suppressing its activation ( 45 ). Taking into account this report and our results, it is possible that there is a sex difference in the mechanism of action of oxytocin on anxiety reduction in humans.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Sex differences in the effects of aromatherapy on anxiety and salivary oxytocin levels

Nakajima,

Yamachi,

Misaka

et al. 2024

Front. Endocrinol.

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ObjectiveAromatherapy is a holistic healing method to promote health and well-being by using natural plant extracts. However, its precise mechanism of action and influence on the endocrine system remains unclear. Since recent studies reported that a neuropeptide, oxytocin, can attenuate anxiety, we hypothesized that if oxytocin secretion is promoted through aromatherapy, it may improve mood and anxiety. The present study is aimed to investigate the relationship between oxytocin and the effects of aromatherapy with lavender oil on anxiety level, by measuring salivary oxytocin levels in healthy men and women.MethodsWe conducted a randomized open crossover trial in 15 men and 10 women. Each participant received a placebo intervention (control group) and aromatherapy with lavender oil (aromatherapy group). For the aromatherapy group, each participant spent a 30-min session in a room with diffused lavender essential oil, followed by a 10-min hand massage using a carrier oil containing lavender oil. Anxiety was assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) before the intervention, 30-min after the start of intervention, and after hand massage, in both groups. Saliva samples were collected at the same time points of the STAI.ResultsIn women, either aromatherapy or hand massage was associated with a reduction in anxiety levels, independently. Moreover, salivary oxytocin levels were increased after aromatherapy. On the other hand, in men, anxiety levels were decreased after aromatherapy, as well as after hand massage, regardless of the use of lavender oil. However, there were no significant differences in changes of salivary oxytocin levels between the control and aromatherapy groups during the intervention period. Interestingly, there was a positive correlation between anxiety levels and salivary oxytocin levels before the intervention, but a negative correlation was observed after hand massage with lavender oil.ConclusionThe results of the present study indicate that in women, aromatherapy with lavender oil attenuated anxiety with increase in oxytocin level in women, whereas in men, there was no clear relationship of aromatherapy with anxiety or oxytocin levels but, there was a change in correlation between anxiety and oxytocin. The results of the present study suggest that the effect of aromatherapy can vary depending on sex.

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“…Interestingly, contrary to men, there is a negative correlation between salivary oxytocin levels and amygdala volume in women ( 45 ). Shou et al.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%