Work

Sedative Effects of Intranasal Oxytocin in Rabbits and Rhesus Monkeys

Year: 2016

Type: article

Abstract: Oxytocin is a hormone therapeutically used mainly for its peripheral effects during pregnancy in the uterus and breasts. However, additional central effects, i.e. anxiolytic effect, decreased level of social stress and increased empathy have been also observed. Hence, the aim of our study was to evaluate if nasal oxytocin can be used as anxiolytic substance in rhesus monkeys (n=20) and rabbits (n=20). Simultaneously, mean arterial blood pressure, arterial oxygen saturation of hemoglobin and pulse rate were monitored in all the evaluated animals. While rabbits lost righting reflex, monkeys developed a dose-dependent loss of aggressiveness and/or anxiety as evaluated by behavioral methods (aggressive behavior was classified as non-sedated - sedated - strongly sedated).

Source: Physiological Research

DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.933513

Authors: L. HESS, M. VOTAVA, J. MÁLEK, A. KURZOVÁ, J. SLÍVA

Institutions: Charles University, Institute of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady

Language: English

Topic: Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $862