The purpose of this project is to investigate the possible effect of intranasally
administered Oxytocin (OT) on specific mirror neuron areas in human brain. The mirror neuron
system (MNS) is thought to be involved in action perception and understanding, and may also
underlie more complex cognitive processes such as imitation. We will use
electroencephalographic (EEG) investigations to examine brain activity while participants
complete two different tasks, consisting of the observation and imitation of emotional facial
expressions (video presented) and the observation and execution of simple grasping actions
(live presented), respectively. In addition, before the beginning of the EEG recording
session, subjects will be randomly assigned to two different groups (Oxytocin or Placebo
group) and will receive a dose of either intranasal Oxytocin or Placebo solution. Oxytocin is
a polypeptide hormone that plays a critical role in social behavior. We will identify mu and
beta rhythm from the ongoing EEG and examine suppression as a function of emotion and goal
directed action perception and imitation/execution.
Phase:
Early Phase 1
Details
Lead Sponsor:
University of Maryland University of Maryland, Baltimore