Oxytocin is neurohypophysial peptide that acts mainly as a neuromodulator in the brain. In
addition,oxytocin have an important roles in sexual reproduction , in particular during and
after childbirth. It facilitates birth, maternal bonding, and, breastfeeding. Nasal oxytocin
has been commonly used to improve breastfeeding in lactating women. A review of safety , side
effects and subjective reaction to intranasal oxytocin in human research in 1529 subjects did
not review any differences from placebo. The vast majority of basic science studies suggested
a large effect of oxytocin in minimizing acute pain.4 Few studies have demonstrated an
association between plasma levels of oxytocin and pain in humans. No studies have examined
the effect of intranasal oxytocin on pain sensitivity and threshold. Since addictive
properties of oxytocin have not been described, the drug may have important application in
the management of acute and chronic pain.
The main objective of the current investigation was to evaluate the effect of intranasal
oxytocin on pain sensitivity and threshold in human volunteers. We hypothesized that
intranasal oxytocin, in human volunteers ,would decrease sensitivity and and increase pain
threshold compared to intranasal saline .
Significance: Intranasal oxytocin may become a viable treatment for acute and chronic pain in
humans.