Chronic oxytocin administration stimulates the oxytocinergic system in children with autism

Matthijs Moerkerke, Nicky Daniels, Laura Tibermont, Tiffany Tang, Margaux Evenepoel, Stephanie Van der Donck, Edward Debbaut, Jellina Prinsen, Viktoria Chubar, Stephan Claes, Bart Vanaudenaerde, Lynn Willems, Jean Steyaert, Bart Boets and Kaat Alaerts ()
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Matthijs Moerkerke: Center for Developmental Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven
Nicky Daniels: Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven
Laura Tibermont: Center for Developmental Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven
Tiffany Tang: Center for Developmental Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven
Margaux Evenepoel: Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven
Stephanie Van der Donck: Center for Developmental Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven
Edward Debbaut: Center for Developmental Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven
Jellina Prinsen: Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven
Viktoria Chubar: University Psychiatric Centre, KU Leuven
Stephan Claes: University Psychiatric Centre, KU Leuven
Bart Vanaudenaerde: Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, Department of Chronic Illness and Metabolism, KU Leuven
Lynn Willems: Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, Department of Chronic Illness and Metabolism, KU Leuven
Jean Steyaert: Center for Developmental Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven
Bart Boets: Center for Developmental Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven
Kaat Alaerts: Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Clinical efficacy of intranasal administration of oxytocin is increasingly explored in autism spectrum disorder, but to date, the biological effects of chronic administration regimes on endogenous oxytocinergic function are largely unknown. Here exploratory biological assessments from a completed randomized, placebo-controlled trial showed that children with autism (n = 79, 16 females) receiving intranasal oxytocin for four weeks (12 IU, twice daily) displayed significantly higher salivary oxytocin levels 24 hours after the last oxytocin nasal spray administration, but no longer at a four-week follow up session. Regarding salivary oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) epigenetics (DNA-methylation), oxytocin-induced reductions in OXTR DNA-methylation were observed, suggesting a facilitation of oxytocin receptor expression in the oxytocin compared to the placebo group. Notably, heightened oxytocin levels post-treatment were significantly associated with reduced OXTR DNA-methylation and improved feelings of secure attachment. These findings indicate that four weeks of chronic oxytocin administration stimulated the endogenous oxytocinergic system in children with autism.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44334-4

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