Abstract
BackgroundConverging evidence demonstrates the important role of the neuropeptide hormone oxytocin (OT) in human behaviour and cognition. Intranasal OT administration has been shown to improve several aspects of social communication, such as the theory of mind performance and gaze to the eye region, and reduce anxiety and related negative cognitive appraisals. While this early research has demonstrated the potential for intranasal OT to treat psychiatric illnesses characterized by social impairments, the neurobiological mechanisms are not well known. Researchers have used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine the neural correlates of OT response; however, results have been variable and moderating factors are poorly understood. The aim of this meta-analysis is to synthesize data examining the impact of intranasal OT administration on neural activity.Methods/designStudies that report fMRI data after intranasal OT administration will be identified. PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar databases will be searched as well as the citation lists of retrieved articles. Eligible articles written in English from 2005 onwards will be included in the meta-analysis, and corresponding authors of these papers will be invited to contribute t-maps. Data will be collected from eligible studies for synthesis using Seed-based d Mapping (SDM) or Multi-Level Kernel Density Analysis (MKDA), depending on the number of usable t-maps received. Additionally, publication bias and risk of bias will be assessed.DiscussionThis systematic review and meta-analysis will be the first pre-registered synthesis of data to identify the neural correlates of OT nasal spray response. The identification of brain regions underlying OT’s observed effects will help guide future research and better identify treatment targets.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42016038781 Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13643-016-0386-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
DiscussionThis systematic review and meta-analysis will be the first pre-registered synthesis of data to identify the neural correlates of OT nasal spray response
Converging evidence demonstrates the important role of the neuropeptide hormone oxytocin (OT) in human behaviour and cognition
This systematic review and meta-analysis will be the first pre-registered synthesis of data to identify the neural correlates of OT nasal spray response
Summary
There is growing interest in the neural correlates of intranasal OT administration in an effort to better understand its cognitive and behavioural effects. The present protocol describes the first systematic review and metaanalysis of fMRI studies that investigate the impact of intranasal OT. Funding The Research Council of Norway (RCN) and OptiNose AS contributed to funding this review through a BIA project grant (219483) via salary support to DSQ and project support to DSQ, OAA, and LTW. DSQ, TO, LTW, GSM, and OAA contributed to the design of the systematic review. DSQ, TO, LTW, GSM, and OAA contributed to the write-up and editing of the manuscript and approved the final manuscript. Competing interests DSQ, LTW, and OAA are investigators in a project examining the impact of oxytocin administration on social cognition and neural activity supported by the Research Council of Norway (BIA grant: 219483) and OptiNose AS (Oslo, Norway).
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