Efficacy of the intranasal oxytocin spray in the treament of the autism spectrum disorder

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24659497
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Pediatrics
• Research Institution: Osaka University
• Principal Investigator: TANIIKE MASAKO 大阪大学, 連合小児発達学研究科, 教授 (30263289)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): MOHRI Ikuko 大阪大学, 大学院連合小児発達学研究科, 准教授 (70399351) ; SHIMONO Kuriko 大阪大学, 大学院連合小児発達学研究科, 講師 (60403185)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: オキシトシン / 自閉症スペクトラム障害 / 臨床研究

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We administered oxytocin to boys with autism spectrum disorders whose IQ were between 35 and 75 via nasal spray once daily for consecutive 1 month. We analyzed the data of 11 boys who completed the study and found out the urine level of oxytocin was elevated compared with that in the placebo period, indicating the good compliance and optimal absorption and excretion. However, evaluation based on caregivers' observation disclosed no significant effects on social dysfunction, restricted and repetitive behaviors, and problematic behaviors. On the other hand, serious adverse events have not recognized in all cases, while one boy discontinued the study because he was intolerable to the nasal spray. Our results are disappointing, however, the efficacy of the intranasal spray of oxytocin is still an issue of controversy.

Free Research Field

発達小児科学、神経科学、実験神経病理学、小児睡眠医療