Researchers have finally succeeded in pointing out a lack of oxytocin among patients with vasopressin deficiency due to pituitary disease demonstrate a lack of the oxytocin element. This could be beneficial in coming up with advanced therapy associated with several psychological symptoms, including autism.
Oxytocin findings could be the key to developing new treatments for Autism
Oxytocin and Vasopressin are both hormones that are produced in the same area of the brain. Patients with a rare vasopressin deficiency are unable to concentrate their urine and lose liters of water as a result. To compensate for this loss, they should drink no more than 10 liters or more per day. These symptoms can usually be treated without problems with a nasal spray or tablet containing synthetically produced vasopressin.
However, even with this treatment, many patients report anxiety, problems with social interaction, or decreased emotional awareness.
These symptoms can be caused by a lack of oxytocin, as its production is closely associated with disorders that cause vasopressin deficiency. Thus, they can also influence the neurons that produce oxytocin,” explains endocrinologist and lead author Dr. Cihan Atila of the study published in Lancet, Diabetes, and Endocrinology.
Autism Therapy with Oxytocin
“The results of the research study demonstrate a significant lack of oxytocin. This discovery opens up new treatment options and may be of interest for other diseases, such as autism,” says Mirjam Christ-Crain, Scientific Director and Deputy Director in endocrinology at the university clinic.
The same researchers in the Division of Clinical Research are currently planning a large study to determine whether oxytocin therapy can improve psychological symptoms in patients with vasopressin deficiency.
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