Birmingham: Researchers at the University of Birmingham have highlighted
significant similarities between the behavioural effects of oxytocin and
alcohol. The research, published today in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral
Reviews, draws on existing studies into the two compounds and details
the similarities between the effects
of alcohol and the ‘love hormone’, oxytocin, on our actions. The team
warn that the oft-used nickname hides the darker side of oxytocin, and
claim that it bears more semblances with the effects of alcohol than
previously thought.
Oxytocin is a neuropeptide hormone produced in the hypothalamus
and secreted by the posterior pituitary gland. It has long been
established as playing a significant role in childbirth and maternal
bonding. More recently it has been identified as a brain chemical with a
key role in determining our social interactions and our reactions to
romantic partners – hence its nickname of ‘the love hormone’.
Oxytocin increases prosocial behaviours such as altruism,
generosity and empathy; while making us more willing to trust others.
The socio-cognitive effects come about by suppressing the action of
prefrontal and limbic cortical circuits – removing the brakes on social
inhibitors such as fear, anxiety and stress.
Dr Ian Mitchell, from the School of Psychology at the University
of Birmingham, explained, “We thought it was an area worth exploring, so
we pooled existing research into the effects of both oxytocin and
alcohol and were struck by the incredible similarities between the two
compounds.”
“They appear to target different receptors within the brain, but
cause common actions on GABA transmission in the prefrontal cortex and
the limbic structures. These neural circuits control how we perceive
stress or anxiety, especially in social situations such as interviews,
or perhaps even plucking up the courage to ask somebody on a date.
Taking compounds such as oxytocin and alcohol can make these situations
seem less daunting.”
The team acknowledge that the ability to inhibit anxieties could
explain the temptation to summon a little ‘Dutch courage’ –
particularly in the context of social situations such a first date. Dr
Steven Gillespie said, “The idea of ‘Dutch courage’ – having a drink to
overcome nerves – is used to battle those immediate obstacles of fear
and anxiety. Oxytocin appears to mirror these effects in the lab.”
When administered nasally, oxytocin appears to closely mirror the
well-established effects of alcohol consumption. However the researchers
warn against self-medicating with either the hormone or a swift drink
to provide a little more confidence in difficult moments.
Alongside the health concerns that accompany frequent alcohol
consumption, there are less desirable socio-cognitive effects that both
alcohol and oxytocin can facilitate. People can become more aggressive,
more boastful, envious of those they consider to be their competitors,
and favour their in-group at the expense of others. The compounds can
affect our sense of fear which normally acts to protect us from getting
into trouble and we often hear of people taking risks that they
otherwise wouldn’t.
A dose of either compound can further influence how we deal with
others by enhancing our perception of trustworthiness, which would
further increase the danger of taking unnecessary risks.
Dr Gillespie added, “I don’t think we’ll see a time when oxytocin
is used socially as an alternative to alcohol. But it is a fascinating
neurochemical and, away from matters of the heart, has a possible use in
treatment of psychological and psychiatric conditions. Understanding
exactly how it suppresses certain modes of action and alters our
behaviour could provide real benefits for a lot of people. Hopefully
this research might shed some new light on it and open up avenues we
hadn’t yet considered.”