Scientists unmask the elixir of human bonding

Zurich, Switzerland, January 10: The University of Zurich hosted the very first human oxytocindefine experiment. According to the research, the hormone oxytocin, called ‘cuddle chemical’ may help distinguish acquaintances from total strangers.

Peter Klaver of the University of Zurich, author of the new study, and Ulrike Rimmele of New York University, commented, “Recognizing a familiar face is crucial feature of successful social interaction in humans. In this study, we investigated for the first time the systematic effect of oxytocindefine on social memory in humans."

Since humans rely on faces and body odors, the researchers presented 44 men with pictures of faces, sculptures and landscapes. Nearly half the men received a nasal spray of oxytocin and the remaining half got a placebo. This was administered three times in each nostril for two minutes.

The following day the volunteers were returned to the lab to view more snaps, some new and others familiar. Klaver and team then asked the participants if they recognized the photos.

The ‘cuddle chemical’ revealed that men who received the oxytocin, placed images and familiar faces, more accurately than the placebo group. However, they were unable to place inanimate objects. The scientists found that the inhalation of oxytocin only, stimulated that part of the memory system connected with recollecting faces. This demonstrated that human memory for faces could be improved by oxytocin.

Klaver emphasized that “Together our data indicates that oxytocin in humans immediately strengthens the capability to currently recognize and discriminate faces.”

The experiment shows that eye-to-eye communication affected by oxytocin is critical to all kinds of intimate emotional bonding. The hormone acts like a chemical glue within the brain to cement co-existence of human beings in a civilized society.

Ernest Fehr, an economist at the University of Zurich, who studied oxytocin’s effect on trust said, "The results suggest an immediate, selective effect of the hormone: strengthening neuronal systems of social memory."

Oxytocin is responsible for bonding and material care. It plays a prime role in female reproduction and lactation. It affects various behaviors like mother child bonding, anxiety, trust and maternal affections.

Larry Young at Emory University, an expert on oxytocin said, “This has important implications for disorders, such as autism where social information processing is clearly impaired.”

The research was published in the Journal of Neuroscience.