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Oxytocin and anorexia nervosa: a review of the emerging literature.

European eating disorders review : the journal of the Eating Disorders Association (2013-10-12)
Sarah Maguire, Adrienne O'Dell, Lauren Touyz, Janice Russell
ABSTRACT

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an intractable illness that is difficult to treat. The identification of neural correlates and novel agents to transform treatment has become priority avenues for research. Oxytocin (OT) is a neuropeptide whose emerging sphere of influence on mammalian behaviour and demonstrated impact on psychiatric illness suggest it may have potential in AN. In this paper, we undertake a targeted summary of the existing literature on OT research as it pertains to brain based behaviour and psychiatric dysfunction. Then, we conduct a systematic review of OT in AN. Papers that addressed any aspect of the OT system in AN were examined. The existing literature, although limited and based on small sample sizes, suggests a derangement of the OT system in AN that may normalise upon recovery. Preliminary pilot data from unpublished studies suggest a potential effect of OT administration on eating-related indices.

MATERIALS
Product Number
Brand
Product Description

Sigma-Aldrich
Oxytocin acetate salt hydrate, ≥97% (HPLC)
Sigma-Aldrich
Oxytocin
Sigma-Aldrich
Oxytocin, lyophilized powder, ~15 IU/mg solid (Prepared from synthetic oxytocin)
Oxytocin, European Pharmacopoeia (EP) Reference Standard