Overview
This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover pilot study of single-dose intranasal oxytocin (6 IU and 24 IU) vs. placebo in adult men and women (aged 18 years and above) with arginine-vasopressin deficiency to evaluate the effect of oxytocin on anxiety, depression, and socioemotional functioning (Part A), with an optional randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 2-week repeated dose substudy of intranasal oxytocin 6 IU or placebo (Part B).
Following a screening visit to determine eligibility, participants will return for three main study visits in Part A. During the main study visits, study participants will receive either oxytocin or placebo, followed by assessments of emotional behavior.
In Part A, thirty participants will be equally randomized to one of six possible groups:
- 6 IU oxytocin - 24 IU oxytocin - placebo
- 6 IU oxytocin - placebo - 24 IU oxytocin
- 24 IU oxytocin - 6 IU oxytocin - placebo
- 24 IU oxytocin - placebo - 6 IU oxytocin
- placebo - 6 IU oxytocin - 24 IU oxytocin
- placebo - 24 IU oxytocin - 6 IU oxytocin
Following completion of the Part A crossover portion of the study, in Part B participants may also choose to continue participation in an optional, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled substudy of intranasal oxytocin 6 IU or placebo three times a day for two weeks, followed by assessments of emotional behavior.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age 18 and above
- Arginine-vasopressin deficiency
- Normal FT4 or T4
- Normal serum/plasma sodium
- Stable hormone replacement
Exclusion Criteria:
- Active substance use disorder within the last 6 months
- History of psychosis
- Suicidal behavior and/or active suicidal ideation with plan and/or intent, e.g., suicidal ideation of type 4 or type 5 as assessed by the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), in the last month
- Medication changes within 4 weeks of enrollment or planned medication changes during the study
- History of chronic nasal obstruction or local pathology in nostril pathway which, in the opinion of the investigator, would prevent appropriate nasal administration of the study drug.
- History of cardiac disease, including arrhythmias, coronary heart disease, coronary artery spasms, valvular heart disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (hypertension is not exclusionary)
- History of chronic kidney disease stage III and above
- History of liver cirrhosis
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding within the last 8 weeks
- Unwilling to use a medically acceptable form of contraception throughout the study period (female of child-bearing potential only)
- Any significant illness, condition, drug or medical device that the Investigator determines could interfere with study participation, data collection, or safety