Is the efficacy of oxytocin for autism diminished at higher dosages or repeated doses?: Potential mechanisms and candidate solutions

Abstract

No approved pharmacological intervention currently exists to address the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition. However, there is a growing body of empirical evidence highlighting oxytocin's modulatory effects on social and communicative behaviors. Numerous single-dose trials have consistently demonstrated the efficacy of oxytocin in ameliorating behavioral and neural measurements associated with the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. Nevertheless, prior investigations involving the repeated administration of oxytocin have yielded disparate findings concerning its effectiveness, particularly in relation to clinical measures of the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. Recent studies have also raised the possibility of diminishing efficacy of oxytocin over time, particularly when higher or recurrent dosages of oxytocin are administered. This review article aims to provide an overview of previous studies examining this issue. Furthermore, it aims to discuss the potential mechanisms underlying these effects, including the interaction between oxytocin and vasopressin, as well as potential strategies for addressing the challenges mentioned. This review's overall objective is to provide insights into the potential development of innovative therapeutics to mitigate the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, representing potential breakthroughs in the treatment of this complex neurodevelopmental condition.

Keywords: Autism; Glutamate; Oxytocin; Serotonin; Treatment; Vasopressin.