The neuropeptide oxytocin plays an evolutionarily conserved role in mammalian social
behavior. Despite striking effects on animal social behavior after intracerebroventricular drug
delivery, this delivery mode is impractical in humans. Intranasal oxytocin delivery provides a
noninvasive alternative to increase central oxytocin activity, and has shown promise as a
treatment for psychiatric illnesses. Intranasal oxytocin delivery is purported to increase
central oxytocin concentrations via channels surrounding trigeminal and olfactory nerve …