Research Terms
Behavioral Sciences Psychology
Oxytocin is an FDA approved drug (and naturally produced hormone) that is used intravenously for labor induction. Currently, oxytocin is delivered by uncomfortable (intranasal) or invasive (injection) methods. This treatment combines oxytocin receptor modulation with somatosensory stimulation through topical substance delivery. Oxytocin or other oxytocin receptor modulators will be combined with drug delivery vehicles that require somatosensory stimulation as part of their application. Topical application of oxytocin may be delivered in shampoos, soaps, lotions, creams, ointments, massage oils, wipes, chewing gum, toothpastes, personal lubricants, condoms or other mechanisms of substance delivery that involve somatosensory stimulation (e.g., massage, ‘mouthfeel’ of foods/gums/candies, and sexual activity).
