Here, sniff this: Oxytocin Accelerators

Oxytocin is a naturally occurring human hormone produced in the hypothalamus where it acts as a neurotransmitter. Oxytocin receptors are expressed by neurons in many parts of the brain and spinal cord, including the amygdala, ventromedial hypothalamus, septum and brainstem.

Oxytocin is known by many women as the drug (called "Pitocin") they were given to induce labor. Indeed, it has significant physical effects related to birth and maternal bonding. It is also known as the "tend and befriend" hormone. Studied since the 1990's, some recent research suggests that oxytocin has numerous psychological effects on those exposed to it.

What psychological effects? Consider these:

Trust
Bonding
Fear Reduction
Empathy
Intimacy
Sexual Receptiveness
Generosity


Time Magazine quoted Tom Insel, the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, who said, ""Somehow, the peptide increases trust, or alters the way individuals see each other."

Oxytocin is produced normally in response to various emotional states, in such situations as hugging or touching, and it is produced prodigiously in both men and women during orgasm.

Proving once again that "the street finds its own use for technology" (Wm. Gibson, Neuromancer), you can now buy small spray bottles of oxytocin "accelerators" online from a number of sources (google it yourself). The idea is to spray it directly into the nose or mouth, or where it can be deeply inhaled. (It has no effect when ingested.)

Scents, aromas, perfumes, incense, and more have long been used in human society to create moods, induce relaxation, and otherwise influence behavior. It appears we are now entering a new stage where bio-engineered products may be employed for the same purposes. There are many other hormones that may just as important as oxytocin in influencing mood and behavior.

The next time you walk into a business meeting, what aerosol hormones will be in the air? How will casinos use oxytocin and other hormones? Will you use it with your spouse? On a date?

Researchers remain skeptical of the use of oxytocin for the notion of "paradise engineering". That's their job as scientists.

Resources and Further Reading
Nature (Vol. 435, No. 7042, pages 673–676) June 2, 2005

Public Library of Science journal PLoS ONE (Vol. 2, No. 11) Nov. 7, 2007

About Oxytocin

Monitor on Psychology, Volume 39, No. 2 February 2008
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