A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Social touch modulates endogenous mu-opioid system activity in humans
Authors: Nummenmaa L, Tuominen L, Dunbar R, Hirvonen J, Manninen S, Arponen E, Machin A, Hari R, Jaaskelainen IP, Sams M
Publisher: ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE
Publication year: 2016
Journal: NeuroImage
Journal name in source: NEUROIMAGE
Journal acronym: NEUROIMAGE
Volume: 138
First page : 242
Last page: 247
Number of pages: 6
ISSN: 1053-8119
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2016.05.063
Abstract
In non-human primates, opioid-receptor blockade increases social grooming, and the endogenous opioid system has therefore been hypothesized to support maintenance of long-term relationships in humans as well. Here we tested whether social touch modulates opioidergic activation in humans using in vivo positron emission tomography (PET). Eighteen male participants underwent two PET scans with [11C] carfentanil, a ligand specific to mu-opioid receptors (MOR). During the social touch scan, the participants lay in the scanner while their partners caressed their bodies in a non-sexual fashion. In the baseline scan, participants lay alone in the scanner. Social touch triggered pleasurable sensations and increased MOR availability in the thalamus, striatum, and frontal, cingulate, and insular cortices. Modulation of activity of the opioid system by social touching might provide a neurochemical mechanism reinforcing social bonds between humans. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
In non-human primates, opioid-receptor blockade increases social grooming, and the endogenous opioid system has therefore been hypothesized to support maintenance of long-term relationships in humans as well. Here we tested whether social touch modulates opioidergic activation in humans using in vivo positron emission tomography (PET). Eighteen male participants underwent two PET scans with [11C] carfentanil, a ligand specific to mu-opioid receptors (MOR). During the social touch scan, the participants lay in the scanner while their partners caressed their bodies in a non-sexual fashion. In the baseline scan, participants lay alone in the scanner. Social touch triggered pleasurable sensations and increased MOR availability in the thalamus, striatum, and frontal, cingulate, and insular cortices. Modulation of activity of the opioid system by social touching might provide a neurochemical mechanism reinforcing social bonds between humans. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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