Objectives: 

Oxytocin is a neuropeptide affecting social behaviour. Autism spectrum disorders are characterised by social deficits, impaired communication and repetitive behaviours. Several studies have shown reduced plasma levels of oxytocin and moreover administration of oxytocin reduced clinical symptoms of autism. The aim of the present study was to reveal differences in plasma levels of oxytocin between autistic and healthy population in Slovakia.

Materials: 

After signed consent 108 autism patients were recruited into the study (83 males, 25 females). 131 healthy children were recruited as a control group (106 males, 25 females). Blood samples were obtained from all children and plasma oxytocin levels were measured using ELISA method (Enzo Life Sciences).

Results: 

Children were divided into groups according to age and gender; boys into three groups (under 6 years, prepubertal group - 7-13 years, pubertal group – more than 14 years) and girls into two groups (under and above 12 years). Oxytocin levels were significantly lower in prepubertal and pubertal boys in comparison to controls (p<0.05 in both cases; mean 187.8±44.0 pg/mL (autism) and 320.8±42.5 pg/mL (control); 173.9±63.8 pg/mL (autism) and 309.4±33.9 (control), respectively). We have found no significant differences in plasma oxytocin levels neither in boys under the age of 6 and nor in girls of both age groups.

Conclusions: 

In accordance with literature we have found decreased oxytocin levels in plasma of autism boys which may be related to decrease sociability and social interactions. Addition of psychological profiling may reveal possible correlations of hormone levels with symptom severities.