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Social touch modulates endogenous μ-opioid system activity in humans
Lauri Nummenmaa1, Lauri Tuominen2, Robin Dunbar3
1Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, School of Science, Aalto University, 00076 AALTO, Finland; Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland.
Neuroimage
|May 31, 2016
Summary
Social touch activates the human opioid system, increasing pleasure and reinforcing social bonds. This study used PET scans to show how physical contact affects brain chemistry and relationships.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Social Psychology
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Opioid receptors are involved in social behaviors in primates.
- The endogenous opioid system may play a role in human social bonding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if social touch modulates opioidergic activity in humans.
- To explore the neurochemical basis of social bonding through touch.
Main Methods:
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scans using [11C]carfentanil, a μ-opioid receptor (MOR) ligand.
- Comparison of brain activity during social touch versus a baseline resting state in 18 male participants.
Main Results:
- Social touch induced pleasurable sensations.
- Increased MOR availability was observed in brain regions including the thalamus, striatum, and frontal, cingulate, and insular cortices.
- Social touch modulated opioidergic activation.
Conclusions:
- Social touch activates the human opioid system.
- This neurochemical modulation may serve as a mechanism for reinforcing social bonds.
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