Collection Methods for Salivary Oxytocin Estimation in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Sowmyashree Mayur Kaku
Oxytocin participates in the development of normal social bonds and aberrations in this neuroendocrine system have been hypothesized to contribute to behavioral abnormalities associated with autism. Salivary oxytocin level estimation is now gaining popularity in autism research. Multiple collection techniques have been tried in both high as well as low functioning children with autism. In this paper, we discuss the various techniques which have been standardized for salivary sample collection to estimate oxytocin. It will probably help augment the current research findings for use of exogenous oxytocin therapy in children with autism spectrum disorders while downplaying the ethical issues of invasive sample collection techniques for blood and cerebrospinal fluid.
