The idea for this drug — and prospective “Love’ vaccine — is based on the research of neuroscientist Dr. Larry Young.   Young worked with animals called prairie voles, which are among the small minority of mammals — less than five percent — who share humans’ propensity for monogamy.

When a female prairie vole’s brain is artificially infused with oxytocin, a hormone that produces neural rewards comparable to those created by substances such as nicotine and cocaine, she will quickly become attached to the nearest male.

A related hormone, vasopressin, creates urges for bonding and nesting in male voles.

Ok, but where’s the OFF button?

Tufts Daily – Love Potion #1: New drug could control love’s presence.