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Oxytocin: recent developments
Plain-language summary
Paraphrased from the published abstract below — not a verdict on whether anything works.
This review summarizes recent developments on oxytocin, a neurohypophyseal hormone produced by neurons in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus and released into higher brain centres and the peripheral circulation. The abstract describes oxytocin's classical roles in uterine contractions and milk ejection, its species- and gender-specific neuromodulatory effects on stress, anxiety, and social behaviours, and physiological roles in peripheral tissues often modulated by locally produced oxytocin. It notes oxytocin levels are altered in several diseases and that oxytocin or its antagonists have been proposed for mood disorders, pain, some cancers, benign prostatic disease and osteoporosis, with clinical trials in autism and schizophrenia, and highlights future targets.
Abstract
Oxytocin is a neurohypophyseal hormone that is produced centrally by neurons in the paraventricular nucleus and supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus. It is released directly into higher brain centres and into the peripheral circulation where it produces a multitude of effects. Classically, oxytocin is known for inducing uterine contractions at parturition and milk ejection during suckling. Oxytocin also acts in a species and gender specific manner as an important neuromodulator. It can affect behaviours associated with stress and anxiety, as well social behaviours including sexual and relationship behaviours, and maternal care. Additionally, oxytocin has been shown to have a variety of physiological roles in peripheral tissues, many of which appear to be modulated largely by locally produced oxytocin, dispelling the notion that oxytocin is a purely neurohypophyseal hormone. Oxytocin levels are altered in several diseases and the use of oxytocin or its antagonists have been identified as a possible clinical intervention in the treatment of mood disorders and pain conditions, some cancers, benign prostatic disease and osteoporosis. Indeed, oxytocin has already been successful in clinical trials to treat autism and schizophrenia. This review will report briefly on the known functions of oxytocin, it will discuss in depth the data from recent clinical trials and highlight future targets for oxytocinergic modulation.
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