Neurochemical bases of plasticity in the magnocellular oxytocin system during gestation

The central and systemic release of oxytocin (OT) has been well documented during parturition and lactation. In preparation for the demands of these events, the magnocellular hypothalamic neurons of the central OT system undergo a variety of biochemical, molecular, electrophysiological, and anatomical adaptations during gestation. However, the mechanisms responsible for these changes have not been well established. A number of neurochemical mediators have been implicated in contributing to the plasticity in the OT magnocellular system during gestation, including ovarian hormones, as well as central neurotransmitters, such as glutamate, gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), and central neurosteroids, e.g., allopregnanolone. In addition, several lines of evidence suggest that central OT release and subsequent OT receptor stimulation may contribute to adaptations of the OT system during gestation, and may be necessary for its subsequent functioning during lactation. Here, we review evidence for involvement of the neurochemical systems implicated in contributing to adaptations that occur in the OT system during the course of gestation.