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Central functions of oxytocin.
1Department of Neurosciences, University of Cagliari, Italy.
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Oxytocin, a peptide hormone, functions as a central nervous system neurotransmitter. It influences diverse functions including maternal and sexual behaviors, memory, and cardiovascular regulation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Oxytocin is recognized for its peripheral hormonal roles in parturition and lactation.
- Beyond the neurohypophyseal system, oxytocin is found in extrahypothalamic brain regions.
- Neurons containing oxytocin project to areas with specific oxytocin-binding sites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent evidence supporting oxytocin's role as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.
- To highlight oxytocin's involvement in various central functions based on recent studies.
Main Methods:
- Review of behavioral studies.
- Analysis of morphological data.
- Examination of electrophysiological findings.
- Evaluation of neurochemical research.
Main Results:
- Oxytocin is released synaptically in a calcium-dependent manner.
- Oxytocin may serve as a precursor for behaviorally active neuropeptides.
- Evidence suggests oxytocin's significant role in maternal and sexual behaviors.
- Oxytocin influences yawning, memory, learning, feeding, grooming, and thermoregulation.
- Oxytocin is implicated in tolerance and dependence mechanisms and cardiovascular regulation.
Conclusions:
- Oxytocin acts as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.
- This ancient neuropeptide modulates a wide array of complex central functions.