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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 6, 2026

Assessing Cellular Stress and Inflammation in Discrete Oxytocin-secreting Brain Nuclei in the Neonatal Rat Before and After First Colostrum Feeding
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Oxytocin - The Sweet Hormone?

Gareth Leng1, Nancy Sabatier1

  • 1Centre for Integrative Physiology, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh UK.

Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism: TEM
|March 12, 2017
PubMed
Summary

Oxytocin, a hormone involved in reproduction and feeding, also regulates bodily functions like glucose and bone health. Its diverse roles make it a promising target for future medical treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroendocrinology
  • Metabolic Regulation
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Mammalian oxytocin and vasopressin neurons evolved from ancient cells linking reproduction to energy and feeding.
  • Oxytocin functions as an autocrine/paracrine regulator, systemic hormone, neuromodulator, and neurohormone.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the multifaceted roles of oxytocin in mammalian physiology.
  • To highlight oxytocin's potential as a translational therapeutic target.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on oxytocin's functions.
  • Analysis of oxytocin's involvement in both peripheral and central nervous system processes.

Main Results:

  • Oxytocin influences electrolyte and glucose homeostasis, gastric motility, adipogenesis, and osteogenesis.

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  • Within the brain, oxytocin impacts food reward, food choice, and satiety.
  • Oxytocin specifically suppresses sweet carbohydrate intake and enhances glucose tolerance and bone remodeling.

    • Conclusions:

    • Oxytocin plays a critical role in integrating reproductive functions with energy status and feeding behavior.
    • The diverse physiological effects of oxytocin present it as a compelling target for translational research and therapeutic development.