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Oxytocin: neurobiologic considerations and their implications for affective illness
1Clinical Neuroendocrinology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Oxytocin, a hormone found in the brain and periphery, plays roles in maternal behaviors and may influence cognition. Its secretion regulation and potential in neuropsychiatric illness are under investigation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Oxytocin (OT) is a nonapeptide hormone synthesized in hypothalamic nuclei and found in extra-hypothalamic brain regions and peripheral organs.
- OT is released into circulation, mediating uterine contractions and milk let-down, but its central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral roles are still being elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current understanding of oxytocin's functional significance in the CNS.
- To examine the regulation of oxytocin secretion in humans.
- To explore oxytocin's potential role in neuropsychiatric disorders.
Main Methods:
- Selective literature review focusing on oxytocin's CNS functions.
- Review of experimental animal studies on oxytocin's behavioral roles.
- Analysis of in vitro data on oxytocin's effects on steroidogenesis.
- Examination of human studies on oxytocin secretion and neuropsychiatric illness.
Main Results:
- Oxytocin is implicated in CNS functions including cognition, tolerance, adaptation, and maternal behaviors.
- Peripheral oxytocin may locally regulate androgen and estrogen production.
- Data on the regulation of human oxytocin secretion and its neuropsychiatric implications are being gathered.
Conclusions:
- Oxytocin possesses diverse functions in both the central nervous system and peripheral tissues.
- Further research is needed to fully understand oxytocin's mechanisms and therapeutic potential in neuropsychiatric conditions.