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Oxytocin causes a long-term decrease of blood pressure in female and male rats

M Petersson¹, P Alster, T Lundeberg

¹Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.

Physiology & Behavior

|November 1, 1996

Summary

Oxytocin (OXY) significantly lowers blood pressure (BP) in rats with long-term effects, particularly in females. This hormone may offer a novel approach to managing hypertension.

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Area of Science:

Cardiovascular Physiology
Neuroendocrinology

Background:

Oxytocin (OXY) is a hormone primarily known for its roles in social bonding and reproduction.
Its potential cardiovascular effects, particularly on blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR), require further investigation for therapeutic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the long-term effects of oxytocin administration on blood pressure and heart rate in conscious male and female rats.
To compare the effects of subcutaneous (SC) and intracerebroventricular (ICV) oxytocin delivery.

Main Methods:

Rats received daily SC injections of oxytocin (0.01, 0.1, 1 mg/kg) or saline for 5 days.
Intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections of oxytocin (1 microgram/kg) were also administered.
Blood pressure and heart rate were monitored daily throughout the study and for a period post-injection.

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Main Results:

Subcutaneous oxytocin (0.1 and 1 mg/kg) significantly reduced BP in both sexes without affecting HR.
In males, BP returned to baseline within 10 days, while in females, the BP reduction persisted.
Intracerebroventricular oxytocin also decreased BP, with effects lasting up to 8 days post-injection.

Conclusions:

Oxytocin administration can induce a sustained reduction in blood pressure.
The long-term hypotensive effects of oxytocin are more pronounced in female rats and are observed with both systemic and central administration.