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Oxytocin is a peptide hormone and neuropeptide normally produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary. [4] Present in animals since early stages of evolution, in humans it plays roles in behavior that include social bonding, love, reproduction, childbirth, and the period after childbirth.
Synthetic oxytocin, sold under the brand name Pitocin among others, is a medication made from the peptide oxytocin. [ 6 ] [ 7 ] As a medication, it is used to cause contraction of the uterus to start labor , increase the speed of labor , and to stop bleeding following delivery . [ 6 ]
The oxytocin receptor, also known as OXTR, is a protein which functions as receptor for the hormone and neurotransmitter oxytocin. [4] [5] In humans, the oxytocin receptor is encoded by the OXTR gene [6] [7] which has been localized to human chromosome 3p25. [8] Evolutionary tree of the oxytocin, vasotocin, mesotocin and isotocin receptors and ...
Oxytocin Is Released. ... That said, if one were to isolate the action of oxytocin in the context of getting hot and steamy, Wise tells us that it certainly plays a role in making the big O happen ...
Due to the similarity of the two hormones, there is cross-reaction: oxytocin has a slight antidiuretic function, and high levels of AVP can cause uterine contractions. [5] [6] In common with most active peptides, both hormones are synthesised as larger protein precursors that are enzymatically converted to their mature forms.
The oxytocin and vasopressin that is released at the posterior pituitary gland enters the blood, and cannot re-enter the brain because the blood–brain barrier does not allow oxytocin and vasopressin through, but the oxytocin and vasopressin that is released from dendrites acts within the brain. Oxytocin neurons themselves express oxytocin ...
Hyponatremia is a decreased concentration of sodium in the body as a result of increased fluids. This occurs due to oxytocin's similar structure to vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone), which acts to retain water in the body. Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is also a common side effect due to oxytocin's ability to relax smooth muscle of vessels.
The pituitary gland (or hypophysis) is an endocrine gland about the size of a pea and weighing 0.5 grams (0.018 oz) in humans. It is a protrusion off the bottom of the hypothalamus at the base of the brain, and rests in a small, bony cavity (sella turcica) covered by a dural fold (diaphragma sellae).