Oxytocin

Oxytocin is a hormone classified as a neuropeptide that is produced in the hypothalamus area of the brain and that mammals produce almost exclusively (1,2,5). From the hypothalamus, oxytocin spreads to other parts of the brain and peripheral parts of the body to influence cells and behavior. Although oxytocin has been known for almost a hundred years, research into its effects on behavior and exact function is still ongoing and has recently picked up. For many years oxytocin has been used in medicine. In humans it is known to stimulate contractions in labor, increase milk ejection in lactation (4,5), and is found at increased levels during pleasurable activities such as a massage or sex (3). It is known by many names, the trust hormone, the love hormone, the cuddle hormone, because of the wide variety of behaviors it is known to affect. More recently, oxytocin is being researched for its role in social behaviors. It is believed that it may have a role in both romantic and social bonding in humans (3). While research in humans is still ongoing, it is known that oxytocin is a key part of pair bonding in monogamous animals (4). Its particular effects on a species are species specific (3), but research done in prairie voles, rats,…

Social interactions are essential in everyday situations such as wooing a mate, the reproduction of offspring, and forming interpersonal relationships. ‘Prosociality’, which is an umbrella term, involves maternal and paternal care, social recognition, adult affiliation such as pair bonding and social bonding, and empathy and trust between people. Various literature has examined the roles of oxytocin and vasopressin in supporting prosocial behaviours. Oxytocin (OT), a nonapeptide hormone…

The famous discussion of nature vs. nurture was somewhat interrupted by the realization that both aspects, genetics and environment, have important input in individuals. By combining the studies of genetics and psychology it is possible to correlate results from the fields and search for possible, and hopefully specific, genes involved in the expression of certain traits. For instance, Poulin et al (2011) explored the relationship between receptor genes of oxytocin and vasopressin and prediction…

Also known as the love or hug drug, Oxytocin serves as a neurotransmitter and hormone that plays a role in human tendency to feel pleasure and form emotional bonds with others. It is in the hypothalamus located in the brain which is then transported to the pituitary gland, which is located at the main base of the brain. The impact of the different oxytocin levels determines the outcome of the emotions and feelings. It also plays a role in sexual relations, before and after childbirth and…

May 7, 2014, Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii. I set in the waiting room, bags in my lap, my mother to my left and an empty car seat on my right. The room is small and dull. The walls are painted a pale tan color and the only sound is coming from Rachel Ray cooking a “5 minute meal” on the television. “Why does Tripler choose to play Food Network for a bunch of pregnant women?” I wonder. Rachel just reminds me how hungry I am, even though I just finished a hearty breakfast. Maybe…

it. 21% of studies reported oxytocin had negative effects on prosociality and these effects seemed to be mediated by situational factors and individual differences. Overall, 43% of research reviewed indicated no main effect of oxytocin, 63% reported situational and/or individual difference moderators. The effect of oxytocin is mediated by situational and/or individual differences • Three possible mechanisms how oxytocin mediates output behaviors: o Anxiety reduction: oxytocin reduces social…

Health Effects of Oxytocin Properties of Oxytocin Oxytocin is a peptide hormone made up of nine amino acids. Oxytocin is produced by pituitary gland in the brain to carry out different physiological and psychological functions in the body like child birth, breastfeeding, mother infant bonding and social behavior. Oxytocin is also referred as love hormone, cuddle hormone or bonding hormone because it develops feelings of affection, trust, and attachment among people. It reduces the negativities…

A huge amount of interest has been placed in studying oxytocin, not only on for its implication in female reproduction, but also for modulation of several aspects of social behavior. This review will first focus on mammalian organisms. In most of the experiments discussed below, microdialysis was used to measure the level of OT and AVP because of its ability to directly monitor both neuropeptides when released in the brain (Landgraf & Newmann, 2004). a) Social bonding A study on the behavioral…

Oxytocin is an extremely mysterious and useful hormone that is kept out of the eye of basic human knowledge. For instance, oxytocin is known as the cuddle hormone because it is released when you hug someone. This is the reason why people normally feel secure when we hug one another and why we thrive for human contact. The hormone not only enhances empathy but also fine tunes brain social instinct, strengthen close relationships, and makes you more willing to support people. Oxytocin does all…

wide range of uses for the oxytocin hormone with their role being heavily relied on by the aid of bone metabolism in osteoporosis. Osteoporosis results in a decrease of bone metabolism from a decrease in bone density and bone mass. Numerous studies have suggested that a link between oxytocin and bone metabolism will reverse the effects of this decrease and restore bone formation. Literature Review Oxytocin is most widely known as the love hormone. It is released by the pituitary gland and…