Oxytocin |Love Hormone |Endocrinology

Introduction

The lecture explains the site of secretion, functions, and mode of action of oxytocin. It will also explore the 'milk let down reflex' or suckling reflex.

Keywords: Oxytocin |Love Hormone | Neurophysin -1|Paraventricular nucleus|peptidergic neurons of the magnocellular neurosecretory system |Milk ejection reflex |Milk let down reflex|Oxytocin and sex|Oxytocin and breastfeeding|Oxytocin benefits for men| Oxytocin benefits|benifits o Oxytoin| Action of oxytocin

Table of contents

1.	Introduction
2.	Site of secretion
3.	Action
4.	Control of secretion
5.	Milk ejection reflex

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What is Oxytocin?

Oxytocin is a hormone and a neurotransmitter.

Oxytocin is secreted mainly from the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. It is also synthesized in peptidergic neurons of the magnocellular neurosecretory system or the hypothalmo-hypophysial neural tract.

From the paraventricular nucleus, the hormone passes to the axons, combines with the carrier protein 'Neurophysin -I,' is transported in the hypothalamus-hypophysial neural tract, and is stored in axon endings in the posterior pituitary.

In the posterior pituitary, oxytocin is stored and released by nerve impulses in the hypothalmo-hypophysial neural tract.

The Love hormone

Oxytocin, also known as the Love hormone, is responsible for positive emotions, social binding, love, relationships, pair bonding, and trust.

Oxytocin causes attachments between mothers and their infants and children and bonds between romantic partners. 

Do you know what is the Cuddle hormone?

Let me know in the comment section.

What does oxytocin do?

Action of oxytocin

1. On the myoepithelium lining the ducts of mammary glands:

It causes contraction of the myoepithelium lining the mammary glands' alveoli, ducts, and cisternae, leading to milk ejection from the lactating breast.

2. On the myometrium

It stimulates the contraction of the uterus's smooth muscles, making it vital and helpful in inducing labor. It helps to control bleeding after delivery(PPH). Pitocin is the brand name of Oxytocin injection. It is used to control bleeding after delivery(PPH).

3. Action on the anterior pituitary gland

Oxytocin stimulates the release of lactogenic and galactopoietic factors from the anterior pituitary gland.

4. On blood vessels

In high doses, it causes relaxation of blood vessels, causing a fall in blood pressure.

6. Boosts the prostaglandin production.

5. In males, it increases contraction of the vas deferens' smooth muscles, facilitating the transport of sperms towards the urethra. The testis, epididymis, and prostate glands in males have oxytocin receptors.

6. Mental health: Oxytocin promotes positive feelings, increases happiness, and promotes positive social behavior. It also plays a role in anger management. A low oxytocin level is associated with depression.

Control of oxytocin secretion:

1. Factors increasing oxytocin secretion:

It may be conditioned sight; crying of the child can cause milk ejection.

Physical stimulation of the nipple.

Physical stimulation of the genital tract.

Dilatation of the cervix also stimulates the paraventricular nucleus to secrete and release oxytocin.

Stimulation of cholinergic nerve.

How to increase oxytocin levels?

You can increase your Oxytocin levels with simple yet very effective steps, such as eating a healthy, balanced diet, exercising regularly, giving someone a hug, and spending time with friends, children, and family.

Touch and massage also increase oxytocin levels.

No food supplement is required to increase oxytocin levels.

2. Factors decreasing oxytocin secretion:

Drugs

Sympathetic nerve stimulation

Stress and psychic factors.

Milk ejection reflex or Milk let-down reflex

Breastfeeding

Tactile receptors are present in the alveolar region of the breast. They are stimulated by suckling and transmit signals to the paraventricular nucleus, which causes reflex secretion of oxytocin in the blood.

Oxytocin acts on its specific receptors present on the myoepithelium lining the alveoli, ducts, and cisternae of the mammary glands and causes contraction of the myoepithelial lining. This leads to milk ejection from the lactating breast in 30 to 60 seconds.

Suckling also promotes prolactin stimulation by inhibiting the release of 'prolactin inhibitory factor from the hypothalamus.

In this way, suckling causes both secretion and ejection of milk.

Mechanism of action:

When oxytocin binds to its specific receptor, it activates an enzyme, G2, which stimulates Phospholipase C, which is present on the inner surface of the cell membrane.

Phospholipase C catalyzes the hydrolysis of (PIP2) Phosphatidylinositol diphosphate to yield two second messengers: (IP3) Isositol triphosphate and (DAG) diacylglycerol.

Inositol triphosphate (IP3) diffuses to the endoplasmic reticulum to trigger the release of Ca++ into the cell. The calcium influx increases intracellular calcium ions, leading to muscle contraction.

This mechanism operates in the mammary gland, uterus, and vas deference.

Diacylglycerol stays in the cell membrane to activate protein kinase C.

Your queries:

What is Oxytocin?

What does oxytocin do?

How are oxytocin levels controlled?

How to increase oxytocin levels?

How can oxytocin affect mental health?

Is oxytocin a happy hormone?

Why is oxytocin called the love hormone?

Brand name of oxytocin?

What is the Cuddle hormone?

Oxytocin is the Cuddle hormone. It is associated with pair bonding, sexual activity, childbirth, and breastfeeding. It is also responsible for sexual desire, erection, orgasm, and happiness.

Internal Links:

https://blog.totalphysiology.com/2024/10/growth-hormone-somatotrophin-human.html

https://blog.totalphysiology.com/2024/09/pituitary-glandmaster-gland.html

https://blog.totalphysiology.com/2022/02/hormones-adrenal-medulla-adrenalin.html

https://blog.totalphysiology.com/2022/01/pituitary-gland secretion hormones.html

External Links: 

https://en.wikipedia.org>wiki>oxytocin

 

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