Oxytocin

Oxytocin peptide, often referred to as the “love hormone,” plays a significant role in human social behavior and emotions. A pleiotropic hormone, oxytocin has broad implications for growth, resilience, and healing processes [1]. It’s synthesized in the hypothalamic neurons and released into the bloodstream during specific physiological conditions [2].

The central roles of oxytocin extend beyond its well-known functions in parturition (childbirth) and lactation (milk production) [2]. United Kingdom Research suggests that oxytocin has prosocial effects on humans, contributing significantly to the micro-dynamics of the social brain [3]. This is evident in maternal bonding, where oxytocin is instrumental in initiating maternal behaviour [4].

In addition to its social and emotional roles, oxytocin also interacts with other body systems. For example, it has been found to mediate the release of atrial natriuretic peptide, a hormone involved in blood volume regulation. This suggests that oxytocin also acts as a cardiovascular hormone [5].

Interestingly, alterations in oxytocin peptide forms have been observed in autistic children, suggesting changes in brain oxytocin processing. Moreover, the oxytocin pathways—which include the neuropeptide oxytocin, the related peptide vasopressin, and their receptors—are hypothesized to be central to human behaviour evolution [6]. Despite the substantial progress in understanding oxytocin’s multiple roles, the claim that oxytocin is a ‘social neuropeptide’ is continually being deconstructed, studied and re-evaluated, thus the knowledge of this complex peptide is still growing.

References:

[1] https://pharmrev.aspetjournals.org/ content/72/4/829.abstract

[2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/ science/article/abs/pii/S01497634 05800028

[3] https://www.tandfonline.com/ doi/abs/10.3109/1067322090 3523615

[4] https://physoc.onlinelibrary. wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j. 1469-445X.2000.tb00014.x

[5] https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/ 10.1073/pnas.94.21.11704

[6] https://www.sciencedirect.com/ science/article/abs/pii/S00063223 01011398

Sequence Shortening‎: ‎CYIQNCPLG-NH₂

Molecular Formula‎: ‎C₄₃H₆₆N₁₂O₁₂S₂