The Sound of Evolution
Oxytocin
Mechanism of action:
Oxytocin is an endogenous peptide hormone and neuropeptide. Oxytocin acts on the oxytocin receptor and, through Gq/11 protein coupling, activates phospholipase Cbeta, increasing the production of IP3 and DAG. This raises cytosolic calcium levels and activates protein kinase C, leading to uterine smooth muscle contraction and contraction of myoepithelial cells in the mammary glands. On neuronal oxytocin receptors, oxytocin can regulate the release of glutamate and GABA. It can also activate beta-arrestin, MAPK / ERK, and cAMP response element-binding protein, thereby altering synaptic plasticity and promoting dendritic spine remodeling.
Reference(s):
1. Kosfeld M et al. (2005). Oxytocin increases trust in humans. Nature.
2. Takayanagi Y et al. (2005). Pervasive social deficits, but normal parturition, in oxytocin receptor-deficient mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A.
3. Carmichael MS et al. (1987). Plasma oxytocin increases in the human sexual response. J Clin Endocrinol Metab.