Oxytocin

Abstract

Oxytocin is a nine amino acid neuropeptide (nonapeptide), synthesized in the magnocellular neurosecretory cells of the hypothalamus and released both within the brain and from the posterior pituitary gland into the bloodstream. Oxytocin exerts peripheral actions that promote uterine contractions and the milk let-down reflex and is also increasingly recognized for its central effects that can lead to lasting changes in social behavior, mood and emotion in many mammalian species. Recent studies show that intranasal administration of oxytocin can modify social cognition, social memory, interpersonal behavior, and associated brain activation in human subjects. © 2010 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg