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Oxytocin, often called the "love hormone," is well-known for its roles in childbirth and lactation. Beyond these traditional functions, it plays a vital role in emotional and social behaviors, mood regulation, stress responses, and various physiological processes. Blood oxytocin levels are typically low under basal conditions but increase significantly during labor, breastfeeding, sexual activity, and positive social interactions. However, reported plasma oxytocin levels in humans and rodents vary widely across studies. In this study, we reviewed plasma oxytocin levels in rats from research conducted over the past decade, emphasizing the notable discrepancies observed between studies. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of two anesthetic protocols (inhaled isoflurane and a combination of three anesthetics) and the proteinase inhibitor aprotinin on plasma oxytocin levels in adult male rats. Our findings revealed that neither the anesthetics nor aprotinin significantly affected plasma oxytocin levels. We also discussed potential factors contributing to the marked differences in reported rat blood oxytocin levels.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.9758/cpn.25.1273 | DOI Listing |
Yakugaku Zasshi
September 2025
Kampo Research Laboratories, Pharmaceutical Company, Kracie, Ltd.
Dysmenorrhea refers to pathological symptoms that occur in association with menstruation during the menstrual period. Treatment options for dysmenorrhea include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and low-dose estrogen-progestin combination pills. However, some patients do not respond to these treatments, and long-term use can lead to adverse reactions, raising additional problems.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBehav Brain Res
September 2025
Department of Pharmacology of the School of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP 14049-900, Brazil. Electronic address:
Aims: Acute restraint stress (RS) has been reported to activate the supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus (SON). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of glutamatergic neurotransmission in the SON on autonomic [mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and tail cutaneous temperature], neuroendocrine (plasma levels of corticosterone, oxytocin, and vasopressin), and behavioral responses to RS.
Methods: Male Wistar rats with bilateral SON cannulas received microinjections of NMDA or non-NMDA receptor antagonists or vehicle before restraint stress, and the effects on cardiovascular, tail temperature, hormonal, and behavioral responses were evaluated RESULTS: Microinjection of DL-AP7 or NBQX into the SON reduced MAP increases and tail temperature decreases induced by RS.
J Physiol
September 2025
Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
The retrotrapezoid nucleus, located in the parafacial medullary region (RTN/pFRG), is crucial for respiratory activity and central chemoreception. Recent evidence suggests that neuromodulation, including peptidergic signalling, can influence the CO/H sensitivity of RTN neurons. The paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) projects to the ventral medullary surface, including the RTN, and is considered the primary source of oxytocin to the brainstem.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPLoS One
September 2025
Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
Background: Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of maternal mortality, near-misses and morbidity in Uganda and globally. Kawempe National Referral Hospital (KNRH), Uganda's largest obstetric referral hospital, receives many obstetric emergencies, including PPH, from lower-level health facilities. Little is known about the outcomes and management of severe PPH at KNRH.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPsychophysiology
September 2025
Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
This article presents circadian variation in salivary oxytocin levels in a sample of 91 female participants, including 47 healthy controls and 44 patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). A significant increase in salivary oxytocin levels was observed between awakening and early afternoon. There were no significant group differences and no Group × Time interaction.
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