A mammalian hormone that acts primarily as a neuromodulator in the brain
Abstract
Biological Functions of Oxytocin and Oxytocin-like Drugs
Neuropeptide oxytocin is of great importance in social and reproductive behavior and emotions. Oxytocin or oxytocin-like drugs have many potential therapeutic applications. This can generate greater interest in testing oxytocin as a treatment for a number of disorders, and in developing central nervous system-penetrating oxytocin agonists suitable for clinical trials. The pharmaceutical industry would be interested in investigating oxytocinergic compounds with regards to the following functions: Addition to stimulating female and male sexual behavior Penile erections Social closeness – including parental and monogamous bonding Diminishes pain, depression, anxiety, aggression and stress hormone release Lowers blood pressure Counteracts addiction and drug withdrawal Modulates appetite and digestive processes Promotes wound healing Few, if any, other neurochemicals have such a broad spectrum of effects.
Moberg, K. The Oxytocin Factor. Perseus, 2003.
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