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BMC Endocrine Disorders Jun 2016Oxytocin (OT) emerges as a drug for the treatment of diabetes and obesity. The entire OT system is synthesized in the rat and human heart. The direct myocardial infusion... (Review)
Review
Oxytocin (OT) emerges as a drug for the treatment of diabetes and obesity. The entire OT system is synthesized in the rat and human heart. The direct myocardial infusion with OT into an ischemic or failing heart has the potential to elicit a variety of cardioprotective effects. OT treatment attenuates cardiomyocyte (CMs) death induced by ischemia-reperfusion by activating pro-survival pathways within injured CMs in vivo and in isolated cells. OT treatment reduces cardiac apoptosis, fibrosis, and hypertrophy. The OT/OT receptor (OTR) system is downregulated in the db/db mouse model of type 2 diabetes which develops genetic diabetic cardiomyopathy (DC) similar to human disease. We have shown that chronic OT treatment prevents the development of DC in the db/db mouse. In addition, OT stimulates glucose uptake in both cardiac stem cells and CMs, and increases cell resistance to diabetic conditions. OT may help replace lost CMs by stimulating the in situ differentiation of cardiac stem cells into functional mature CMs. Lastly, adult stem cells amenable for transplantation such as MSCs could be preconditioned with OT ex vivo and implanted into the injured heart to aid in tissue regeneration through direct differentiation, secretion of protective and cardiomyogenic factors and/or their fusion with injured CMs.
Topics: Animals; Cardiotonic Agents; Diabetes Mellitus; Exercise; Humans; Mice; Models, Theoretical; Myocardium; Obesity; Oxidative Stress; Oxytocin; Rats; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 27268060
DOI: 10.1186/s12902-016-0110-1 -
Communications Biology Feb 2020Oxytocin, a nonapeptide hormone, has a key role in female reproductive functions as well as in social memory in the brain. In our recent article, we reported that... (Review)
Review
Oxytocin, a nonapeptide hormone, has a key role in female reproductive functions as well as in social memory in the brain. In our recent article, we reported that oxytocin is transported from the peripheral blood into the brain by the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) in endothelial cells at the blood−brain barrier. Additionally, we found that oral oxytocin is absorbed by RAGE on intestinal epithelial cells at the blood−intestinal barrier. From a physiological perspective, we herein outline the continuing research regarding oxytocin and social behaviour.
Topics: Animals; Blood-Brain Barrier; Brain; Female; Humans; Oxytocin; Pregnancy; Protein Transport; Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products
PubMed: 32054984
DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-0799-2 -
International Journal of Molecular... Sep 2021A continuously increasing amount of research shows that oxytocin is involved in numerous central functions. Among the functions in which oxytocin is thought to be... (Review)
Review
A continuously increasing amount of research shows that oxytocin is involved in numerous central functions. Among the functions in which oxytocin is thought to be involved are those that play a role in social and sexual behaviors, and the involvement of central oxytocin in erectile function and sexual behavior was indeed one of the first to be discovered in laboratory animals in the 1980s. The first part of this review summarizes the results of studies done in laboratory animals that support a facilitatory role of oxytocin in male and female sexual behavior and reveal mechanisms through which this ancient neuropeptide participates in concert with other neurotransmitters and neuropeptides in this complex function, which is fundamental for the species reproduction. The second part summarizes the results of studies done mainly with intranasal oxytocin in men and women with the aim to translate the results found in laboratory animals to humans. Unexpectedly, the results of these studies do not appear to confirm the facilitatory role of oxytocin found in male and female sexual behavior in animals, both in men and women. Possible explanations for the failure of oxytocin to improve sexual behavior in men and women and strategies to attempt to overcome this impasse are considered.
Topics: Animals; Erectile Dysfunction; Female; Humans; Male; Oxytocin; Penile Erection; Sexual Behavior
PubMed: 34638719
DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910376 -
Current Neuropharmacology 2018The hypothalamic neuropeptide oxytocin regulates reproductive behavior and mother-infant interaction, and conclusive studies in humans indicate that oxytocin is also a... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The hypothalamic neuropeptide oxytocin regulates reproductive behavior and mother-infant interaction, and conclusive studies in humans indicate that oxytocin is also a potent modulator of psychosocial function. Pilot experiments have yielded first evidence that this neuropeptide moreover influences eating behavior.
METHODS
We briefly summarize currently available studies on the involvement of the oxytocin system in the pathophysiology of eating disorders, as well as on the effects of oxytocin administration in patients with these disorders.
RESULTS
Brain administration of oxytocin in animals with normal weight, but also with diet-induced or genetically induced obesity, attenuates food intake and reduces body weight. In normal-weight and obese individuals, acute intranasal oxytocin delivery curbs calorie intake from main dishes and snacks. Such effects might converge with the poignant social and cognitive impact of oxytocin to also improve dysfunctional eating behavior in the therapeutic context. This assumption has received support in first studies showing that oxytocin might play a role in the disease process of anorexia nervosa. In contrast, respective experiments in patients with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder are still scarce.
CONCLUSIONS
We propose a framework of oxytocin's role and its therapeutic potential in eating disorders that aims at integrating social and metabolic aspects of its pharmacological profile, and ponder perspectives and limitations of oxytocin use in the clinical setting.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Obesity Agents; Feeding and Eating Disorders; Humans; Oxytocin; Social Behavior
PubMed: 29189166
DOI: 10.2174/1570159X15666171128143158 -
British Journal of Pharmacology Apr 2022Oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) are endogenous ligands for OT and AVP receptors in the brain and in the peripheral system. Several studies demonstrate that OT and... (Review)
Review
Oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) are endogenous ligands for OT and AVP receptors in the brain and in the peripheral system. Several studies demonstrate that OT and AVP have opposite roles in modulating stress, anxiety and social behaviours. Interestingly, both peptides and their receptors exhibit high sequence homology which could account for the biased signalling interaction of the peptides with OT and AVP receptors. However, how and under which conditions this crosstalk occurs in vivo remains unclear. In this review we shed light on the complexity of the roles of OT and AVP, by focusing on their signalling and behavioural differences and exploring the crosstalk between the receptor systems. Moreover, we discuss the potential of OT and AVP receptors as therapeutic targets to treat human disorders, such as autism, schizophrenia and drug abuse. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Building Bridges in Neuropharmacology. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.8/issuetoc.
Topics: Brain; Humans; Ligands; Oxytocin; Receptors, Oxytocin; Receptors, Vasopressin; Social Behavior; Vasopressins
PubMed: 33817785
DOI: 10.1111/bph.15481 -
Journal of Neuroendocrinology Nov 2021Early-life experience influences social and emotional behaviour in adulthood. Affiliative tactile stimuli in early life facilitate the development of social and... (Review)
Review
Early-life experience influences social and emotional behaviour in adulthood. Affiliative tactile stimuli in early life facilitate the development of social and emotional behaviour, whereas early-life adverse stimuli have been shown to increase the risk of various diseases in later life. On the other hand, oxytocin has been shown to have organizational actions during early-life stages. However, the detailed mechanisms of the effects of early-life experience and oxytocin remain unclear. Here, we review the effects of affiliative tactile stimuli during the neonatal period and neonatal oxytocin treatment on the activity of the oxytocin-oxytocin receptor system and social or emotional behaviour in adulthood. Both affiliative tactile stimuli and early-life adverse stimuli in the neonatal period acutely activate the oxytocin-oxytocin receptor system in the brain but modulate social behaviour and anxiety-related behaviour apparently in an opposite direction in adulthood. Accumulating evidence suggests that affiliative tactile stimuli and exogenous application of oxytocin in early-life stages induce higher activity of the oxytocin-oxytocin receptor system in adulthood, although the effects are dependent on experimental procedures, sex, dosages and brain regions examined. On the other hand, early-life stressful stimuli appear to induce reduced activity of the oxytocin-oxytocin receptor system, possibly leading to adverse actions in adulthood. It is possible that activation of a specific oxytocin system can induce beneficial actions against early-life maltreatments and thus could be used for the treatment of developmental psychiatric disorders.
Topics: Adult; Emotions; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Oxytocin; Receptors, Oxytocin; Social Behavior
PubMed: 34713517
DOI: 10.1111/jne.13049 -
Current Topics in Behavioral... 2018In this chapter, we introduce a new area of social pharmacology that encompasses the study of the role of neuromodulators in modulating a wide range of social behaviors... (Review)
Review
In this chapter, we introduce a new area of social pharmacology that encompasses the study of the role of neuromodulators in modulating a wide range of social behaviors and brain function, with the interplay of genetic and epigenetic factors. There are increasing evidences for the role of the neuropeptide oxytocin in modulating a wide range of social behaviors, in reducing anxiety, and in impacting the social brain network. Oxytocin also promotes social functions in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders, such as autism and reduces anxiety and fear in anxiety disorders. In this chapter, we will emphasize the importance of integrating basic research and clinical human research in determining optimal strategies for drug discoveries for social dysfunctions and anxiety disorders. We will highlight the significance of adopting a precision medicine approach to optimize targeted treatments with oxytocin in neuropsychiatry. Oxytocin effects on social behavior and brain function can vary from one individual to another based on external factors, such as heterogeneity in autism phenotype, childhood experiences, personality, attachment style, and oxytocin receptor polymorphisms. Hence, targeted therapies for subgroups of patients can help alleviating some of the core symptoms and lead to a better future for these patients and their families.
Topics: Anxiety Disorders; Autistic Disorder; Brain; Clinical Trials as Topic; Fear; Humans; Oxytocin; Precision Medicine; Social Behavior
PubMed: 28812273
DOI: 10.1007/7854_2017_29 -
Brain Research Sep 2014The role of oxytocin in the treatment of postpartum depression has been a topic of growing interest. This subject carries important implications, given that postpartum... (Review)
Review
The role of oxytocin in the treatment of postpartum depression has been a topic of growing interest. This subject carries important implications, given that postpartum depression can have detrimental effects on both the mother and her infant, with lifelong consequences for infant socioemotional and cognitive development. In recent years, oxytocin has received attention for its potential role in many neuropsychiatric conditions beyond its well-described functions in childbirth and lactation. In the present review, we present available data on the clinical characteristics and neuroendocrine foundations of postpartum depression. We outline current treatment modalities and their limitations, and proceed to evaluate the potential role of oxytocin in the treatment of postpartum depression. The aim of the present review is twofold: (a) to bring together evidence from animal and human research concerning the role of oxytocin in postpartum depression, and (b) to highlight areas that deserve further research in order to bring a fuller understanding of oxytocin's therapeutic potential. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Oxytocin and Social Behav.
Topics: Animals; Depression, Postpartum; Female; Humans; Maternal Behavior; Oxytocin; Psychotropic Drugs
PubMed: 24239932
DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2013.11.009 -
Digestion 2024Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder characterized by chronic abdominal symptoms, but its pathogenesis is not fully understood. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder characterized by chronic abdominal symptoms, but its pathogenesis is not fully understood.
SUMMARY
We have recently shown in rats that neuropeptides such as orexin, ghrelin, and oxytocin act in the brain to improve the intestinal barrier dysfunction, which is a major pathophysiology of IBS. We have additionally shown that the neuropeptides injected intracisternally induced a visceral antinociceptive action against colonic distension. Since it has been known that intestinal barrier dysfunction causes visceral hypersensitivity, the other main pathophysiology of IBS, the neuropeptides act centrally to reduce leaky gut, followed by improvement of visceral sensation, leading to therapeutic action on IBS. It has been recently reported that there is a bidirectional relationship between neuroinflammation in the brain and the pathophysiology of IBS. For example, activation of microglia in the brain causes visceral hypersensitivity. Accumulating evidence has suggested that orexin, ghrelin, or oxytocin could improve neuroinflammation in the CNS. All these results suggest that neuropeptides such as orexin, ghrelin, and oxytocin act in the brain to improve intestinal barrier function and visceral sensation and also induce a protective action against neuroinflammation in the brain.
KEY MESSAGES
We therefore speculated that orexin, ghrelin, or oxytocin in the brain possess dual actions, improvement of visceral sensation/leaky gut in the gut, and reduction of neuroinflammation in the brain, thereby inducing a therapeutic effect on IBS in a convergent manner.
Topics: Rats; Animals; Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Orexins; Ghrelin; Oxytocin; Neuroinflammatory Diseases; Neuropeptides; Brain
PubMed: 37673052
DOI: 10.1159/000533275 -
Biological Psychiatry Feb 2016Oxytocin is a nonapeptide that also serves as a neuromodulator in the human central nervous system. Over the last decade, a sizeable body of literature has examined its... (Review)
Review
Oxytocin is a nonapeptide that also serves as a neuromodulator in the human central nervous system. Over the last decade, a sizeable body of literature has examined its effects on social behavior in humans. These studies show that oxytocin modulates various aspects of social behaviors such as empathy, trust, in-group preference, and memory of socially relevant cues. Several theoretical formulations have attempted to explain the effects of oxytocin. The prosocial account argues that oxytocin mainly enhances affiliative prosocial behaviors; the fear/stress theory suggests that oxytocin affects social performance by attenuating stress; and the in-/out-group approach proposes that oxytocin regulates cooperation and conflict among humans in the context of intergroup relations. Nonetheless, accumulating evidence reveals that the effects of oxytocin are dependent on a variety of contextual aspects and the individual's characteristics and can induce antisocial effects including aggression and envy. In an attempt to reconcile these accounts, we suggest a theoretical framework that focuses on the overarching role of oxytocin in regulating the salience of social cues through its interaction with the dopaminergic system. Crucially, the salience effect modulates attention orienting responses to external contextual social cues (e.g., competitive vs. cooperative environment) but is dependent on baseline individual differences such as gender, personality traits, and degree of psychopathology. This view could have important implications for the therapeutic applications of oxytocin in conditions characterized with aberrant social behavior.
Topics: Cues; Empathy; Fear; Humans; Individuality; Interpersonal Relations; Oxytocin; Social Behavior; Social Perception
PubMed: 26321019
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.07.020