LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Oxytocin: Breastfeeding
built 606 days ago
Oxytocin is an evolutionarily highly preserved nonapeptide released from the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus through the posterior pituitary (Buijs et al., 1983). Extensive work in diverse species including primates has established its importance as a central mediator of prosocial behavior (Insel and Fernald, 2004). In addition, oxytocin is released during stress (Jezova et al., 1995) and is an important modulator of anxiety and fear response (McCarthy et al., 1996).
Source:
Oxytocin may ... play a role in the higher levels of depression and interpersonal stress seen in women, said Turner. According to most psychiatrists, women experience depression twice as often as men and tend to be more affected by relationship difficulties. Turner and her colleagues hope that their work on oxytocin will guide future research on the psychiatric conditions of men and women.
Source:
Oxytocin increases the ability of sodium molecules to pass into the muscles of the uterus. This effect causes the uterus to contract. In birth, this helps to move the foetus into the birth canal.
Source:
When synthetic oxytocin or Oxytocin (Syntocinon) is infused in large amounts, it causes the smooth muscle in the wall of the uterus to contract and initiates the process of labour. Smooth-muscle cells in the uterus contain proteins that bind specifically to oxytocin; the number of these oxytocin receptors increase during late pregnancy.
Source:
Oxytocin is available generically and under the brand names Pitocin and Syntocinon. Other brand or generic formulations may ... be available. Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions you have about this medication.
Source:
Oxytocin actually rises in women whose relationships are causing them lots of stress for reasons that are not fully understood. Whatever the reason, high levels of oxytocin in this situation do not offset the effects of stress.
Source:
MORE ABOUT
Breastfeeding