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Oxytocin

abbr. OT, OXT. Oxytocin is a neurohypophysial nonapeptide hormone. The placenta and various cell types are also a source of Oxytocin. CD4(+) and CD8(+) cells have been shown to produce Oxytocin (Nakazawa et al, 1984; Cassoni et al, 1998)

In mammals, the hormone is released into the bloodstream during labor and lactation to promote uterine contraction and milk ejection, respectively. The protein is known primarily for these hormonal activities although Oxytocin receptors are expressed in numerous tissues. Oxytocin is also a neurotransmitter that has central effects important for reproduction, including the initiation of parental and sexual behaviours (Insel et al, 1997). Studies with knock-out mice indicate an absolute requirement for Oxytocin for successful milk ejection, but not for mating, parturition and milk production, in mice. Homozygous mutant mice also show reduced aggression in some tests (Young et al, 1998).

Oxytocin also has activities of cytokines. Oxytocin is capable of replacing the IL2 requirement for induction of IFN-gamma in mouse spleen cell cultures (Johnson et al, 1985). Oxytocin plays a role in mediating ACTH secretion in the rat induced by IL1-beta (Watanobe et al, 1995). IL6 upregulates the Oxytocin receptor in cultured uterine smooth muscle cells and cultured myocytes (Rauk et al, 1989; Schmid et al, 2001).

Oxytocin block the proliferation of neoplastic epithelial cells (mammary and endometrial or nervous or bone origin) (Bussolati et al, 1995, Cassoni et al, 1998). The growth-inhibiting effect of Oxytocin has been confirmed in mouse and rat mammary carcinomas in vivo. On the other hand, Oxytocin promotes proliferation of trophoblasts (Cassoni et al, 2001). Cassoni et al (2001) have shown that Kaposi sarcoma cells express Oxytocin receptors and that Oxytocin is a growth factor for these cells. Oxytocin acts as a growth regulator through the activation of specific G-coupled transmembrane receptors. Cultured cortical and hypothalamic astroglial cells proliferate in response to Oxytocin (Lucas et al, 1995). Oxytocin is a growth factor for cell lines derived from trophoblasts and choriocarcinoma cells (Cassoni et al, 1998).

LAST MODIFIED: January 2003

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