Articles tagged with Oxytocin
Studies found that oxytocin nasal spray reduces stress during marital conflict, while testosterone fuels competition in women athletes. Hockey teams experience increased testosterone and cortisol levels before home games, suggesting a hormone surge for defending territory.
A new study suggests that cortisol levels alone may not be as useful for predicting the ability to quit smoking as the ratio of DHEA to cortisol. Research also found that oxytocin deficiency contributes to sweet tooth cravings, but not fatty snack preferences.
In a series of experiments, female mice were exposed to odors of either a male mouse alone or a male mouse with a female. The females consistently preferred the scent of males linked to other females. This finding suggests that female mice may use social cues, such as olfactory information, to inform their mate choice.
A brain imaging study has discovered that oxytocin quells the brain's fear hub, the amygdala, and its brainstem relay stations in response to fearful stimuli. This finding suggests a potentially powerful treatment approach toward socially relevant fear and may have therapeutic value in disorders characterized by social avoidance.
Researchers have found that oxytocin plays a key role in regulating food intake in response to dehydration, but its impact may vary depending on the situation. Studies have shown that dehydration anorexia is virtually absent in mice genetically engineered to eliminate oxytocin.
Research reveals peptide signals play a key role in information processing, influencing complex behaviors such as sexual and social behaviors. Alpha-MSH effects male sexual behavior by stimulating oxytocin release from dendrites, changing brain circuitry.
Researchers propose OT and VP as targets for novel psychiatric treatments, including anxiety and schizophrenia therapies. The study suggests that drugs targeting these hormones could offer new approaches to treating debilitating psychiatric disorders.
Research teams from Tulane, LSU, and University of Edinburgh found that endocannabinoids play a role in regulating the neuroendocrine stress response and influencing social behavior. Endocannabinoids may have potential therapeutic applications in diseases such as multiple sclerosis and epilepsy.
GSK researchers have developed non-peptide selective oxytocin receptor antagonists with high affinity for human and rat OT receptors, suppressing myometrial contractions and potentially delaying labor. These compounds may significantly reduce infant morbidity, including lung disease, intraventricular hemorrhage, and death.
Researchers found that blocking oxytocin receptors during pregnancy reduced offspring growth and increased delay in milk release. This suggests improving the oxytocin system could encourage longer breast-feeding and support human health.
Researchers presented findings on hormonal signaling systems in the brain, revealing a radical shift in understanding information processing. Oxytocin and vasopressin were found to play key roles in social cognition, anxiety, and schizophrenia, with potential applications for novel psychiatric treatments.
A study found that alcohol consumption disrupts the hormonal balance of lactating women, leading to decreased oxytocin levels and increased prolactin levels. This can result in slower milk ejection and reduced milk production.
Researchers find dopamine-rich brain regions associated with reward and motivation are active in individuals experiencing intense romantic love. They also discover a link between trust and oxytocin hormone release.
Researchers found that oxytocin and estrogen receptor genes play a crucial role in social recognition in female mice. Female mice lacking these genes failed to recognize normal females after repeated introductions, indicating a 'micronet' necessary for complex behavior.
A recent international trial has shown that oxytocin is more effective than misoprostol in reducing maternal blood loss immediately after childbirth. The study found that 4% of women taking misoprostol experienced excessive bleeding compared to 3% on oxytocin.
Scientists at Emory University Health Sciences Center have discovered that the oxytocin gene is necessary for forming social memories, allowing individuals to recognize familiar faces. The study found that mice lacking this gene exhibited social memory deficits, which were restored with oxytocin treatment.
A new study at the University of North Carolina links increased levels of oxytocin to lower blood pressure among mothers who nurse their babies. Mothers with higher oxytocin levels had lower blood pressure before and after discussing recent life problems, suggesting that breastfeeding may help reduce stress.