Release Date: 2024-06-12

Oxytocin

Ozlem Batu (Author)

Release Date: 2024-06-12

Oxytocin is a peptide hormone secreted from the posterior pituitary. Its best-known function is to increase milk secretion in breastfeeding women. It can be used pharmacologically to induce uterine contractions and sustain labour. However, it is thought that its contribution to birth is minimal at physiologically normal blood levels. This hormone, which acts as a [...]

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    Work TypeBook Chapter
    Published inBrain Biochemistry and Its Disease
    First Page23
    Last Page38
    DOIhttps://doi.org/10.69860/nobel.9786053359371.2
    Page Count16
    Copyright HolderNobel Tıp Kitabevleri
    Licensehttps://nobelpub.com/publish-with-us/copyright-and-licensing
    Oxytocin is a peptide hormone secreted from the posterior pituitary. Its best-known function is to increase milk secretion in breastfeeding women. It can be used pharmacologically to induce uterine contractions and sustain labour. However, it is thought that its contribution to birth is minimal at physiologically normal blood levels. This hormone, which acts as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, is also effective in regulating blood circulation. It balances the mood and is important in regulating behaviour in different emotional states. It helps to experience positive emotions. It has anti-inflammatory properties and this feature also increases the healing speed of wounds on the body. It reduces stress by lowering cortisol levels. It increases the pain threshold. It enables socialisation and prevents falling into an introverted mood. It increases sexual arousal and it makes it easier to empathize. Oxytocin is no longer the simple "love hormone" and, like many other hormones, has complex interactions with human health and behaviour. Although good progress has been made, much more research is needed to understand the effects of oxytocin fully.

    Ozlem Batu (Author)
    Assistant Professor, Suleyman Demirel University
    https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6279-8070
    3Asst. Prof. Dr Özlem Batu completed her undergraduate degree at Anadolu Universty, Faculty of Pharmacy. She received her master’s and doctorate programs from Osmangazi University Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Pharmacology and Toxicology. She worked at Osmangazi University, Medical Faculty, Department of Pharmacology for 12 years, and then she has worked in a herself pharmacy shop for 15 years. Now She is working as an Asst. Prof. Dr in the Pharmaceutical Department at Suleyman Demirel University, Faculty of Pharmacy.

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