Oxytocin Flashcards
What is oxytocin?
A polypeptide hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter
Where is oxytocin produced?
In the brain by both males and females
What does oxytocin control?
Key aspects of the reproductive system
Where is its action greater in?
Females as it combines with oestrogen to enhance each other’s effects
What does oxytocin help facilitate?
Childbirth as it stimulates contractions and breastfeeding
What did Van Leengoed et al 1987 inject?
An antagonist of oxytocin into female rats shortly after birth to inhibit oxytocin production
What did the rats show?
A delay in maternal behaviours such as picking up/grooming their pups
What happened when effects of antagonist wore off?
Normal maternal behaviour was seen
What did Elbourne et al 2001 assess?
The administration of oxytocin in 3000 participants during the third stage of labour
Why did Elbourne et al carry out this experiment?
To find evidence of reduced blood loss, high lying the role oxytocin plays in achieving successful childbirth
What did White-Traut et al measure?
Oxytocin levels in saliva produces by females before, during and after breastfeeding
What did White-Traut et al find about oxytocin in saliva?
It was highest immediately before breastfeeding
