Oxytocin is a much-discussed substance, not least in connection with its important function in the social fabric. Colloquially, oxytocin is known as the “bonding hormone.”
What is oxytocin?
Oxytocin (also called oxitocin) is both a hormone and a neurotransmitter with a central role in the birth process. At the same time, oxytocin influences behavior among humans (and animals). It plays a major role in social interaction.
Production, manufacture, and formation
Oxytocin is formed in the hypothalamus, more specifically in the nucleus paraventricularis and also, although less so, in the nucleus supraopticus. There it is channeled via so-called axons to the neurohypophysis of the pituitary gland, temporarily stored here and released when required. The release of oxytocin is triggered by pleasant stimuli, especially by pleasant contact. During breastfeeding, the infant’s sucking reflex triggers the release, and it is also stimulated by warmth, massage and stroking, provided the contact is perceived as pleasant. Neuronal networks of the brain are stimulated by the release. The brain area in which this process takes place also has the task of regulating escape behavior and cardiac circulation. Oxytocin plays an essential role in the management of stress. Under the influence of certain drugs such as ecstasy, oxytocin levels are usually elevated, therefore, under the influence of drugs, the positive perception of other people becomes explainable.
Function, effect and properties
The biological effect of oxytocin is mainly important for the birth of an infant, because it triggers labor. In the case of a weak labor, for example, oxytocin is administered as a tablet, nasal spray or intravenously during the birth process. Postpartum contractions are also triggered by oxytocin, which plays a role in hemostasis and regression of the uterine muscle. In addition, oxytocin ensures milk flow after birth by stimulating the mammary gland. Furthermore, oxytocin has an antihypertensive and sedative effect. It lowers cortisol levels, improves wound healing and can also cause weight gain. By acting on the so-called HPA axis, oxytocin reduces the effects of stress. It may also act similarly to adiuretin in high doses. Furthermore, there is evidence that oxytocin also has an anti-cancer effect. Oxytocin plays the most important role in brood care. Shortly before birth, the density of oxytocin receptors in the uterus increases. In a nursing mother, oxytocin release is triggered by the infant’s crying alone. At the same time, the stress hormone is lowered and puts the mother in a pleasurable mood. This effect establishes an emotional bond between mother and child. This is because oxytocin is also released in the infant through sucking. In general, research associates oxytocin with mental states such as love, calm, and trust. Experiments with humans have shown that players who had previously been administered oxytocin had a higher level of trust in their play partners than the comparison group without oxytocin. Likewise, arguments between spouses became less explosive under the influence of oxytocin. Aggression towards outsiders was reduced under the influence of the hormone or neurotransmitter. A sexually stimulating effect of oxytocin has also been demonstrated. It is released during orgasm and causes fatigue and relaxation afterwards. In any case, it causes a bond between the two partners that is comparable to the bond between mother and child. Such a bond can already be achieved by stroking, as oxytocin is also released through this. The same applies to singing and pleasant sensory perceptions such as those produced by warmth, food, scents and visual stimuli. Oxytocin is also released during stress so that the organism can relax again. Thanks to research, oxytocin is now known to the public as the orgasm hormone, the bonding hormone or even the cuddle hormone. However, it should not be forgotten that mental states such as love cannot be explained biologically alone.
Diseases, ailments and disorders
The rich triggers for oxytocin release serve as possible explanations for the effects of alternative therapies such as meditation and hypnosis. Psychology has also taken up oxytocin.It is the subject of research with regard to social phobias and related disorders. The deficiency of oxytocin increases aggression, envy, resentment and schadenfreude. Oxytocin is used therapeutically to combat schizophrenia and autism. It causes increased trust in patients. In children suffering from autism, increased activity has been discovered in the brain region responsible for processing social information.
