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Chapter 3 - The Role of Oxytocin in Pregnancy

from Section I - Hormones in the Physiology and Pharmacology of Pregnancy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 November 2022

By
Kiichiro Furuya  and
Richard Ivell
Edited by
Felice Petraglia ,
Mariarosaria Di Tommaso  and
Federico Mecacci
Felice Petraglia
Affiliation:
Università degli Studi, Florence
Mariarosaria Di Tommaso
Affiliation:
Università degli Studi, Florence
Federico Mecacci
Affiliation:
Università degli Studi, Florence
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Summary

The small peptide hormone oxytocin is produced as part of a larger precursor protein in the magnocellular neurones of the hypothalamus, whence it is transported down axons to the posterior pituitary to be released in a pulsatile manner upon nervous stimulation. Pituitary oxytocin is involved in contractility of the male and female tracts during intercourse and the transport of gametes to the site of fertilization. In early pregnancy, oxytocin action on myometrial smooth muscle is suppressed until pre-term, when increasing pulsatility, together with increased uterine oxytocin receptor expression, as well as declining suppressive factors, lead to a positive feedback situation and expulsion of the fetus at term. Postpartum, oxytocin is responsible for the milk let-down reflex enabling breast-feeding and ensures the birth of the placenta and subsequent anti-hemorrhagic involution of the uterus. Within the brain, oxytocin induces positive mood and maternal behavior, and may be involved with feeding and satiety. Pharmacologically, oxytocin is used to promote labor; and specific antagonists may delay pre-term contractions or facilitate embryo implantation.

Type
Chapter
Information
Hormones and Pregnancy
Basic Science and Clinical Implications
 , pp. 20 - 32
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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