|
 |
Oxytocin (OT) is a well-known peptide hormone that is responsible for uterine contractions during labor and milk ejection during lactation in humans. The OT receptor (OTR) is expressed in several regions of the brain, including the hippocampus, amygdala, nucleus accumbens, and prefrontal cortex. OT plays a crucial role in regulating emotional behaviors such as anxiety and fear as well as social behaviors such as nurturing behavior and trust formation. Distribution patterns of OTR in the brain differ between animal species or sexes, and these differences are associated with diverse social behaviors. Moreover, OT is secreted within the brain during breastfeeding; it promotes maternal behavior and strengthens the mother–infant relationship. OT and OTR are also expressed in males, where they play a role in promoting paternal behavior as well as marital and partner relationships. Further, it contributes to social interactions by fostering trust among humans. In this review, we describe the significance of OT in emotional and social behaviors and explored its potential as a drug for treating mental disorders.
Research papers (academic journals)
