Oxytocin Hormone

Oxytocin Oxytocin is a hormone involved in female reproduction and acts as neurotransmitter in the brain. This hormone is produced in the hypothalamus in a nine amino acid peptide. It is produced in nerve cells rather than gland cells (Bowen, 2010). The sensory nerves stimulate the nerve cells to help secretion of oxytocin. It is then transported down axons of the posterior pituitary gland. This activity causes oxytocin to bind to Neurophysin I which is located in the pituitary gland and goes into the blood stream (Bowen, 2010). It then goes through a process called neuroendocrine secretion. It could also leave the hypothalamus and then to travel to different parts of the brain and spinal cord and attach to receptors and ultimately influence behavior and physiology (Bowen, 2010). During lactation, oxytocin is produced in the hypothalamus and is then transported down to the posterior pituitary gland. It is then secreted and travels down to the mammary gland (alveoli). The alveoli is surrounded by smooth muscle cells which (myoepithelial cells) (Bowen, 2010). Oxytocin forces these cells to contract. This causes the milk to be contracted into the ducts and the cisterns. Milk is then ejected through the mammary gland. The hormone also helps the muscle of the uterus contract. During childbirth, the oxytocin is again produced in the hypothalamus then binds to the posterior pituitary gland and secretes into the bloodstream. It then travels down to the muscle of the uterus. During the late stages of gestation there is an increase in the amount of oxytocin receptors on the smooth muscle cells of the uterus. Oxytocin is released during labor when the fetus stimulates the cervix and vagina, and it helps contraction of uterine smooth muscle (Bowen, 2010).
Bowen, R. "Oxytocin." Colostate.edu. Web. 23 Jan. 2014