1. OXYTOCIN
LAUREN DAVIS

2. OVERVIEW Greek for “rapid birth”
Produced by the hypothalamus and secreted by the posterior pituitary gland
Know as the love hormone
Important in birth and lactation
In men→ involved in sperm movement and testosterone production
Controlled by positive feedback mechanisms for both contraction and lactation → some is released which causes more to be released

3. STRUCTURE Sequence of nine amino acids
Cysteine-Tyrosine-Isoleucine-Glutamine-Asparagine-Cysteine-Proline-Leucine- Glycine-Amide
Differs from vasopressin by only two amino acids

5. OXYTOCIN AND BIRTH

6. OXYTOCIN AND “LOVE”
Released in men and women during orgasm, along with dopamine
Testosterone is an antagonist to oxytocin
Released with physical touch such as hugging and cuddling
Increases feelings of trust and safety and increases feelings of attachment