Title:Oxytocin Signaling Pathway: From Cell Biology to Clinical Implications
Volume: 21
Issue: 1
Author(s): Michele Iovino, Tullio Messana, Anna Tortora, Consuelo Giusti, Giuseppe Lisco, Vito Angelo Giagulli, Edoardo Guastamacchia, Giovanni De Pergola and Vincenzo Triggiani*
Affiliation:
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine-Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology and Rare Diseases. University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, School of Medicine, Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Bari,Italy
Keywords:
Oxytocin, oxytocin receptor, maternal behavior, social behavior, metabolic homeostasis, atherosclerosis, pain, neuroinflammation,
autism, schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder.
Abstract:
Background: In addition to the well-known role played in lactation and parturition, Oxytocin
(OT) and OT receptor (OTR) are involved in many other aspects such as the control of maternal
and social behavior, the regulation of the growth of the neocortex, the maintenance of blood supply to
the cortex, the stimulation of limbic olfactory area to mother-infant recognition bond, and the modulation
of the autonomic nervous system via the vagal pathway. Moreover, OT and OTR show antiinflammatory,
anti-oxidant, anti-pain, anti-diabetic, anti-dyslipidemic and anti-atherogenic effects.
Objective: The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the main data coming from the literature
dealing with the role of OT and OTR in physiology and pathologic conditions focusing on the most
relevant aspects.
Methods: Appropriate keywords and MeSH terms were identified and searched in Pubmed. Finally,
references of original articles and reviews were examined.
Results: We report the most significant and updated data on the role played by OT and OTR in physiology
and different clinical contexts.
Conclusion: Emerging evidence indicates the involvement of OT system in several pathophysiological
mechanisms influencing brain anatomy, cognition, language, sense of safety and trust and maternal
behavior, with the possible use of exogenous administered OT in the treatment of specific neuropsychiatric
conditions. Furthermore, it modulates pancreatic β-cell responsiveness and lipid metabolism
leading to possible therapeutic use in diabetic and dyslipidemic patients and for limiting and even
reversing atherosclerotic lesions.