Abstract
The oxytocin/oxytocin receptor (OT/OTR) system has been reported to influence a variety of physiological, behavioural, and emotional processes in humans. There are a wide range of studies focusing on their role in parturition, lactation and behaviour. More recent studies have investigated the novel effects of OT/OTR system including inflammation and miRNAs, as well as the effect of their genetic polymorphisms on the onset of labour and parturition. OT also appears to have a great influence in cardiomyocyte differentiation and heart homeostasis, and an age-specific regulation of muscle maintenance and regeneration. This review will summarize the previously established role of OT/OTR system as well as the studies on their novel roles, and highlight the potential therapeutic approaches.
Highlights
Oxytocin (OT) is classically considered to have a fundamental role in the mechanism of human labour
The DAG generated by the actions of PPLCβ on PIP2 stimulates protein kinase C (PKC), maximising the force generation during the phasic contraction (Figure 1)
A haplotype analysis in Caucasian women by Kuessel et al revealed a combination of OTR gene polymorphisms that is significantly associated with increased risk of preterm birth (PTB) [53]
Summary
The oxytocin/oxytocin receptor (OT/OTR) system has been reported to influence a variety of physiological, behavioural, and emotional processes in humans. There are a wide range of studies focusing on their role in parturition, lactation and behaviour. More recent studies have investigated the novel effects of OT/OTR system including inflammation and miRNAs, as well as the effect of their genetic polymorphisms on the onset of labour and parturition. Oxytocin (OT) is classically considered to have a fundamental role in the mechanism of human labour. The presence of a disulfide bridge results in a six-amino acid cyclic part and a COOH-terminal α-amidated three-residue tail. This structure of OT is very similar to other nonapeptide neurohypophysial hormones. Apart from mediating parturition, OT is important for milk ejection during lactation [9], maternal behaviour, sexual receptivity and partnership bonding [10], thereby facilitating species propagation
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