New discoveries on the interaction between testosterone and oxytocin in male rats ― Testosterone-mediated effects of oxytocin in the prevention of obesity

Abstract

Sex steroid hormones are important for the maintenance of metabolism in both sexes. Oxytocin (OT) is a neuropeptide that is synthesized in hypothalamic regions, secreted from the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, and is involved in the control of appetite, body weight, and metabolism. Estrogen and OT both play a role in the metabolism of nutrients, and OT has potential in the prevention of obesity. However, the relationship between testosterone and OT remains unclear. Therefore, the present study investigated the relationship between testosterone and OT in hypogonadal male rats and male rats receiving testosterone replacement therapy. The results obtained showed that testosterone increased serum OT levels and promoted the secretion of adiponectin from visceral fat, and reduced body fat directly and/or indirectly through OT and adiponectin. Testosterone also increased the expression of OT receptors in the hypothalamus to increase sensitivity to OT, and perhaps because of this, OT administration had the effect of reducing food intake and body weight gain in both normal and castrated rats, and this effect was stronger in normal rats. In other words, the preventative effects of OT on obesity may be synergistic with testosterone. Collectively, the present results indicate that testosterone exerts indirect effects to prevent obesity and atherosclerosis through OT and adiponectin. In conclusion, testosterone replacement therapy is useful for preventing obesity caused by hypogonadism, and OT has potential in supportive medicine to prevent obesity and adult diseases.