Profile of maternal serum oxytocin in postpartum and non-pregnant rats

Abstract

Oxytocin is primarly secreted in the brain as a neuromodulator that affects numerous neurophysiological and behavioral processes. It is also produced in the ovaries and uterus to stimulate delivery and lactation. Oxytocin mRNA is found in the endometrial epithelial cells of non-pregnant women during ovulation and menstruation. Until recently, there have been no data on scientific-level oxytocin in virgin female rats. This study aimed to compare the level of oxytocin in different physical biology between postpartum and non-pregnant experimental animals (virgin or had never given birth). This experimental study was conducted on 19 female white rats (Rattus norvegicus) allocated to two groups: T1 and T2. The ten rats in group T1 (nulliparous virgin) and the nine in group T2 (postpartum) were sacrificed on day two, except for group T1, which were sacrificed following vaginal delivery. Blood was collected intracardiacally, and serum oxytocin levels were evaluated using an ELISA assay. The T-test was used for statistical data analysis. The serum oxytocin level in the T2 group (628.06 ± 168.72 pg/mL) was significantly higher than in the T1 group (366.71 ± 185.03 pg/mL; P < 0.05). In conclusion, oxytocin levels were higher in postpartum animals than in virgin animals. Thus, oxytocin plays a greater role in female reproduction than in normal physiological condition.