Role of Oxytocin/Oxytocin Receptor System in Regulation of Cell Growth and Neoplastic Processes

Abstract

Novel sites of oxytocin receptor expression have recently been detected in central nervous system, cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, various carcinoma cells, etc. These and other discoveries have greatly expanded the classical biological roles of oxytocin, which are stimulation of uterine smooth muscle contraction at parturition and milk ejection during lactation. It is becoming clear that the great diversity of oxytocin actions in the brain and peripheral organs is paralleled by activation of a diversity of signalling pathways. On the other hand, until now only one single oxytocin receptor type has been detected. This receptor belongs to G protein-coupled receptors and in dependence on cell conditions it binds to different G proteins; this phenomenon is called receptor-G protein promiscuity. Thus, in the same cells oxytocin can activate multiple responses at the same time. Recently, the oxytocinergic system has also been implicated in the growth modulation of various neoplastic cells, where it may inhibit or stimulate cell proliferation in dependence on cell type and activated metabolic pathways. The discovery of novel oxytocin receptor-linked signalling cascades brings interesting knowledge opening new avenues for research in oncology and molecular pharmacology with perspectives of finding new therapeutic agents.