Oxytocin (medication)

Last updated

Oxytocin (medication)
Oxytocin with labels.png
OxitocinaCPK3D.png
Clinical data
Pronunciation /ˌɒksɪˈtsɪn/
Trade names Pitocin, Syntocinon, Viatocinon, others
AHFS/Drugs.com Monograph
MedlinePlus a682685
License data
Pregnancy
category
  • AU:A
Routes of
administration
Intranasal, intravenous, intramuscular
ATC code
Legal status
Legal status
Pharmacokinetic data
Metabolism Liver and elsewhere (via oxytocinases)
Elimination half-life 1–6 min (IV)
~2 h (intranasal) [4] [5]
Excretion Bile duct and kidney
Identifiers
  • 1-({(4R,7S,10S,13S,16S,19R)-19-amino-7-(2-amino-2-oxoethyl)-10-(3-amino-3-oxopropyl)-16-(4-hydroxybenzyl)-13-[(1S)-1-methylpropyl]-6,9,12,15,18-pentaoxo-1,2-dithia-5,8,11,14,17-pentaazacycloicosan-4-yl}carbonyl)-L-prolyl-L-leucylglycinamide
CAS Number
PubChem CID
IUPHAR/BPS
DrugBank
ChemSpider
UNII
KEGG
ChEBI
ChEMBL
Chemical and physical data
Formula C43H66N12O12S2
Molar mass 1007.19 g·mol−1
3D model (JSmol)
  • CC[C@H](C)[C@@H]1NC(=O)[C@H](Cc2ccc(O)cc2)NC(=O)[C@@H](N)CSSC[C@H](NC(=O)[C@H](CC(N)=O)NC(=O)[C@H](CCC(N)=O)NC1=O)C(=O)N3CCC[C@H]3C(=O)N[C@@H](CC(C)C)C(=O)NCC(N)=O
  • InChI=1S/C43H66N12O12S2/c1-5-22(4)35-42(66)49-26(12-13-32(45)57)38(62)51-29(17-33(46)58)39(63)53-30(20-69-68-19-25(44)36(60)50-28(40(64)54-35)16-23-8-10-24(56)11-9-23)43(67)55-14-6-7-31(55)41(65)52-27(15-21(2)3)37(61)48-18-34(47)59/h8-11,21-22,25-31,35,56H,5-7,12-20,44H2,1-4H3,(H2,45,57)(H2,46,58)(H2,47,59)(H,48,61)(H,49,66)(H,50,60)(H,51,62)(H,52,65)(H,53,63)(H,54,64)/t22-,25-,26-,27-,28-,29-,30-,31-,35-/m0/s1 Yes check.svgY
  • Key:XNOPRXBHLZRZKH-DSZYJQQASA-N Yes check.svgY
   (verify)

Synthetic oxytocin, sold under the brand name Pitocin among others, is a medication made from the peptide oxytocin . [6] [7] As a medication, it is used to cause contraction of the uterus to start labor, increase the speed of labor, and to stop bleeding following delivery. [6] For this purpose, it is given by injection either into a muscle or into a vein. [6]

Contents

Oxytocin is also available in intranasal spray form for psychiatric, endocrine and weight management use as a supplement. Intranasal oxytocin works on a different pathway than injected oxytocin, primarily along the olfactory nerve crossing the blood–brain barrier to the olfactory lobe in the brain, where dense magnocellular oxytocin neurons receive the nerve impulse quickly.

The natural occurrence of oxytocin was discovered in 1906. [8] [9] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. [10]

Medical uses

An intravenous infusion of oxytocin is used to induce labor and to support labor in case of slow childbirth if the oxytocin challenge test fails. Whether a high dose is better than a standard dose for labor induction is unclear. It has largely replaced ergometrine as the principal agent to increase uterine tone in acute postpartum hemorrhage. Oxytocin is also used in veterinary medicine to facilitate birth and to stimulate milk release.

The tocolytic agent atosiban (Tractocile) acts as an antagonist of oxytocin receptors. It is registered in many countries for use in suppressing premature labor between 24 and 33 weeks of gestation. It has fewer side effects than drugs previously used for this purpose (such as ritodrine, salbutamol and terbutaline). [11]

Oxytocin has not been found to be useful for improving breastfeeding success. [12]

Contraindications

Oxytocin injection (synthetic) is contraindicated in any of these conditions: [13]

Side effects

Oxytocin is relatively safe when used at recommended doses, and side effects are uncommon. [14] These maternal events have been reported: [14]

Excessive dosage or long-term administration (over a period of 24 hours or longer) has been known to result in tetanic uterine contractions, uterine rupture, postpartum hemorrhage, sometimes fatal. Water intoxication may be exhibited in administration through symptoms such as seizures, comas, neonatal jaundice, and potential fatality. [15] Managed fluids intake and consistent monitoring of sodium levels has been researched as crucial in the safe administration of oxytocin. [16]

The use of oxytocin during childbirth has been linked to an increased need for other medical interventions, most primarily, through the administration of an epidural anaesthetic. [17] This has been documented as creating a 'cascade effect', potentially causing detrimental impacts to the birthing process. [18] [19]

Since a landmark investigation was published in JAMA Pediatrics by researchers in 2013, [20] the potential link between oxytocin use during childbirth and increased risks of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children's development has been a topic of debate. [21]

Oxytocin was added to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices's list of High Alert Medications in Acute Care Settings in 2012. [22] The list includes medications that have a high risk for harm if administered incorrectly. [22]

During pregnancy, increased uterine motility has led to decreased heart rate, cardiac arrhythmia, seizures, brain damage, and death in the fetus or neonate. [14]

Use is linked to an increased risk of postpartum depression in the mother. [23]

Certain learning and memory functions are impaired by centrally administered oxytocin. [24] Also, systemic oxytocin administration can impair memory retrieval in certain aversive memory tasks. [25] However, oxytocin does seem to facilitate learning and memory specifically for social information. Healthy males administered intranasal oxytocin show improved memory for human faces, in particular happy faces. [26] [27]

Pharmacodynamics

In addition to its oxytocin receptor agonism, oxytocin has been found to act as a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of the μ- and κ-opioid receptors and this may be involved in its analgesic effects. [28] [29] [30] [31] [32] [33]

Pharmacokinetics

Routes of administration

A bag of oxytocin for intravenous infusion Oxytocin intravenous bag.jpg
A bag of oxytocin for intravenous infusion

One IU of oxytocin is the equivalent of about 1.68  μg or mcg of pure peptide. [34]

Chemistry

Peptide analogues of oxytocin with similar actions, for example carbetocin (Duratocin) and demoxytocin (Sandopart), have been developed and marketed for medical use. [43] In addition, small-molecule oxytocin receptor agonists, like TC OT 39, WAY-267464, and LIT-001 have been developed and studied. [43] However, lack of selectivity over vasopressin receptors has so far limited the potential usefulness of small-molecule oxytocin receptor agonists. [43]

History

Oxytocin's uterine-contracting properties were discovered by British pharmacologist Henry Hallett Dale in 1906. [9] Oxytocin's milk ejection property was described by Ott and Scott in 1910 [44] and by Schafer and Mackenzie in 1911. [45]

Oxytocin was the first polypeptide hormone to be sequenced [46] or synthesized. [47] [48] Du Vigneaud was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1955 for his work. [49]

Etymology

The word oxytocin was coined from the term oxytocic. Greek ὀξύς, oxys, and τόκος, tokos, meaning "quick birth".

Society and culture

Counterfeits

In African countries, some oxytocin products were found to be counterfeit medications. [50] [51]

Other uses

The trust-inducing property of oxytocin might help those with social anxiety and depression, [52] anxiety, fear, and social dysfunctions, such as generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and social anxiety disorder, as well as autism and schizophrenia, among others. [53] [54] However, in one meta-analysis only autism spectrum disorder showed a significant combined effect size. [55]

People using oxytocin show improved recognition for positive social cues over threatening social cues [56] [57] and improved recognition of fear. [58]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vasopressin</span> Mammalian hormone released from the pituitary gland

Human vasopressin, also called antidiuretic hormone (ADH), arginine vasopressin (AVP) or argipressin, is a hormone synthesized from the AVP gene as a peptide prohormone in neurons in the hypothalamus, and is converted to AVP. It then travels down the axon terminating in the posterior pituitary, and is released from vesicles into the circulation in response to extracellular fluid hypertonicity (hyperosmolality). AVP has two primary functions. First, it increases the amount of solute-free water reabsorbed back into the circulation from the filtrate in the kidney tubules of the nephrons. Second, AVP constricts arterioles, which increases peripheral vascular resistance and raises arterial blood pressure.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oxytocin</span> Peptide hormone and neuropeptide

Oxytocin is a peptide hormone and neuropeptide normally produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary. Present in animals since early stages of evolution, in humans it plays roles in behavior that include social bonding, love, reproduction, childbirth, and the period after childbirth. Oxytocin is released into the bloodstream as a hormone in response to sexual activity and during childbirth. It is also available in pharmaceutical form. In either form, oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions to speed up the process of childbirth. In its natural form, it also plays a role in maternal bonding and milk production. Production and secretion of oxytocin is controlled by a positive feedback mechanism, where its initial release stimulates production and release of further oxytocin. For example, when oxytocin is released during a contraction of the uterus at the start of childbirth, this stimulates production and release of more oxytocin and an increase in the intensity and frequency of contractions. This process compounds in intensity and frequency and continues until the triggering activity ceases. A similar process takes place during lactation and during sexual activity.

Depressants, colloquially known as "downers" or central nervous system (CNS) depressants, are drugs that lower neurotransmission levels, decrease the electrical activity of brain cells, or reduce arousal or stimulation in various areas of the brain. Some specific depressants do influence mood, either positively or negatively, but depressants often have no clear impact on mood. In contrast, stimulants, or "uppers", increase mental alertness, making stimulants the opposite drug class from depressants. Antidepressants are defined by their effect on mood, not on general brain activity, so they form an orthogonal category of drugs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Empathogen</span> Class of psychoactive drugs that produce empathic experiences

Empathogens or entactogens are a class of psychoactive drugs that induce the production of experiences of emotional communion, oneness, relatedness, emotional openness—that is, empathy or sympathy—as particularly observed and reported for experiences with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). This class of drug is distinguished from the classes of hallucinogen or psychedelic, and amphetamine or stimulants. Major members of this class include MDMA, MDA, MDEA, MDOH, MBDB, 5-APB, 5-MAPB, 6-APB, 6-MAPB, methylone, mephedrone, GHB, αMT, and αET, MDAI among others. Most entactogens are phenethylamines and amphetamines, although several, such as αMT and αET, are tryptamines. When referring to MDMA and its counterparts, the term MDxx is often used. Entactogens are sometimes incorrectly referred to as hallucinogens or stimulants, although many entactogens such as ecstasy exhibit psychedelic or stimulant properties as well.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Misoprostol</span> Medication to induce abortion and treat ulcers

Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin medication used to prevent and treat stomach and duodenal ulcers, induce labor, cause an abortion, and treat postpartum bleeding due to poor contraction of the uterus. It is taken by mouth when used to prevent gastric ulcers in people taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). For abortions it is used by itself or in conjunction with mifepristone or methotrexate. By itself, effectiveness for abortion is between 66% and 90%. For labor induction or abortion, it is taken by mouth, dissolved in the mouth, or placed in the vagina. For postpartum bleeding it may also be used rectally.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Epidural administration</span> Medication injected into the epidural space of the spine

Epidural administration is a method of medication administration in which a medicine is injected into the epidural space around the spinal cord. The epidural route is used by physicians and nurse anesthetists to administer local anesthetic agents, analgesics, diagnostic medicines such as radiocontrast agents, and other medicines such as glucocorticoids. Epidural administration involves the placement of a catheter into the epidural space, which may remain in place for the duration of the treatment. The technique of intentional epidural administration of medication was first described in 1921 by Spanish military surgeon Fidel Pagés.

Prostaglandin E<sub>2</sub> Chemical compound

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), also known as dinoprostone, is a naturally occurring prostaglandin with oxytocic properties that is used as a medication. Dinoprostone is used in labor induction, bleeding after delivery, termination of pregnancy, and in newborn babies to keep the ductus arteriosus open. In babies it is used in those with congenital heart defects until surgery can be carried out. It is also used to manage gestational trophoblastic disease. It may be used within the vagina or by injection into a vein.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nociceptin</span> Chemical compound

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ), a 17-amino acid neuropeptide, is the endogenous ligand for the nociceptin receptor. Nociceptin acts as a potent anti-analgesic, effectively counteracting the effect of pain-relievers; its activation is associated with brain functions such as pain sensation and fear learning.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Uterine atony</span> Loss of tone in the uterine musculature

Uterine atony is the failure of the uterus to contract adequately following delivery. Contraction of the uterine muscles during labor compresses the blood vessels and slows flow, which helps prevent hemorrhage and facilitates coagulation. Therefore, a lack of uterine muscle contraction can lead to an acute hemorrhage, as the vasculature is not being sufficiently compressed. Uterine atony is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage, which is an emergency and potential cause of fatality. Across the globe, postpartum hemorrhage is among the top five causes of maternal death. Recognition of the warning signs of uterine atony in the setting of extensive postpartum bleeding should initiate interventions aimed at regaining stable uterine contraction.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oxytocin receptor</span> Genes on human chromosome 3

The oxytocin receptor, also known as OXTR, is a protein which functions as receptor for the hormone and neurotransmitter oxytocin. In humans, the oxytocin receptor is encoded by the OXTR gene which has been localized to human chromosome 3p25.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carbetocin</span> Medication used for preventing postpartum bleeding

Carbetocin, sold under the brand names Pabal among others, is a medication used to prevent excessive bleeding after childbirth, particularly following Cesarean section. It appears to work as well as oxytocin. Due to it being less economical than other options, use is not recommended by NHS Scotland. It is given by injection into a vein or muscle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prostaglandin F2alpha</span> Chemical compound

Prostaglandin F, pharmaceutically termed dinoprost, is a naturally occurring prostaglandin used in medicine to induce labor and as an abortifacient. Prostaglandins are lipids throughout the entire body that have a hormone-like function. In pregnancy, PGF is medically used to sustain contracture and provoke myometrial ischemia to accelerate labor and prevent significant blood loss in labor. Additionally, PGF has been linked to being naturally involved in the process of labor. It has been seen that there are higher levels of PGF in maternal fluid during labor when compared to at term. This signifies that there is likely a biological use and significance to the production and secretion of PGF in labor. Prostaglandin is also used to treat uterine infections in domestic animals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Opioid overdose</span> Toxicity due to excessive consumption of opioids

An opioid overdose is toxicity due to excessive consumption of opioids, such as morphine, codeine, heroin, fentanyl, tramadol, and methadone. This preventable pathology can be fatal if it leads to respiratory depression, a lethal condition that can cause hypoxia from slow and shallow breathing. Other symptoms include small pupils and unconsciousness; however, its onset can depend on the method of ingestion, the dosage and individual risk factors. Although there were over 110,000 deaths in 2017 due to opioids, individuals who survived also faced adverse complications, including permanent brain damage.

A uterotonic, also known as an oxytocic or ecbolic, is a type of medication used to induce contraction or greater tonicity of the uterus. Uterotonics are used both to induce labor and to reduce postpartum hemorrhage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">U-69,593</span> Chemical compound

U-69,593 is a drug which acts as a potent and selective κ1-opioid receptor agonist. In animal studies it has been shown to produce antinociception, anti-inflammation, anxiolysis, respiratory depression, and diuresis, while having little effect on gastrointestinal motility. It also inhibits the peripheral, though not central secretion of oxytocin and vasopressin in rats.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Buprenorphine/samidorphan</span> Combination drug formulation

Buprenorphine/samidorphan is a combination formulation of buprenorphine and samidorphan which is under development as an add on to antidepressants in treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aticaprant</span> Investigational antidepressant compound

Aticaprant, also known by its developmental codes JNJ-67953964, CERC-501, and LY-2456302, is a κ-opioid receptor (KOR) antagonist which is under development for the treatment of major depressive disorder. A regulatory application for approval of the medication is expected to be submitted by 2025. Aticaprant is taken by mouth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oxytocin receptor agonist</span> Chemical compound

An oxytocin receptor agonist is a compound that acts as an agonist of the oxytocin receptor. Examples include peptide oxytocin receptor agonists like oxytocin, carbetocin, and demoxytocin (Sandopart) and small-molecule oxytocin receptor agonists like TC OT 39, WAY-267464, and LIT-001. Oxytocin receptor agonists are used medically to induce labor, promote lactation, and for other uses. In addition, oxytocin receptor agonists are of theoretical interest for the potential treatment of social disorders, such as autism and social anxiety. Small-molecule oxytocin receptor agonists are considered to be more promising for such uses due to better pharmacokinetic profiles, such as blood–brain barrier permeability, elimination half-lives, and potential for oral bioavailability.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LIT-001</span> Small-molecule oxytocin receptor agonist

LIT-001 is a small-molecule oxytocin receptor agonist and vasopressin receptor mixed agonist and antagonist that was first described in the literature in 2018. Along with TC OT 39 and WAY-267464, it is one of the first small-molecule oxytocin receptor agonists to have been developed. LIT-001 has greatly improved pharmacokinetic properties relative to oxytocin, reduces social deficits in animal models, and may have potential as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of social disorders like autism in humans.

Intranasal drug delivery occurs when particles are inhaled into the nasal cavity and transported directly into the nervous system. Though pharmaceuticals can be injected into the nose, some concerns include injuries, infection, and safe disposal. Studies demonstrate improved patient compliance with inhalation. Treating brain diseases has been a challenge due to the blood brain barrier. Previous studies evaluated the efficacy of delivery therapeutics through intranasal route for brain diseases and mental health conditions. Intranasal administration is a potential route associated with high drug transfer from nose to brain and drug bioavailability.

References

  1. "Syntocinon 10 IU/ml Concentrate for Solution for Infusion". (emc). 25 October 2023. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  2. "Pitocin- oxytocin injection". DailyMed. 10 January 2008. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  3. "Oxytocin injection, solution". DailyMed. 16 October 2023. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  4. 1 2 Weisman O, Zagoory-Sharon O, Feldman R (September 2012). "Intranasal oxytocin administration is reflected in human saliva". Psychoneuroendocrinology. 37 (9): 1582–86. doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2012.02.014. PMID   22436536. S2CID   25253083.
  5. 1 2 Huffmeijer R, Alink LR, Tops M, Grewen KM, Light KC, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ, et al. (2012). "Salivary levels of oxytocin remain elevated for more than two hours after intranasal oxytocin administration". Neuro Endocrinology Letters. 33 (1): 21–25. PMID   22467107.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 "Oxytocin". The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Archived from the original on 20 May 2015. Retrieved 1 June 2015.
  7. The Oxford Handbook of Prosocial Behavior. Oxford University Press. 2015. p. 354. ISBN   978-0-19-539981-3. Archived from the original on 1 August 2017.
  8. Hurlemann R, Grinevich V (2018). Behavioral Pharmacology of Neuropeptides: Oxytocin. Springer. p. 37. ISBN   978-3-319-63739-6.
  9. 1 2 Dale HH (May 1906). "On some physiological actions of ergot". The Journal of Physiology. 34 (3): 163–206. doi:10.1113/jphysiol.1906.sp001148. PMC   1465771 . PMID   16992821.
  10. World Health Organization (2023). The selection and use of essential medicines 2023: web annex A: World Health Organization model list of essential medicines: 23rd list (2023). Geneva: World Health Organization. hdl: 10665/371090 . WHO/MHP/HPS/EML/2023.02.
  11. Budden A, Chen LJ, Henry A (9 October 2014). "High-dose versus low-dose oxytocin infusion regimens for induction of labour at term". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 10 (10): CD009701. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009701.pub2. PMC   8932234 . PMID   25300173.
  12. "Oxytocin use while Breastfeeding". Drugs.com. Archived from the original on 15 December 2016.
  13. "Oxytocin - FDA prescribing information, side effects and uses". Archived from the original on 21 December 2016. Retrieved 16 December 2016.
  14. 1 2 3 "Pitocin (drug label for professionals)". Rx List. WebMD. Archived from the original on 15 April 2011. Retrieved 9 September 2010.
  15. D'Souza SW, Lieberman B, Cadman J, Richards B (September 1986). "Oxytocin induction of labour: hyponatraemia and neonatal jaundice". European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology. 22 (5–6): 309–317. doi:10.1016/0028-2243(86)90119-x. PMID   3770280.
  16. Emre U, Kadıoğlu G, Ünal A, Atasoy HT (March 2009). "Case report: hyponatremia and generalized convulsion after intravenous oxytocin infusion". Journal of the Turkish-German Gynecological Association. 10 (1): 47–48.
  17. Hidalgo-Lopezosa P, Hidalgo-Maestre M, Rodríguez-Borrego MA (2016). "Labor stimulation with oxytocin: effects on obstetrical and neonatal outcomes". Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem. 24: e2744. doi:10.1590/1518-8345.0765.2744. PMC   4982443 . PMID   27463109.
  18. Lothian JA (2014). "Healthy birth practice #4: avoid interventions unless they are medically necessary". The Journal of Perinatal Education. 23 (4): 198–206. doi:10.1891/1058-1243.23.4.198. PMC   4235054 . PMID   25411540.
  19. Hitzeman N, Chin S (August 2012). "Epidural analgesia for labor pain". American Family Physician. 86 (3): 241–242. PMID   22962986.
  20. Gregory SG, Anthopolos R, Osgood CE, Grotegut CA, Miranda ML (October 2013). "Association of autism with induced or augmented childbirth in North Carolina Birth Record (1990-1998) and Education Research (1997-2007) databases". JAMA Pediatrics. 167 (10): 959–966. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2013.2904. PMID   23938610.
  21. Oberg AS, D'Onofrio BM, Rickert ME, Hernandez-Diaz S, Ecker JL, Almqvist C, et al. (September 2016). "Association of Labor Induction With Offspring Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorders". JAMA Pediatrics. 170 (9): e160965. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2016.0965. hdl: 10616/45629 . PMC   5297393 . PMID   27454803.
  22. 1 2 "High-Alert Medications in Acute Care Settings". Institute For Safe Medication Practices. 16 November 2017. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
  23. Kroll-Desrosiers AR, Nephew BC, Babb JA, Guilarte-Walker Y, Moore Simas TA, Deligiannidis KM (February 2017). "Association of peripartum synthetic oxytocin administration and depressive and anxiety disorders within the first postpartum year". Depression and Anxiety. 34 (2): 137–146. doi:10.1002/da.22599. PMC   5310833 . PMID   28133901.
  24. Gimpl G, Fahrenholz F (April 2001). "The oxytocin receptor system: structure, function, and regulation". Physiological Reviews. 81 (2): 629–83. doi:10.1152/physrev.2001.81.2.629. PMID   11274341. S2CID   13265083.
  25. de Oliveira LF, Camboim C, Diehl F, Consiglio AR, Quillfeldt JA (January 2007). "Glucocorticoid-mediated effects of systemic oxytocin upon memory retrieval". Neurobiology of Learning and Memory. 87 (1): 67–71. doi:10.1016/j.nlm.2006.05.006. PMID   16997585. S2CID   25371427.
  26. Guastella AJ, Mitchell PB, Mathews F (August 2008). "Oxytocin enhances the encoding of positive social memories in humans". Biological Psychiatry. 64 (3): 256–58. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2008.02.008. PMID   18343353. S2CID   38681820.
  27. Rimmele U, Hediger K, Heinrichs M, Klaver P (January 2009). "Oxytocin makes a face in memory familiar". The Journal of Neuroscience. 29 (1): 38–42. doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4260-08.2009. PMC   6664913 . PMID   19129382.
  28. Drakopoulos A, Moianos D, Prifti GM, Zoidis G, Decker M (July 2022). "Opioid Ligands Addressing Unconventional Binding Sites and More Than One Opioid Receptor Subtype". ChemMedChem. 17 (14): e202200169. doi:10.1002/cmdc.202200169. PMID   35560796.
  29. Kaczyńska K, Wojciechowski P (December 2021). "Non-Opioid Peptides Targeting Opioid Effects". Int J Mol Sci. 22 (24): 13619. doi: 10.3390/ijms222413619 . PMC   8709238 . PMID   34948415.
  30. Carter CS, Kingsbury MA (August 2022). "Oxytocin and oxygen: the evolution of a solution to the 'stress of life'". Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 377 (1858): 20210054. doi:10.1098/rstb.2021.0054. PMC   9272143 . PMID   35856299.
  31. Meguro Y, Miyano K, Hirayama S, Yoshida Y, Ishibashi N, Ogino T, et al. (May 2018). "Neuropeptide oxytocin enhances μ opioid receptor signaling as a positive allosteric modulator". J Pharmacol Sci. 137 (1): 67–75. doi: 10.1016/j.jphs.2018.04.002 . PMID   29716811.
  32. Miyano K, Yoshida Y, Hirayama S, Takahashi H, Ono H, Meguro Y, et al. (October 2021). "Oxytocin Is a Positive Allosteric Modulator of κ-Opioid Receptors but Not δ-Opioid Receptors in the G Protein Signaling Pathway". Cells. 10 (10): 2651. doi: 10.3390/cells10102651 . PMC   8534029 . PMID   34685631.
  33. Mizuguchi T, Miyano K, Yamauchi R, Yoshida Y, Takahashi H, Yamazaki A, et al. (January 2023). "The first structure-activity relationship study of oxytocin as a positive allosteric modulator for the µ opioid receptor". Peptides. 159: 170901. doi:10.1016/j.peptides.2022.170901. PMID   36347314.
  34. "WHO International Standard OXYTOCIN 4th International Standard NIBSC code: 76/575 Instructions for use (Version 4.0, Dated 30/04/2013)" (PDF). nibsc.org.
  35. Baribeau DA, Anagnostou E (2015). "Oxytocin and vasopressin: linking pituitary neuropeptides and their receptors to social neurocircuits". Frontiers in Neuroscience. 9: 335. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00335 . PMC   4585313 . PMID   26441508.
  36. Seitchik J, Castillo M (December 1982). "Oxytocin augmentation of dysfunctional labor. I. Clinical data". American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 144 (8): 899–905. doi:10.1097/00006254-198307000-00010. PMID   7148921.
  37. Mehta AC (1986). "Buccal and oral drugs: induction of labour". Acta Chirurgica Hungarica. 27 (3): 157–63. PMID   3469841.
  38. De Groot AN, Vree TB, Hekster YA, Pesman GJ, Sweep FC, Van Dongen PJ, et al. (1995). "Bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of sublingual oxytocin in male volunteers" (PDF). The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 47 (7): 571–75. doi:10.1111/j.2042-7158.1995.tb06716.x. hdl:2066/21581. PMID   8568623. S2CID   8615529.
  39. Malenka RC, Nestler EJ, Hyman SE (2009). "Chapter 7: Neuropeptides". In Sydor A, Brown RY (eds.). Molecular Neuropharmacology: A Foundation for Clinical Neuroscience (2nd ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill Medical. ISBN   978-0-07-148127-4. Oxytocin can be delivered to humans via nasal spray following which it crosses the blood–brain barrier. ... In a double-blind experiment, oxytocin spray increased trusting behavior compared to a placebo spray in a monetary game with real money at stake.
  40. McGregor IS, Callaghan PD, Hunt GE (May 2008). "From ultrasocial to antisocial: a role for oxytocin in the acute reinforcing effects and long-term adverse consequences of drug use?". British Journal of Pharmacology. 154 (2): 358–68. doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.132. PMC   2442436 . PMID   18475254. Recent studies also highlight remarkable anxiolytic and prosocial effects of intranasally administered OT in humans, including increased 'trust', decreased amygdala activation towards fear-inducing stimuli, improved recognition of social cues and increased gaze directed towards the eye regions of others (Kirsch et al., 2005; Kosfeld et al., 2005; Domes et al., 2006; Guastella et al., 2008).
  41. Lee SY, Lee AR, Hwangbo R, Han J, Hong M, Bahn GH (2015). "Is Oxytocin Application for Autism Spectrum Disorder Evidence-Based?". Experimental Neurobiology. 24 (4): 312–24. doi:10.5607/en.2015.24.4.312. PMC   4688331 . PMID   26713079.
  42. Kou J, Lan C, Zhang Y, Wang Q, Zhou F, Zhao Z, et al. (February 2021). "In the nose or on the tongue? Contrasting motivational effects of oral and intranasal oxytocin on arousal and reward during social processing". Translational Psychiatry. 11 (1): 94. doi:10.1038/s41398-021-01241-w. PMC   7862637 . PMID   33542175.
  43. 1 2 3 Nashar PE, Whitfield AA, Mikusek J, Reekie TA (2022). "The Current Status of Drug Discovery for the Oxytocin Receptor". Oxytocin. Methods Mol Biol. Vol. 2384. New York, NY: Springer. pp. 153–174. doi:10.1007/978-1-0716-1759-5_10. ISBN   978-1-0716-1758-8. PMID   34550574. S2CID   239090096.
  44. Ott I, Scott JC (1910). "The Action of Infundibulum upon Mammary Secretion". Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine. 8 (2): 48–49. doi:10.3181/00379727-8-27. S2CID   87519246.
  45. Schafer EA, Mackenzie K (July 1911). "The Action of Animal Extracts on Milk Secretion". Proceedings of the Royal Society B. 84 (568): 16–22. Bibcode:1911RSPSB..84...16S. doi:10.1098/rspb.1911.0042. S2CID   93718970.
  46. Du Vigneaud V, Ressler C, Trippett S (December 1953). "The sequence of amino acids in oxytocin, with a proposal for the structure of oxytocin". The Journal of Biological Chemistry. 205 (2): 949–57. doi: 10.1016/S0021-9258(18)49238-1 . PMID   13129273.
  47. du Vigneaud V, Ressler C, Swan JM, Roberts CW, Katsoyannis PG, Gordon S (1953). "The synthesis of an octapeptide amide with the hormonal activity of oxytocin". J. Am. Chem. Soc. 75 (19): 4879–80. doi:10.1021/ja01115a553.
  48. du Vigneaud V, Ressler C, Swan JM, Roberts CW, Katsoyannis PG (June 1954). "The synthesis of oxytocin". J. Am. Chem. Soc. 76 (12): 3115–21. doi:10.1021/ja01641a004.
  49. Du Vigneaud V (June 1956). "Trail of sulfur research: from insulin to oxytocin". Science. 123 (3205): 967–74. Bibcode:1956Sci...123..967D. doi:10.1126/science.123.3205.967. PMID   13324123.
  50. Torloni MR, Gomes Freitas C, Kartoglu UH, Metin Gülmezoglu A, Widmer M (December 2016). "Quality of oxytocin available in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review of the literature". BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 123 (13): 2076–86. doi: 10.1111/1471-0528.13998 . PMID   27006180.
  51. Stanton C, Koski A, Cofie P, Mirzabagi E, Grady BL, Brooke S (2012). "Uterotonic drug quality: an assessment of the potency of injectable uterotonic drugs purchased by simulated clients in three districts in Ghana". BMJ Open. 2 (3): e000431. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2011-000431. PMC   3346944 . PMID   22556159.
  52. Hurlemann R, Patin A, Onur OA, Cohen MX, Baumgartner T, Metzler S, et al. (April 2010). "Oxytocin enhances amygdala-dependent, socially reinforced learning and emotional empathy in humans". The Journal of Neuroscience. 30 (14): 4999–5007. doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.5538-09.2010. PMC   6632777 . PMID   20371820.
  53. Cochran DM, Fallon D, Hill M, Frazier JA (2013). "The role of oxytocin in psychiatric disorders: a review of biological and therapeutic research findings". Harvard Review of Psychiatry. 21 (5): 219–47. doi:10.1097/HRP.0b013e3182a75b7d. PMC   4120070 . PMID   24651556.
  54. Neumann ID, Slattery DA (2016). "Oxytocin in General Anxiety and Social Fear: A Translational Approach". Biological Psychiatry. 79 (3): 213–21. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.06.004 . PMID   26208744.
  55. Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ, van I Jzendoorn MH (2013). "Sniffing around oxytocin: review and meta-analyses of trials in healthy and clinical groups with implications for pharmacotherapy". Translational Psychiatry. 3 (5): e258. doi:10.1038/tp.2013.34. PMC   3669921 . PMID   23695233.
  56. Unkelbach C, Guastella AJ, Forgas JP (November 2008). "Oxytocin selectively facilitates recognition of positive sex and relationship words". Psychological Science. 19 (11): 1092–94. doi:10.1111/j.1467-9280.2008.02206.x. PMID   19076479. S2CID   19670817.
  57. Marsh AA, Yu HH, Pine DS, Blair RJ (April 2010). "Oxytocin improves specific recognition of positive facial expressions". Psychopharmacology. 209 (3): 225–32. doi:10.1007/s00213-010-1780-4. PMID   20186397. S2CID   4820244.
  58. Fischer-Shofty M, Shamay-Tsoory SG, Harari H, Levkovitz Y (2010). "The effect of intranasal administration of oxytocin on fear recognition". Neuropsychologia. 48 (1): 179–84. doi:10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2009.09.003. PMID   19747930. S2CID   34778485.
  59. Bartz JA, Hollander E (2008). "Oxytocin and experimental therapeutics in autism spectrum disorders". Advances in Vasopressin and Oxytocin – from Genes to Behaviour to Disease. Progress in Brain Research. Vol. 170. Elsevier. pp. 451–62. doi:10.1016/S0079-6123(08)00435-4. ISBN   978-0-444-53201-5. PMID   18655901.
  60. Wudarczyk OA, Earp BD, Guastella A, Savulescu J (2013). "Could intranasal oxytocin be used to enhance relationships? Research imperatives, clinical policy, and ethical considerations". Current Opinion in Psychiatry. 26 (5): 474–84. doi:10.1097/YCO.0b013e3283642e10. PMC   3935449 . PMID   23880593.
  61. Parrott AC (2014). "The Potential Dangers of Using MDMA for Psychotherapy". Journal of Psychoactive Drugs. 46 (1): 37–43. doi:10.1080/02791072.2014.873690. ISSN   0279-1072. PMID   24830184.