Argiolas A, Gessa G L
Department of Neurosciences, University of Cagliari, Italy.
Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 1991 Summer;15(2):217-31. doi: 10.1016/s0149-7634(05)80002-8.
Oxytocin, the peptide well-known for its hormonal role in parturition and lactation, is present in several extrahypothalamic brain areas besides the neurohypophyseal system. The peptide is found in neurons which send their projections to brain areas containing specific oxytocin-binding sites. Oxytocin is also released from its synapses in a calcium-dependent fashion and may be the precursor of potent behaviorally active neuropeptides. These findings suggest that this ancient neuropeptide acts as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. We have attempted to review the most recent behavioral, morphological, electrophysiological and neurochemical studies providing evidence that oxytocin plays an important role in the expression of central functions, such as maternal behavior, sexual behavior (penile erection, lordosis and copulatory behavior), yawning, memory and learning, tolerance and dependence mechanisms, feeding, grooming, cardiovascular regulation and thermoregulation.
催产素作为一种以其在分娩和泌乳中的激素作用而闻名的肽，除了神经垂体系统外，还存在于几个下丘脑外脑区。该肽存在于将其投射发送到含有特定催产素结合位点的脑区的神经元中。催产素也以钙依赖的方式从其突触中释放出来，并且可能是强效行为活性神经肽的前体。这些发现表明，这种古老的神经肽在中枢神经系统中充当神经递质。我们试图回顾最近的行为、形态、电生理和神经化学研究，这些研究提供了证据，证明催产素在诸如母性行为、性行为（阴茎勃起、脊柱前凸和交配行为）、打哈欠、记忆和学习、耐受和依赖机制、进食、梳理毛发、心血管调节和体温调节等中枢功能的表达中发挥重要作用。
