Division of Physiology and Neuroscience, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.
Division of Physiology and Neuroscience, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.
Vitam Horm. 2022;118:83-127. doi: 10.1016/bs.vh.2021.11.002. Epub 2022 Jan 24.
Oxytocin (OXT) and vasopressin (AVP) are related neuropeptides that exert a wide range of effects on general health, homeostasis, development, reproduction, adaptability, cognition, social and nonsocial behaviors. The two peptides are mainly of hypothalamic origin and execute their peripheral and central physiological roles via OXT and AVP receptors, which are members of the G protein-coupled receptor family. These receptors, largely distributed in the body, are abundantly expressed in the hippocampus, a brain region particularly vulnerable to stress exposure and various lesions. OXT and AVP have important roles in the hippocampus, by modulating important processes like neuronal excitability, network oscillatory activity, synaptic plasticity, and social recognition memory. This chapter includes an overview regarding OXT and AVP structure, synthesis, receptor distribution, and functions, focusing on their relationship with the hippocampus and mechanisms by which they influence hippocampal activity. Brief information regarding hippocampal structure and susceptibility to lesions is also provided. The roles of OXT and AVP in neurodevelopment and adult central nervous system function and disorders are highlighted, discussing their potential use as targeted therapeutic tools in neuropsychiatric diseases.
催产素（OXT）和加压素（AVP）是相关的神经肽，对一般健康、内稳态、发育、生殖、适应性、认知、社会和非社会行为都有广泛的影响。这两种肽主要来源于下丘脑，并通过 OXT 和 AVP 受体发挥其外周和中枢生理作用，OXT 和 AVP 受体是 G 蛋白偶联受体家族的成员。这些受体广泛分布于全身，在海马体中大量表达，海马体是特别容易受到应激暴露和各种损伤的脑区。OXT 和 AVP 在海马体中发挥重要作用，调节神经元兴奋性、网络振荡活动、突触可塑性和社会识别记忆等重要过程。本章包括 OXT 和 AVP 的结构、合成、受体分布和功能概述，重点介绍它们与海马体的关系以及它们影响海马体活动的机制。还简要介绍了海马体的结构和易受损伤的情况。强调了 OXT 和 AVP 在神经发育和成年中枢神经系统功能及障碍中的作用，讨论了它们作为神经精神疾病靶向治疗工具的潜在用途。
