Intranasal instillation of oxytocin increases insulin and glucagon secretion.

Intravenously administered oxytocin was found to increase plasma insulin and glucagon levels. To explore if the same effects could be obtained by nonparenteral routes of administration, oxytocin was given by nasal instillation in normal conscious dogs. Plasma glucose, insulin, and glucagon levels all increased to levels which previously were shown to cause increased glucose production and utilization. Vasopressin infusion had no effect on these measurements. This is the first report of the effectiveness of oxytocin to evoke insulin and glucagon secretion by the nasal route of administration.