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Oxytocin is a peptide hormone and neuropeptide normally produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary. [4] 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.
Uterine contractions are a vital part of natural childbirth, [6] which occur during the process of labour and delivery, (typically this excludes caesarean section). These labour contractions are characterized by their rhythmic tightening and relaxation of the myometrium , the most prominent uterine muscle.
Along with the increase in oxytocin receptors to facilitate labor, prostaglandins also increase the intracellular concentration of calcium. [6] Two PG subtypes, E and F, play fundamental roles in labor, PG E receptors, activated by PGE1 and PGE2 are more uteroselective and will stimulate contraction or relaxation depending on the subtype. PG F ...
It has a major role in the production of breast milk and lactation. It is responsible for muscle contractions in the uterus to facilitate birth. [10] It also assists in ovarian steroid production and ovum release. [10] In men, oxytocin has a role in erections and ejaculation. [10] It also participates in gonadal development in both males and ...
During human parturition, the quantifiable level of blood plasma oxytocin rises: it becomes twice as much during the initial phase of dilation and continues to increase until the second stage of labor. [36] Oxytocin furthermore induces uterine contractions in mothers following childbirth which helps in the prevention of bleeding. [37]
promote maintenance of corpus luteum during beginning of pregnancy, Inhibit immune response, towards the human embryo, serves as the basis of early pregnancy test 37 Human placental lactogen: HPL Peptide: placenta: increase production of insulin and IGF-1. increase insulin resistance and carbohydrate intolerance 38 Growth hormone: GH or hGH Peptide
High levels of prolactin during pregnancy and breastfeeding also increase insulin resistance, increase growth factor levels (IGF-1) and modify lipid metabolism in preparation for breastfeeding. During lactation, prolactin is the main factor maintaining tight junctions of the ductal epithelium and regulating milk production through osmotic balance.
The Ferguson reflex (also called the fetal ejection reflex) is the neuroendocrine reflex comprising the self-sustaining cycle of uterine contractions initiated by pressure at the cervix, more precisely, the internal end of cervix, or vaginal walls. It is an example of positive feedback in biology. The Ferguson reflex occurs in mammals.