Neural oxytocinergic systems as genomic targets for hormones and as modulators of hormone-dependent behaviors.
At the molecular level, estradiol turns on the gene for oxytocin in a subset of paraventricular hypothalamic neurons and turns on the gene for the oxytocin receptor in other limbic and hypothalamic cell groups. As a result, oxytocin deposition, whose signal is transduced both through G alpha (q/11) and Gi to stimulate phosphatidylinositol turnover, facilitates electrical activity in certain hypothalamic neurons. Consequently, affiliative behaviors including those closely associated with reproduction--mating behaviors and parental behaviors--are promoted. One important aspect of this effect is the preservation of instinctive behaviors associated with reproduction, in the face of disturbances due to mild stress.
Pfaff
D W
DW
Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10021, USA.
Ogawa
S
S
Kow
L M
LM
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D019204:GTP-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D018045:Receptors, Oxytocin / Q000502:physiology*; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction
D018045:Receptors, Oxytocin; D010121:Oxytocin; D019204:GTP-Binding Proteins