title: Neural oxytocinergic systems as genomic targets for hormones and as modulators of hormone-dependent behaviors.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10021, USA.
authors.forename: D W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Pfaff
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ogawa
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Kow
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D018045:Receptors, Oxytocin; D010121:Oxytocin; D019204:GTP-Binding Proteins