Oxytocin

Oxytocin is a peptide hormone made in the hypothalamus and released into the bloodstream by the posterior pituitary. It stimulates uterine contractions during labor and milk ejection during breastfeeding.

Hypothalamus: A brain region that regulates homeostasis and controls hormone release through the pituitary gland. Oxytocin-producing neurons originate here and send their axons to the posterior pituitary.
Neuropeptide: A short peptide released by neurons that can act as a signaling molecule. Oxytocin is a neuropeptide made by specialized hypothalamic neurons.
Induction of labor: The deliberate initiation of labor using medical methods before spontaneous labor begins. Synthetic oxytocin is commonly used to initiate or strengthen labor contractions.
Vasopressin: A peptide hormone that regulates water balance and blood-vessel constriction. It is structurally related to oxytocin but has distinct receptors and primary physiological effects.
Posterior pituitary: The pituitary lobe that stores and releases hormones made by neurons in the hypothalamus. It releases oxytocin into the bloodstream when hypothalamic neurons fire.
Peptide hormone: A hormone composed of amino acids that signals by binding cell-surface receptors. Oxytocin’s peptide structure prevents it from freely crossing cell membranes.
Augmentation of labor: Medical stimulation of labor that has begun but is progressing inadequately. Oxytocin can strengthen contractions when labor needs assistance progressing.
Prolactin: A pituitary hormone that stimulates milk production in the mammary glands. Prolactin produces milk, whereas oxytocin moves it from the breast.
Oxytocin receptor: A cell-surface receptor that binds oxytocin and activates intracellular signaling. Receptor activation in uterine and mammary tissue produces oxytocin’s characteristic effects.
Neuroendocrine cell: A cell that receives neural signals and releases hormones into the bloodstream. Oxytocin-secreting hypothalamic neurons connect nervous activity to endocrine release.

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