Diverse roles of oxytocin

Abstract

The oxytocin/oxytocin receptor (OT/OTR) system has been reported to influence a variety of physiological, behavioural, and emotional processes in humans. There are a wide range of studies focusing on their role in parturition, lactation and behaviour. More recent studies have investigated the novel effects of OT/OTR system including inflammation and miRNAs, as well as the effect of their genetic polymorphisms on the onset of labour and parturition. OT also appears to have a great influence in cardiomyocyte differentiation and heart homeostasis, and an age-specific regulation of muscle maintenance and regeneration. This review will summarize the previously established role of OT/OTR system as well as the studies on their novel roles, and highlight the potential therapeutic approaches.