[Oxytocin and Vasopressin: Sexual Differences and Clinical Implications]

Overview

Journal Rev Med Inst Mex Seguro Soc

Specialty General Medicine

Date 2023 May 18

PMID 37200960

Authors

Ricardo Mondragon-Ceballos

Jorgelina Barrios-De Tomasi

Leonor Estela Hernandez-Lopez

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Oxytocin and vasopressin share a similar chemical structure but have different functions. Both hormones are produced in different brain areas, are transported through the hypophyseal portal system, pass to the anterior hypophysis, and released to reach their target organs. These hormones also act as neuromodulators, where its receptors are found in the lateral septum, the middle amygdala, the hippocampus, the hypothalamus, and the brain stem. These brain structures regulate socio-sexual behaviors in vertebrates. Moreover, the oxytocinergic and the vasopressin systems are sexually different. The sexual steroids promote oxytocin release and the oxytocin receptor synthesis, as well as promoting or inhibiting vasopressin release and its receptor genetic transcription. Both neuropeptides are involved in social recognition, male-female pair bonding, aggression, and cognition. Furthermore, the disruption or malfunctioning of the oxytocin and vasopressin systems adds to the causes of some psychiatric disorders like depression, schizophrenia, autism, and borderline personality.

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