Effect of Neurosteroids on Basal and Stress-Induced Oxytocin Secretion in Luteal-Phase and Pregnant Sheep

ABSTRACT:

Simple Summary

Oxytocin (OT) is a hypothalamic hormone that controls key aspects of behavior and female and male reproductive systems as well as playing an important role during the estrous cycle, pregnancy and lactation. Depending on the physiological state, the activity of OT neurons is associated with sex steroid interactions and/or local synthesis of neurosteroids in the brain. This study aimed to determine the central effects of neurosteroids and stress on OT synthesis and release in the hypothalamic-posterior pituitary system in non-pregnant and pregnant sheep. The results showed that allopregnanolone (AL) alone differentially modulated OT synthesis at the hypothalamic and posterior pituitary levels, and markedly inhibited OT secretion induced by stress in non-pregnant sheep

SUBMITTER:  

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10215827 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature