The role of oxytocin in regulation of appetitive behaviour, body weight and glucose homeostasis.

ABSTRACT: Obesity and its associated complications have reached epidemic proportions in the USA and also worldwide, highlighting the need for new and more effective treatments. Although the neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) is well recognised for its peripheral effects on reproductive behaviour, the release of OXT from somatodendrites and axonal terminals within the central nervous system (CNS) is also implicated in the control of energy balance. In this review, we summarise historical data highlighting the effects of exogenous OXT as a short-term regulator of food intake in a context-specific manner and the receptor populations that may mediate these effects. We also describe what is known about the physiological role of endogenous OXT in the control of energy balance and whether serum and brain levels o

SUBMITTER: Lawson EA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7186135 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature