Description
Oxytocin is an abundant neuropeptide that exerts a wide spectrum of central and peripheral effects. In the context of human reproduction, oxytocin promotes uterine contractions and lactation. It is the most commonly used drug for labor induction. Oxytocin receptors are expressed in the uterus and in mammary glands, where they mediate functions related to partutition, such as contraction of the uterine myometrium during labor and milk letdown. In addition, oxytocin receptors are expressed in a variety of other peripheral tissues and in the brain, where oxytocin mediates a variety of functions. OXTR antagonists may be promising candidates to prevent preterm labor and dysmenorrheal and its agonists may also be useful for treatment of psychiatric illnesses such as anxiety, drug abuse, sexual dysfunctions, eating disorders, and autism.