Possible Interaction: Central Nervous System Stimulants and Oxytocin

“A considerable body of earlier animal studies demonstrated that oxytocin inhibits tolerance to alcohol, opioids, and stimulants as well as withdrawal from alcohol and opioids.”

“Very recent preclinical studies have illustrated a remarkable ability of exogenously delivered oxytocin to inhibit stimulant and alcohol self-administration, to alter associated drug-induced changes in dopamine, glutamate and Fos expression in cortical and basal ganglia sites, and to prevent stress and priming-induced relapse to drug seeking.”

“Women … administered oxytocin to … stimulate labour reported lower cardiorespiratory fitness (p = 0.013, Cohen’s d = 0.55; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.14, 0.93) and … (p = 0.040, Cohen´s d = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.09, 0.89) compared to women who were not administered oxytocin.”

“Recent data show that oxytocin has an anabolic effect on bone and stimulates osteoblast function.”

“Whereas vasopressin stimulates ACTH release in humans, oxytocin inhibits it.”

“The neuropeptide oxytocin OT ) alters behaviors related to the administration of drugs of abuse, including stimulants.”

“It stimulates osteoclast formation both directly, by activating NF-κB and MAP kinase signaling, and indirectly through the up-regulation of RANK-L. On the other hand, OT inhibits bone resorption by mature osteoclasts by triggering cytosolic Ca2+ release and NO synthesis.”

“A significant increase in plasma ANP, OT , AVP and corticosterone levels was observed at 5 and 20 min after each central stimulation compared with isotonic saline-injected group.”

“Throughout the reproductive cycle, several neurotransmitters stimulate and inhibit the activity of GnRH neurones, including oxytocin.”

“Repeated oxytocin administration to adult rats causes a long-term decrease of plasma levels of corticosterone and blood pressure and stimulates growth and fat retention.”