Possible Interaction: Oxytocin and Adrenocorticotropic Hormone

“Our results demonstrated an inhibitory effect of exogenous oxytocin on ACTH and cortisol release.”

“In particular they fail to support previous studies which suggested an inhibitory role for oxytocin in ACTH secretion.”

“Recent studies suggest that oxytocin inhibits ACTH secretion in normal men, whereas previous animal studies indicate that oxytocin is a weak secretagogue of ACTH.”

“In vitro, OT stimulates ACTH release at high doses whereas in human it inhibits ACTH secretion at low doses.”

“ Oxytocin may augment the release of ACTH under certain conditions, whereas atrial natriuretic peptide acts as a corticotropin release-inhibiting factor to inhibit ACTH release by direct action on the pituitary.”

“Thus under defined physiologic conditions a participatory role for oxytocin in the physiologic regulation of at least two hormones, prolactin and adrenocorticotropin , has been evidenced and there is developing credence to the concept that oxytocin may indirectly control gonadotroph function as well.”

“In the adult male rat, the intravenous injection of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta; 0.2–0.3 micrograms/kg), VP (0.3–0.9 micrograms/kg), and OT (30 micrograms/kg) significantly increased plasma ACTH and corticosterone levels.”

“ OT also stimulates ACTH release in rats but is inhibitory in primates.”

“The involvement of AVP and OT in the control of ACTH secretion may have important implications for physiological and pathological conditions associated with activation of the hypothalamo--hypophysial--adrenal cortical axis.”

“Several known naturally occurring substances including vasopressin, oxytocin , norepinephrine, epinephrine, and angiotensin II are found to stimulate ACTH secretion.”

“ Oxytocin may reduce food intake by reducing stress eating, since it inhibits ACTH release.”