Comparative Study of the Efficacy of Misoprostol and Oxytocin Im in the Prevention of Post-Partum haemorrhage in a Low-Resource Setting

Background: In developing countries, postpartum hemorrhage is responsible for 30% of maternal deaths. Although the World Health Organization recommends the use of oxytocin for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage, the use of misoprostol is increasingly common. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of postpartum hemorrhage in parturients delivering at Saint-Vincent Hospital and to compare the effectiveness of misoprostol use versus oxytocin in preventing postpartum hemorrhage. Material and Methods: We conducted a comparative longitudinal study at the Saint Vincent Hospital comparing 10 units of intramuscular oxytocin with 600 micrograms of sublingual misoprostol. The study was conducted from 01 January 2017 to 31 December 2019, a period of 3 years. The study population consisted of 2161 consenting women. Of these, 1289 received 10 IU of intramuscular oxytocin and 872 received 600 micrograms of misoprostol. The collected data were entered using Microsoft Excel 2013 and analysed using SPSS version 21 software. Results: The frequency of administration of Misoprostol and oxytocin in parturients was 40.4% and 59.6% respectively in this study. One hundred and fourteen cases of postpartum hemorrhage (114/2161 or 5.3%) were noted among the parturients. The average age of parturients who received oxytocin was 24.36 ± 4.45 years vs 24.63 ± 5.11 years among parturients who received Misoprostol;(p = 0.190). The mean parity was 2.52 ± 1.46 vs 2.66 ± 1.44;(p = 0.020). We noted a high proportion (78.3%) of postpartum hemorrhage from the oxytocin group vs. 21.7% from the Misoprostol group (OR 2.5-fold), with a statistically significant difference (p 0.001). We noted high proportions of uterine atony (92.3%) from the oxytocin group vs 7.7% from the Misoprostol group (p = 0.004). Uterine atony was the actual factor associated with postpartum hemorrhage (OR = 10.0895% CI: 1.78 - 57.10;p = 0.009). Conclusion: Misoprostol 600 Microgram administered sublingually immediately after neonatal expulsion and before delivery was 2.5 times more effective than oxytocin 10 IU/IM. Misoprostol is therefore a good alternative to oxytocin and offers more advantages in management, use and outcome than oxytocin.

The Function of Oxytocin in Memory —A General Review of Oxytocin’s Effect on Memory

Introduction: While oxytocin (OT) is widely recognized for its pivotal role in reproductive behavior and the formation of social bonds, there remains a significant gap in our understanding of its potential influence on learning and memory processes, encompassing both social and non-social aspects. Thus this paper serves as an attempt to investigate the comprehensive role of OT in Physiological, Cognitive, and Behavioral processes. Method: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to assemble evidence related to the influence of OT on learning and memory. Studies encompassing both social and non-social memory were incorporated into the analysis. Additionally, molecular mechanisms through which OT could potentially impact neuronal activity in the hippocampus and amygdala, consequently affecting learning and memory, were also investigated. Results: Our review reveals a spectrum of evidence that both supports and contradicts the theory that OT plays a significant role in social and non-social memory. While certain studies suggest a positive impact of OT on memory, others present findings that argue otherwise. However, multiple potential molecular mechanisms were discovered that may elucidate OT’s effects on learning and memory, particularly its potential to modulate neuronal activity in the hippocampus and amygdala. Conclusion: Despite the mixed evidence, OT might have a significant role in both social and non-social memory. Identified molecular mechanisms propose potential ways in which OT could influence learning and memory. The key role appears to be the modulation of neuronal activity in the hippocampus and amygdala by OT. Furthermore, it is plausible that OT’s function in memory is crucial for the social behaviors previously associated with it. Future research is necessitated to fully unravel the exact mechanisms and implications of OT’s role in learning and memory.

Oxytocin decreases colonic motility of cold water stressed rats via oxytocin receptors

AIM: To investigate whether cold water intake into the stomach affects colonic motility and the involvement of the oxytocin-oxytocin receptor pathway in rats. METHODS: Female Sprague Dawley rats were used and some of them were ovariectomized. The rats were subjected to gastric instillation with cold (0-4 degrees C, cold group) or room temperature (20-25 degrees C, control group) saline for 14 consecutive days. Colon transit was determined with a bead inserted into the colon. Colonic longitudinal muscle strips were prepared to investigate the response to oxytocin in vitro. Plasma concentration of oxytocin was detected by ELISA. Oxytocin receptor expression was investigated by Western blot analysis. Immunohistochemistry was used to locate oxytocin receptors. RESULTS: Colon transit was slower in the cold group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Colonic smooth muscle contractile response to oxytocin decreased, and the inhibitory effect of oxytocin on muscle contractility was enhanced by cold water intake (0.69 +/- 0.08 vs 0.88 +/- 0.16, P < 0.05). Atosiban and tetrodotoxin inhibited the effect of oxytocin on colonic motility. Oxytocin receptors were located in the myenteric plexus, and their expression was up-regulated in the cold group (P < 0.05). Cold water intake increased blood concentration of oxytocin, but this effect was attenuated in ovariectomized rats (286.99 +/- 83.72 pg/mL vs 100.56 +/- 92.71 pg/mL, P < 0.05). However, in ovariectomized rats, estradiol treatment increased blood oxytocin, and the response of colonic muscle strips to oxytocin was attenuated. CONCLUSION: Cold water intake inhibits colonic motility partially through oxytocin-oxytocin receptor signaling in the myenteric nervous system pathway, which is estrogen dependent. (C) 2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.

Oxytocin and cancer: An emerging link

The neuropeptide hormone oxytocin, which is released from the posterior pituitary gland, is involved in a number of physiological processes. Understanding of its effects is gradually increasing due to new research in this area. While mostly recognized as a reproductive system hormone, oxytocin also regulates other organ systems such as the brain and cardiovascular system. Recently, research has focused on unraveling its involvement in cancer, and emerging evidence suggests a potential role for oxytocin as a cancer biomarker. This review summarizes observations linking oxytocin and cancer, with a special emphasis on prostate cancer, where it may promote cell proliferation. Research suggests that oxytocin effects may depend on cell type, concentration of the hormone, its interactions with other hormones in the microenvironment, and the precise localization of its receptor on the cell membrane. Future research is needed to further elucidate the involvement of oxytocin in cancer, and whether it could be a clinical cancer biomarker or therapeutic target.

Oxytocin and oxytocin receptor alterations,decreased survival,and increased chemoresistance in patients with pancreatic cancer

Background:Oxytocin(OXT)and its receptor(OXTR)is associated with cancer.The present study was to investigate the correlation between the genetic expression alterations of OXT and OXTR and the outcomes in patients with pancreatic cancer(PC).Methods:Information regarding OXT and OXTR genetic alterations and changes in gene expression were retrieved from the Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)databases and analyzed using the cBioPortal online tool.We assessed the correlation of overall survival and disease/progression-free months to either OXT or OXTR genetic alterations and changes in gene expression using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression anal-yses.Quantitative PCR(qPCR)was conducted to assess the mRNA expression levels of OXT and OXTR in human PC cell lines.Results:Five percent of PC cases showed mRNA upregulation in the OXT gene.These PC cases also showed genetic alterations and changes in gene expression of OXTR.The median months of survival and disease-free survival were lower for PC cases with genetic alterations and changes in gene expression in the OXT and OXTR genes as compared to those without such alterations.qPCR data showed that OXT and OXTR mRNA expression were 1-fold and 10-fold higher,respectively in PANC-1 cell lines as compared to L3.6pl cell lines in direct negative correlation with responsiveness to gemcitabine.Conclusions:These data suggest that OXT and OXTR may potentially be important in PC progression,chemoresistance,and patient survival,and potentially could have prognostic and therapeutic implications in a subset of PC patients.

Oxytocin in pig seminal plasma is positively related with in vivo fertility of inseminated sows

Background:Identification of relevant in vivo biomarkers for fertility remains a challenge for the livestock industry.Concentrations of the small peptide hormone oxytocin(OXT),involved in male reproductive function and present in the seminal plasma(SP)of several species could be a robust one.This study characterized concentrations of SPOXT in ejaculates from boars used in artificial insemination(AI)programs aiming to evaluate its relationship with sperm quality variables and in vivo fertility of their liquid-stored AI-semen.Seminal OXT concentrations(ng/mL)were measured in 169 ejaculates from 61 boars of the Duroc,Pietrain,Landrace and Large White breeds using a direct competitive immunoassay test based on AlphaLISA®technology.Ejaculate(ejaculate volume,sperm concentration,total sperm count)and sperm parameters(motility,viability,intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species,plasma membrane fluidity)were assessed at 0 h and 72 h in AI-semen samples stored at 17℃.In vivo fertility included only 18 Large White and Landrace boars whose AI-semen was used to inseminated>100 sows and evaluated both farrowing rate and litter size of 3,167 sows.Results:The results showed that SP-OXT differed between boars and between ejaculates within boar(P<0.05)but not between breeds(Duroc,Pietrain,Landrace and Large White).Ejaculates with higher SP-OXT concentration/mL(hierarchically grouped;P<0.001)had larger volume and came from younger boars(P<0.05).Ejaculates of boars showing positive farrowing rate deviation exhibited higher(P<0.05)SP-OXT concentration/mL than those with negative farrowing rate deviation.Conclusion:The SP concentrations of OXT are boar,ejaculate and age dependent,and positively related with ejaculate volume and farrowing rates of liquid-stored semen AI-doses.

Oxytocin and early parent-infant interactions: A systematic review

Objectives: Social relationships throughout lifespan are critical for health and wellbeing.Oxytocin,often called the'hormone of attachment'has been suggested as playing an important role in early-life nurturing and resulting social bonding.The objective of this paper is to synthesize the associations between oxytocin levels and interactions between infants and parents that may trigger oxytocin release,and in turn facilitate attachments.Methods: A comprehensive cross-disciplinary systematic search was completed using electronic data-bases.The inclusion criteria included studies that focused on mother-infant and father-infant interaction and measured both baseline and post-interaction oxytocin levels.Results: Seventeen studies were included in the final systematic review.The reviewed studies used mother-infant and/or father-infant play and skin-to-skin contact between maternal-infant and paternalinfant dyads to examine the oxytocin role in early life bonding and parenting processes.Studies showed a positive correlation between parent-infant contact and oxytocin levels in infancy period.Increased maternal oxytocin levels were significantly related to more affectionate contact behaviors in mothers following mother-infant contact,synchrony,and engagement.Meanwhile,increased paternal oxytocin levels were found to be related to more stimulatory contact behaviors in fathers following father-infant contact.Oxytocin levels significantly increased in infants,mothers and fathers during skin-to-skin contact and parents with higher oxytocin levels exhibited more synchrony and responsiveness in their infant interactions.Conclusion: The review suggests that oxytocin plays an important role in the development of attachment between infants and parents through early contact and interaction.The complexities of oxytocinergic mechanisms are rooted in neurobiological,genetic,and social factors.

The Role of Ankaferd Blood Stopper and Oxytocin as Potential Therapeutic Agents in Endometriosis:A Rat Model

To evaluate the potential effect of Ankaferd Blood Stopper(ABS)and oxytocin(OT)in an experimental endometriosis model,18 female Sprague Dawley rats were used in this study.The animals were divided randomly into three groups after surgical induction of endometriosis:group 1:control group(isotonic NaCl,1 mL/kg/day,intramuscular,n=6);group 2:OT group(OT,80 U/kg/day,intramuscular,n=6);group 3:ABS group(ABS,1.5 mL/kg/day,intraperitoneal,n=6).Each group was treated for four weeks(two times per week).Volumes of endometriotic explants were measured in biopsy samples for histopathological analysis.Vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),monocyte chemotactic protein-1(MCP-1),and tumour necrosis factor(TNF-α)levels were measured in plasma and peritoneal fluid.Endometriotic explant volumes were significantly decreased after OT administration(P<0.0001).The epithelial score was significantly decreased in both treatment groups compared to the control group(P<0.05).TUNEL immunohistochemistry showed more apoptotic changes in the endometriosis foci(gland epithelium and surrounding tissue)in the OT group than in the control group(P<0.05).The levels of VEGF,MCP-1,and TNF-αwere significantly reduced in the OT group(P<0.05),whereas no significant changes in protein levels were found in the ABS-applied group.The results indicate that OT has greater potential as a therapeutic agent in experimentally induced peritoneal endometriosis,where ABS,which is a VEGF modulator,appears to act through different mechanisms to show its palliative effects on a rat model of peritoneal endometriosis.

Umbilical Vein Oxytocin Injection versus Umbilical Cord Drainage in Management of Third Stage of Normal Vaginal Delivery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives: Postpartum hemorrhage is an important cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Different preventive strategies were tried to determine the best approach for the management of the 3rd stage of labour. We aim to determine the effect of umbilical vein oxytocin injection and umbilical cord drainage in the management of third stage of labour in normal vaginal delivery. Patients and Methods: One hundred twenty three (123) females were enrolled into this randomized controlled trial. They were aligned into three groups: 1st group (I) (cord drainage group), 2nd group (II) (oxytocin group) and 3rd group (III) (control cord traction group). The primary outcomes were duration of 3rd stage and blood loss. Results: Both group I and II had statistically significant shorter third stage duration than patients of group III (p < 0.001). Mean ± SD (7.3 ± 3.45, 4.6 ± 1.74, 9.4 ± 3.67) respectively for groups I, II, III. Also, both group I and II had statistically significant less blood loss than patients of group III (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The current study demonstrated that umbilical vein oxytocin injection and umbilical cord drainage significantly reduce the duration and amount of blood loss in the 3rd stage of labour, thus, reducing the risk of post partum hemorrhage.

Oxytocin but Not Testosterone Modulates Behavioral Patterns in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder of unknown etiology. Social deficits represent one of the core symptoms of the diagnosis. The aim was to reveal possible correlations among peripheral levels of oxytocin and testosterone with behavioral and symptom characteristics in patients with ASD. 8 children with ASD were recruited and underwent psychological profiling. Blood oxytocin and testosterone levels were analyzed using ELISA method. Oxytocin levels positively correlated with Adaptation to change category of CARS-2 (P = 0.008, R = 0.848) and Vineland-II maladaptive behavior scores (P = 0.004, R = 0.884). No significant correlations were found among testosterone levels and behavioral parameters. Higher oxytocin levels were connected with more severe adaptive behavior in ASD patients. Increased oxytocin levels in children with more severe phenotype could be a result of compensatory mechanism of impaired oxytocin signaling. Oxytocin seems to employ distinct mechanisms in regulating social behavior in autism and healthy population.

Oxytocin and Uterine Atony during Cesarean Section

In our medical practice, in particular obstetrics, it is difficult to change certain consolidated dogmas, but the necessity and the current situation of our obstetrical exercise pushed us to find new technical supports, to make the exercise of our specialty as stripped of pitfalls as possible. Our work is summarized in a prospective comparative study, aimed at evaluating the existence or not of a difference between the administration of oxytocin just before the hysterotomy in a cesarean section and its administration after fetal extraction. We used a set of criteria to include patients in our study. This study took place over a period of one year (2020) in the Mother and Child regional center, in Meknes Imperial city, Morocco, involving a total number of 364 patients. With a group A comprising 176 patients 48% (176/364) who received oxytocin just before the hysterotomy and a group B of 188 patients 52% (188/364) who received it classically after fetal extraction. The difference was very significant as detailed in the article. Conclusion: the very convincing results of our study and the difference between the two groups, allowed us to demonstrate the effectiveness of our process and to endorse its use in our routine practice, with the perspective of conducting a prospective randomized study on a larger series.

Inhibitory Effects of Chlorpheniramine and Astemizolum on Contraction of Isolated Rat and Rabbit Uteri Induced by Oxytocin and PGF_(2α)

The contraction of isolated rat and rabbit uteri induced by oxytocin and PGF2α was markedly inhibited by chlorpheniramine (Chl) and astemizolum (Ast) , both of which also decreased the resting tension of uteri, and their spontaneous contraction. The inhibitory effects of both drugs were dose-dependent. At high concentrations , Chl 7. 4 × 10-4 mol/L and Ast 10-4 mol/L could counteract the contraction of the uteri induced by Oxy and PGF2α, and their spontaneous contraction as well. They decreased the resting tension to the lower level. The mechanism of their non-special relaxed action on uteri could not be completely explained only by their H1-receptor blocking action. Whether they act by blocking calcium channel or by inhibiting calmodulin (CaM) remains to be further explored.

Oxytocin improves testicular blood flow without enhancing the steroidogenic activity in Baladi goats

Objective:To investigate the effects of a single oxytocin injection on plasma steroid concentrations,testicular blood flow measures(resistive and pulsatility indexes),and testicular echogenicity in Baladi goats.Methods:Twelve Baladi goat bucks were randomly allocated into 2 groups and received an intravenous injection of either 0.7 IU/kg oxytocin or normal saline 0.9%.Venous blood samples were collected,and testicular blood flow Doppler parameters(i.e.,peak systolic velocity,end-diastolic velocity,time average maximum velocity,resistive index,and pulsatility index)were assessed for supratesticular arteries in the left and right testes immediately before(0),and at 5,30,60,and 120 min after injection.Results:Plasma concentrations of testosterone significantly decreased in the oxytocin group at 60 min post-treatment compared to the control group,whereas plasma concentrations of estradiol-17βwere not affected(P>0.05).Both resistive index and pulsatility index declined in the oxytocin group at 60 min post-treatment compared to the control group(P<0.05).Testicular pixel intensity increased at 30 min post-treatment in the oxytocin group compared to the control group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Oxytocin treatment significantly increases testicular blood flow and decreases plasma testosterone concentrations in male Baladi goats.

Localization of the hydrogen sulfide and oxytocin systems at the depth of the sulci in a porcine model of acute subdural hematoma

In the porcine model discussed in this review,the acute subdural hematoma was induced by subdural injection of autologous blood over the left parietal cortex,which led to a transient elevation of the intracerebral pressure,measured by bilateral neuromonitoring.The hematoma-induced brain injury was associated with albumin extravasation,oxidative stress,reactive astrogliosis and microglial activation in the ipsilateral hemisphere.Further proteins and injury markers were validated to be used for immunohistochemistry of porcine brain tissue.The cerebral expression patterns of oxytocin,oxytocin receptor,cystathionine-γ-lyase and cystathionine-β-synthase were particularly interesting:these four proteins all co-localized at the base of the sulci,where pressure-induced brain injury elicits maximum stress.In this context,the pig is a very relevant translational model in contrast to the rodent brain.The structure of the porcine brain is very similar to the human:the presence of gyri and sulci(gyrencephalic brain),white matter to grey matter proportion and tentorium cerebelli.Thus,pressure-induced injury in the porcine brain,unlike in the rodent brain,is reflective of the human pathophysiology.

Modulation of Fatty Acid Oxidation and Glucose Uptake by Oxytocin in Adipocytes

Oxytocin (OT) is a hypothalamic neuropeptide synthesized and secreted by OT neurons. In addition to its conventional role in reproductive physiology, central OT also regulates various social behaviors, such as care, trust, and emotions. Central and subcutaneous OT infusions stimulate lipid metabolism in mice and rats when fed standard or high fat diets. Mice lacking the OT receptor (OTR) or OT peptide develop late-onset obesity with greater fat pad weights, larger adipocyte size and elevated plasma levels of leptin. To study the effects of OT on lipid metabolism, we examined the effects of serial OT doses (0, 10, 30, 100, 150, 300 nM) on 3T3L1 adipocytes, together with long (144 hours, 6 days) and short (24 hours, 1 day) term treatments. The short-term treatment with 150 nM OT increased triacylglycerol (TAG) accumulation and decreased mRNA expressions of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1α (CPT-1α) and fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4). After long-term incubation with 150 nM OT, only the CPT-1α mRNA was decreased. In differentiated adipocytes derived from pig adipose tissue stem cells, only hormone sensitive lipase mRNA was decreased after short- or long-term treatment with OT. To obtain further insight into the underlying mechanism of OT induction, we tested the involvement of the AKT/PKB pathway;however, AKT phosphorylation was decreased after treatment with 150 nM OT, suggesting that OT effects may be independent from the AKT/PKB pathway. Taken together, OT effects on adipocyte glucose and lipid metabolism are probably through mechanisms other than the AKT/PKB pathway.

Oxytocin in rat nucleus raphe magnus influences pain modulation

The main function of Nucleus raphe magnus (NRM) is mostly pain mediation. Our previous study has demonstrated that oxytocin (OXT) regulates antinociception through the central nervous system rather than the peripheral organs, and pain stimulation increases OXT concentration in the NRM. The experiment was designed to investigate OXT in the rat NRM effect on pain modulation. The results showed that 1) pain stimulation increased OXT concentration in NRM perfusion liquid;2) Intra-NRM microinjection of OXT increased the pain threshold in a dose-dependent manner, whereas intra-NRM microinjection of OXT receptor antagonist, desGly-NH2, d(CH2)5[D-Tyr2, Thr-sup-4]OVT decreased the pain threshold;3) NRM pre-treatment with OXT receptor antagonist completely attenuated the pain threshold increase induced by intra-NRM administration of OXT. The data suggested that OXT in NRM was involved in antinociception via OXT receptors.

Comparative study of the side effect profiles of oral misoprostol and parenteral oxytocin used in prevention of postpartum haemorrhage in Maiduguri Nigeria

The following work compared adverse effects profile and patients’ acceptability of intra-venous oxytocin 10 iu and oral misoprostol 600 ug used in the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage in the third stage of labour. A total of 1865 pregnant women who have received either oxytocin injection or oral misoprostol in third stage of labour as prophylaxis for postpartum haemorrhage, were enrolled within three health care facilities in Maiduguri, Nigeria. Each patient was observed at parturition and for 24 h after during which oral interviews were conducted and clinical notes studied. The oxytocin medication group exhibited higher abdominal pains (7.1% versus 0.0%;p 0.05) difference in patients acceptability of injectable oxytocin (99.3%) and oral misoprostol (98.3%). Oxytocin usage in the prevention of PPH was associated with abdominal pains and headache while misoprostol was associated with shivering and fever. Patients from this study have demonstrated high level of acceptability of both parenteral oxytocin and oral misopristol prevention of post-partum haemorrhage.

Automatic &Safe Oxytocin Induction of Labor

Aims: To prevent fetal damage by excess oxytocin administration of manually controlled infusion, by automatic and safe increasing infusion setting with monitoring uterine contraction and fetal heart rate. Methods: Starting infusion level was 2 milliU/ml, as oxytocin sensitivity of a pregnant uterus is unknown, to avoid hyper contraction and fetal bradycardia caused by unexpected excess oxytocin sensitivity. The infusion automatically increased with automatic monitoring of uterine contraction curve, then the increasing stopped when contraction reached to normal labor level, where the infusion level maintained, which continued until delivery, if there is no trouble. However, the infusion continued until expiring all fluid in case of insensitive uterus, where the induction was performed in another day. The infusion stopped automatically when contraction was too strong, or fetal heart rate is abnormal. Thus, oxytocin sensitive case is protected from excess contraction and fetal asphyxia. Results: Normal vaginal delivery was achieved in 28/33 cases (85%), which was more than manually controlled infusion. No case was abnormal in successful oxytocin infusion. Conclusion: The automated technique will be applied to oxytocin labor induction.

Effects of two different protocols of oxytocin infusion for labor induction on obstetric outcomes: A cohort study

Objective: Concerns remain about the safety and efficacy of high dose and low dose protocols of oxytocin for labor induction. We have compared 2 regimens of oxytocin induction (low-dose vs high dose) on perinatal outcomes over a 1-year period. Study Design: Included were all women undergoing induction of labor at term with live singleton gestations. Cesarean delivery (CD) and a composite adverse neonatal outcome (5-min Apgar score < 7, umbilical artery pH < 7.10, or need for admission to NICU) were assessed using logistic regression analysis. Admission-to-delivery intervals was compared between the two groups by log-rank test. Results: A total of 544 women fulfilled the study criteria. The two groups were comparable for demographic and obstetric variables. There was no significant association between oxytocin regimen and rates of CD (P = 0.77) or adverse neonatal outcome (P = 0.99) even after controlling for confounders. The admission-to-delivery interval was significantly shorter for the high-dose group than for the low-dose group (median interval = 11.7 vs 14.3 hours, respectively, P = 0.026). Conclusion: Use of a high-dose protocol of oxytocin administration for induction of labor at term is associated with similar rates of cesarean section and adverse neonatal outcome as a low-dose protocol, but with an average of 2.5 hours shorter duration of labor.

Endorphins, oxytocin, sexuality and romantic relationships: An understudied area

Endorphins are the body's natural opioids that are created and released by the central nervous system, hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Endorphins have a reputation for pain reduction, enhancing excitement or satisfaction, boosting confidence, enabling control of emotions and generating feelings of euphoria, and are involved in the natural reward cycle. There is also evidence in the literature suggesting the role of endorphins in sexuality(including sexual function and sexual behaviours), as they may regulate the release of sex hormones, prolactin and growth hormone, which are involved in sexual function and love. Endogenous oxytocin is another intrinsic hormone whose role in inducing labour contractions, the delivery of the baby and stimulating lactation has been well studied. However, the potential impact of endorphins and oxytocin on sexuality and romantic relationships is not well understood. This article reviews the research on endorphins and endogenous oxytocin and how they relate to human sexuality and romantic relationships. Some animal studies report the effect of endorphin and oxytocin on sex hormones and mating behaviours, but these findings have not been supported by research into human behaviour, indicating many gaps in knowledge relating to the association between these hormones and human sexuality.