Oxytocin (3)

Scientists have discovered that the hormone oxytocin could help wallflowers overcome awkwardness in social situations
The chemical dubbed "the hormone of love" is known to increase empathy and bonding – especially parents and their children.
But now researchers have found it improves the social skills of the shy – but has little effect on those who are naturally confident.
The finding could have implications for those with severe social deficiencies, often apparent in conditions like autism.
Researchers at Israel's Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment and Columbia University were examining whether the hormone, which occurs naturally in the body could make us more understanding of others.

The scientists, whose research is published in Psychological Science, also measured the participants' social competency, using a test known as AQ which is usually used in autistic patients.
They found that oxytocin did improve powers of empathy – but only among those who were less socially proficient in the first place.
The more socially comfortable participants performed well on the empathetic task regardless of whether they were on oxytocin or placebo.
But less socially proficient participants performed significantly better on oxytocin, with their empathetic powers performance identical to that of the more outgoing participants.
(Richard Alleyne, http://www.telegraph.co.uk)

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using oxytocin?

Oxytocin (2)

How to increase Oxytocin levels
Ingestion of food triggers oxytocin release by activation of vagal afferent nerves. Most likely, it can also be released by stimulation of other senses such as olfaction, as well as by certain types of sound and light. In addition, purely psychological mechanisms can trigger the release of oxytocin. This means that positive interaction involving touch and psychological support may be health-promoting.

Oxytocin and sex
Also known as the "cuddle" hormone, oxytocin is released by both men and women at sexual orgasm.

Massage
Oxytocin can be released by various types of sensory stimulation, for example by touch and warmth. Bloodstream levels of oxytocin have been shown to rise during massage.

How it works
Oxytocin suppresses the activity of the brain region known as the amygdala, the area that processes fear and communicates it to the rest of the brain. A small sample group of 15 men inhaled either oxytocin or a placebo before performing a task in which they sorted pictures of angry or fearful faces and threatening scenes. During the test, the researchers monitored the subjects' brain activity with functional magnetic resonance imaging and found that the oxytocin group indeed had reduced activity in the amygdala.

Oxytocin (1)

Oxytocin was discovered by a British pharmacologist named Henry Dale in 1909. It was first synthesised in 1953 by Vincent de Vigneaud, an American chemist who was awarded the 1955 Nobel Prize for Chemistry for this discovery, the first polypeptide hormone to be synthesised. He also synthesised the related hormone vasopressin, which controls the body's retention of water. Oxytocin is cys-tyr-ile-gln-asn-cys-pro-leu-glu, vasopressin is cys-tyr-phe-gln-asn-cys-pro-arg-glu.

Oxytocin (Greek, “quick birth”) is a mammalian hormone that also acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain.

In humans, oxytocin is thought to be released during hugging, touching, and orgasm in both sexes. In the brain, oxytocin is involved in social recognition and bonding, and may be involved in the formation of trust between people and generosity.

In women, it is released in large amounts after distension of the cervix and vagina during labor, and after stimulation of the nipples, facilitating birth and breastfeeding, respectively. Synthetic oxytocin is sold as medication under the trade names Pitocin and Syntocinon as well as generic oxytocin.


(excerpts of) Oxytocin hormone benefits and side effects by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

Oxytocin is a hormone that helps relax and reduce blood pressure and cortisol levels. Oxytocin increases pain thresholds, has anti anxiety effects, and stimulates various types of positive social interaction. In addition, it promotes growth and healing.