Oxytocin in the periaqueductal grey regulates nociception in the rat

►Intra-periaqueductal grey injection of oxytocin increased the pain threshold. ►Intra-periaqueductal grey injection of oxytocin receptor antagonist decreased the pain threshold. ►Pain stimulation could elevate oxytocin concentration in the PAG perfusion liquid. ►Oxytocin in the periaqueductal grey was involved in the antinociceptive process.