The role of oxytocin in mating and pregnancy

The hormone oxytocin (OT) is released both centrally and peripherally during and after mating. Although research in humans suggests a central role in sexuality, the most reliable findings to date involve peripheral activation. This review will discuss these results and will particularly focus on understanding the most recent findings from fMRI data and the effects of exogenous peripheral OT administration. We will then consider hypotheses of the roles played by central and systemic OT release as well as their control and modulation in the female, summarizing recent findings from animal research. Finally, we will discuss the contribution of OT to the initiation of pregnancy in rodents.This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Oxytocin, Vasopressin, and Social Behavior.

► This review discusses the role of oxytocin release during and after mating. ► Oxytocin is involved in human sexuality. ► Animal models showed that oxytocin is important for female reproduction. ► In rodents, oxytocin is also involved in the establishment of prolactin surges of pregnancy.