Oxytocin
- Studies
Sexual Response Study:
To determine the psychophysiological correlates of
hormonal response during sexual activity, systolic
blood pressure (SBP), anal electromyography (EMG),
and anal photoplethysmography (APG) were monitored
continuously throughout testing in 13 women and 10
men. Each subject completed two or more tests of
self-stimulation to 5 min beyond orgasm. Blood
samples were obtained continuously for measurement
of oxytocin (OT) levels. In both men and women, very
high positive correlations were observed between the
percentage change in levels from baseline through
orgasm of: OT and SBP; OT and EMG intensity prior to
and during orgasm; APG and EMG. The number of anal
contractions and duration of orgasm were also highly
correlated. Two patterns of orgasm were defined by
the presence or absence of a quiescent period
between orgasmic contractions. EMG and APG
amplitudes correlated with the pattern of orgasm.
Subjective orgasm intensity correlated significantly
with increased levels of OT in multiorgasmic women
only. The positive correlations between measures are
consistent with a possible functional role for OT in
human sexual response.
Read More: link to:
http://www.springerlink.com/content/m761t10000r382q5/
Oxytocin in Postpartum Depression :
Researchers at the University of Basel, Switzerland,
measured oxytocin levels in 73 healthy pregnant
women. Sixteen reported previous episodes of major
depression that had ended at least two years before
they joined the study.
Blood samples to measure oxytocin were taken during
the third trimester of pregnancy. The women were
given written screening tests to assess their risk
of depression during pregnancy and again within two
weeks of giving birth.
Overall, 14 women were determined to be at risk for
postpartum depression based on their test scores.
The risk of depression was not different between
mothers who were breastfeeding and those who were
not. Lower oxytocin levels before birth were
associated with a greater risk of postpartum
depression.
Read More: links to:
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=144314
Sources:
Skrundz, M. Neuropsychopharmacology, online, May 11,
2011
Gunther Meinlschmidt, PhD, assistant professor of
psychology, University of Basel, Switzerland.
Carmichael, M.S. et al, Plasma oxytocin increases in
the human sexual response. J. Clin. Endocrinol.
Metab. 1987/64 (1) / 27 - 31
Online References:
www.Medicinenet.com
www.Rxlist.com
WebMD Health new/ Dr. Laura Martin
