In response to a stressful unexpected experience, the brain activates a complex\nstress system that involves the organism in an adaptive response to the\nthreatening situation. This stress system acts on several peripheral tissues and\nfeeds back to the brain. One of its key players is oxytocin hormone. The neuropeptide,\noxytocin (OT), has well-established roles during parturition and\nlactation. In addition to its peripheral actions, OT is released within multiple\nareas of the brain and influences behavioural and neuroendocrine responses\nto stress. Several studies suggest that oxytocin is implicated in the central control\nof responses to stress through modulation of corticotrophin releasing\nhormone (CRH). Intranasal OT application was associated with an inhibitory\neffect on adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) secretion and subsequent\nimpairment of corticosterone secretion. This may be of importance for understanding\nand perhaps suggesting its utility to buffer stress. Synthesis and\nrelease of OT depend to a great extent on steroid hormones particularly on\nestradiol and corticosterone. Estrogens stimulate synthesis and release of OT\nand increase the number of OT receptors in some areas of the brain. However,\nthe role of OT in mediating stress is variable and may also depend on gender\nand on external factors.
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